The EC has stated its position on recycled PVC with lead-based stabilisers – including material imported from outside Europe – saying the material can still be sold ‘for a certain period’ but only if completely covered with lead-free polymer.
The move was immediately welcomed by VinylPlus, the European PVC industry’s commitment to sustainable development, saying “It will also set a way forward to enable the recycling of PVC products containing legacy lead additives in a manner which safeguards human health and the environment.”
Announcing the move, the Commission said: “The restriction is expected to prevent up to 8.4 tonnes of lead emissions per year, at the benefit of people’s heath, in particular for children. It will also create a level-playing field between PVC articles manufactured in the EU, which do not contain lead since 2015, and imported articles, where lead may still be present.
“Items containing recycled rigid PVC can still be sold and used for a certain period, to promote recycling and save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. To ensure recycling is safe, however, these items need to be completely covered by a lead-free layer, so people and the environment are protected from accidental exposure to lead.”
VinylPlus Managing Director Brigitte Dero, pictured, replied: “The restriction on lead in PVC represents a significant step in enabling the PVC industry to meet its ambitious recycling targets of one million tonnes per year of recycled PVC used in new products by 2030 in a safe way for human health and the environment. VinylPlus is committed to continuing its efforts to accelerate the European PVC value chain transition to a circular economy, and we look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve our common goals.”
