SGS green mark Series | Why being PVC free matters?

The problem with PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the world’s third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene. 44.3 million metric tons were produced globally in 2018, a figure that is expected to rise to 59.72 million metric tons by 2025.

This chemically resistant synthetic resin with high stability is made via the polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and is used in a wide variety of consumer products, including construction materials, foot contact products, non-food packaging, stationary, electric cables, imitation leather, flooring, and pipes. 

However, there are problems associated with the manufacture and use of PVC. According to a 2020 European Commission study entitled, ‘The use of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) in the context of a non-toxic environment’, the global PVC industry contributes to, among other impacts:

• Ozone depletion
• Climate change and environmental degradation
• Contamination of air and water supplies 

There are also concerns over the chemicals that are added to PVC to improve its physical properties, including plasticizers such as phthalates, lead additives, and toxic glues. These substances can be harmful to human health and the environment, either through long-term dermal exposure or release into the environment. Even when incinerated, the release of toxic substances such as hydrogen chloride and dioxin into the atmosphere can have long-term negative effects. 

Global responses

Governments around the world are responding to the risks associated with PVC through legislation. Many are now banning the additives used in PVC, such as phthalates, lead, cadmium, and organotin. For example, phthalates are now restricted in toys and children’s products in the European Union (EU) and United States (US), with states such as California, Washington, and Vermont having their own regulations. Many US cities also have policies designed to reduce PVC purchasing, and over one hundred global healthcare institutions are now committed to reducing or phasing out PVC products.

PVC packaging is also banned in many countries, including Spain, South Korea, Canada, and the Czech Republic, and New Zealand plans to phase out all PVC and polystyrene in food and beverage packaging by 2025. Finally, Sweden and several German cities are working towards being completely PVC free. 

At the same time, many Fortune 500 companies are now committed to phasing out PVC by switching to safer alternatives. These include companies making athletic shoes, building materials, consumer products, automobile interiors, electronics, food packaging, toys, and healthcare products.

Consumer response

Markets for PVC free products are growing. Consumers looking to be more sustainable are actively looking for products claiming to be PVC free. This creates an opportunity for businesses able to display a PVC free label on their products. It also opens the market to greenwashing, as unscrupulous companies make unsubstantiated claims. In the long term, this will damage markets as trust is broken.

To reinforce trust and enable market differentiation, manufacturers need to adopt a scientific approach to PVC-free verification and certification. 

Addressing the problem

SGS PVC Free verification and certification lets manufacturers scientifically address concerns over PVC content in an independent and trusted way. It covers the full range of products, including:

• Raw materials (non-metal)
• Packaging materials (non-metal)
• Components (non-metal)
• Finished products (containing non-metal components)

They will also undergo qualitative analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and other relevant methodologies relating to the material. 

Testing is conducted in accordance with the SGS PVC free testing protocol, using total chlorine screening method and/or PVC content analysis method.

Materials, components, and products determined to be PVC free are certificated for a period of three years, with compulsory annual surveillance tests. 

SGS green marks

SGS green marks are a proven way to demonstrate the validity of environmental attribute claims. Utilizing the globally recognized SGS logo, these marks demonstrate compliance with standards relating to a variety of claims, such as hazardous substances assessed, recycled content, PFAS-assessed, biobased, PVC-free, industrial compostable, biodegradability, carbon footprint, and carbon reduced. 

Only products that have been independently evaluated as compliant against pre-defined standards can carry an SGS green mark. In addition to details of the claim and the standards used for evaluation, each mark also carries a QR code that gives the consumer access to information that verifies the label and the claim. 

At a time when concerns over PVC are increasing, and governments and corporations are starting to phase out its use, certification and the SGS green marks are ideal ways to build your reputation and take advantage of the opportunities created by an increasingly eco-minded consumer base.

Please subscribe and contact us at TIC Mall for more details.  

上一個

下一個