Recyclers react to new PVC/lead proposals
18th February 2020

VinylPlus has spoken out against European Parliament proposals on the recycling of materials containing legacy lead which the industry says could threaten the bulk of PVC frame recycling.

The organisation says it regrets the outcome of the Strasbourg vote on the proposed derogation for the continuous use of PVC originally made using lead stabilisers, meaning it would instead have to be incinerated or landfilled, leading to a greater environmental burden for future generations. Industry insiders say it could also decimate the amount of post-consumer material available for recycling at a time when many have invested millions on plant for processing the existing supply.

The PVC-U window industry introduced a voluntary ban on the use of lead stabilisers over 20 years ago but up to now continues to recycle earlier frames on the basis that the lead is inert inside the frame material.

The VinylPlus statement continues: “This vote contradicts the outcome of the rigorous scientific evaluation carried out over the last five years by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) which concluded that continued recycling is currently the best waste management option for PVC wastes containing such additives.

“The vote also implies delaying the restriction on the imports of lead containing PVC articles to Europe. The resulting legislative uncertainty jeopardises the investment in recycling technology, undermines the European strategy for plastics in Circular Economy and impacts considerably the ability to reach the recycling targets of the European Circular Plastics Alliance.”