Vinys 2010
In
2000, the PVC industry in Europe put in place an initiative that
addresses the challenge of sustainable development. The name of
the initiative is Vinyl 2010.
The European industry bodies ECVM (European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers),
ESPA (European Stabiliser Producers Association), EuPC (European
Plastics Converters) and ECPI (European Council for Plasticisers
and Intermediates) have joined forces to pool resources and expertise
in order to make the best possible progress in moving the industry
towards a sustainable future.
The voluntary commitments made in the Vinyl 2010 initiative include
a three-fold objective to:
- minimise risks to the environment and
human health
- maximise recycling and recovery rates for PVC products
- realise socially responsible best practices
From these objectives it can be appreciated
that the environmental challenges for the PVC industry as a whole
are starting to be addressed within the context of maintaining or
enhancing the economic and social sustainability of PVC products.
Annual reports of progress in relation to Vinyl 2010 are made and
the reporting of progress is audited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV),
an autonomous, independent Foundation specialising in risk management,
consulting and auditing.
A
Monitoring Committee has now been established to oversee progress
with the voluntary commitments. Membership of the Monitoring Committee
includes representatives from the European Commission's Directorates
for Environment and Enterprise, the European Parliament, Unions
and Academia.
Ultimately the industry is only as strong as the weakest link so
we must encourage everyone in the industry to play a part in securing
a sustainable future for the industry as a whole.
