VinylPlus® is the European PVC industry’s Commitment to sustainable development, working to improve the sustainability performance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) in healthcare, infrastructure and the many other critical applications where the polymer is used. VinylPlus unites PVC resin and additive producers, converters and recyclers, and covers the EU-27 plus Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
VinylPlus in Overview
A Value Chain Committed to Sustainable Development
Taking a value chain approach, VinylPlus has achieved significant progress during the last 24 years. The achievements cover vinyl through its entire life-cycle – from production over use to end-of-life:
Reduction of Emissions and Energy Use
The Commitment has led to a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases and other substances within the vinyl industry. This includes a decrease in energy consumption and an increase in the use of renewable energy sources. In parallel, European PVC resin producers have strengthened workplace safety by minimising worker exposure to emissions to levels below the world’s most stringent regulatory standards.
Substituting Unwanted Substances
The European PVC industry has successfully substituted lead-based stabilisers ahead of regulation and invested more than €6 billion for the transition from SVHC low molecular weight phthalates to innovative non-SVHC phthalates and other plasticisers. Four of these plasticisers – DINCH, BTHC, DEHT, and TOTM – are listed in the European Pharmacopeia. VinylPlus has also developed the Additive Sustainability Footprint® methodology with third parties to assess the sustainability of additives used in PVC products.
Circular Economy
One of VinylPlus’ key achievements has been the significant increase in PVC recycling, including in the healthcare sector. Since 2000, more than 8.8 million tonnes of PVC have been recycled, saving approximately 17.6 million tonnes of CO₂.
Programmes like VinylPlus® Med and VinylPlus® PharmPack are driving the circularity of vinyl in medical and pharmaceutical packaging applications, demonstrating the material’s potential for high-quality recycling. VinylPlus and its partners are also developing advanced sorting, separation and recycling technologies to complement mechanical recycling.
Global Outreach
While primarily focused on Europe, VinylPlus actively engages with international organisations, extending its influence to advance sustainability in the vinyl industry worldwide. Examples are VinylPlus' engagement in the Global Vinyl Council and participation in the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, advocating for a practical, effective, and ambitious global framework to tackle plastic pollution – one that builds on the European PVC industry's leadership in circularity, product design, and responsible material management.
Transparency
VinylPlus has established a robust and transparent monitoring system to track progress on its commitments. Oversight is provided by a Monitoring Committee comprising representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, consumer organisations, trade unions, and academia.
In addition, VinylPlus has supported the development of sustainability certification schemes, such as the VinylPlus® Product Label and VinylPlus® Supplier Certificates, which help consumers and businesses identify environmentally responsible vinyl products.
Discover More
The VinylPlus Progress Report 2024 documents VinylPlus' activities and achievements in 2023. Audited by third party.
The Roadmap for 2030
VinylPlus 2030 is the 3rd Commitment of the PVC industry. The Commitment is built around three Pathways:
PATHWAY 1: CIRCULAR ECONOMY
PATHWAY 2: DECARBONISATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT MINIMISATION
PATHWAY 3: COALITIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
The three Pathways are further broken down into twelve Action Areas that outline concrete steps to be taken by the European vinyl industry for the sustainable development of vinyl. VinylPlus 2030 aligns with the most relevant EU policies, such as the Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability under the European Green Deal. Read more about the Commitment.
