How can Europe combine competitiveness and sustainability in a changing global environment? This was the central question at the 14th VinylPlus Sustainability Forum 2026, held in Genval, Belgium, on 10-11 June 2026.
Under the theme MAKE.IT.HAPPEN. IN EUROPE, the Forum brought together policymakers, UN representatives, NGOs, academics and industry leaders to discuss how collaboration, innovation and pragmatic policymaking can support a competitive and sustainable future for Europe.
The discussions focused on three key themes: water resilience, affordable housing and sustainability. Across these areas, the Forum underlined the need for durable, resource-efficient and circular solutions, as well as a strong European industrial base.
A key milestone at the Forum was the launch of the revised VinylPlus 2030 Commitment, following a mid-term review conducted in 2025 and early 2026. The revised Commitment maintains a strong focus on circularity, carbon reduction, product sustainability and life-cycle performance, including the objective of using at least one million tonnes of recycled PVC in new products by 2030.
Charlotte Röber, Managing Director of VinylPlus, noted that PVC recycling volumes increased by 5.7% despite difficult market conditions, underlining the resilience of Europe’s established collection and recycling value chains. The validated recycling figures are available in the VinylPlus Progress Report 2026, which was published at the event.
For VinylPlus Healthcare, the revised Commitment provides an important framework for continued value-chain collaboration on safe, compliant and more circular PVC applications. It supports evidence-based dialogue, responsible use of additives, improved resource efficiency and ongoing work to explore recycling opportunities where technically and practically feasible.
The Forum also highlighted the importance of competitiveness, innovation and strategic resilience in Europe. These priorities are relevant for healthcare applications, where trusted materials, secure supply chains and regulatory confidence are essential to support patient care and healthcare delivery.
Concluding the Forum, Carsten Heuer, Vice-Chairman of VinylPlus, emphasised that the revised 2030 Commitment strengthens VinylPlus’ role as a trusted partner for society and supports a more competitive, resilient and sustainable European industry.
The message from VSF2026 was clear: competitiveness and sustainability can reinforce each other. Through cooperation between industry, policymakers, academia and civil society, Europe can create the conditions for both to thrive.
