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19/03/2024The PVCMed Alliance publishes critical review of how NGOs approach PVC, based on the latest available evidence.
Plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC), frequently find themselves at the center of environmental discussions. Given PVC's controversial reputation, it is understandable that NGOs and other stakeholders often voice their concerns and opinions about this widely used material.
In response to the latest papers and critiques from NGOs on PVC, the PVCMed Alliance has proactively undertaken the task of providing an updated perspective on PVC, grounded in the most recent and relevant evidence. This critical review of the NGOs' approach to PVC aims to offer a balanced and fact-based view of PVC's role and impact in healthcare.
Key points
- European Chemicals Agency Affirms Safe European PVC Production: In 2023, the European Chemicals Agency confirmed the safety of PVC production in Europe, stating that the risks to both workers and environment are adequately controlled under current operational conditions.
- Stringent Regulations and Safety Measures: Strict EU Occupational Exposure Limits and environmental emission limits ensure safe production of PVC in Europe. The industry has further developed voluntary policies enforced by independent bodies to minimise worker exposure and environmental emissions beyond the legal limits.
- Chlor-Alkali Industry’s Vital Role: PVC is an integral part of the chlor-alkali industry, serving various critical applications such as water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy production.
- Advancements in Chlorine Production: Europe has phased out asbestos and mercury technologies in chlorine production, adopting safe and energy- efficient membrane technology while addressing potential concerns regarding PFAS emissions.
- Energy Efficiency of PVC: Despite electricity requirements in the chlor-alkali process, PVC’s composition, with approximately 60% chlorine, results in significantly lower primary energy consumption compared to other plastics.
- Regulation and Safety of Plasticisers: PVC plastic is recognised as non-toxic and inert, with strict regulation and industry responsibility under REACH to ensure the safety of additives, including plasticisers.
- DEHP Alternatives in Medical Devices: The European plasticiser industry has invested heavily in developing safe DEHP alternatives, subjected to extensive testing under REACH, and complying with the EU Medical Device Regulation.
- Safe PVC Disposal and Recycling: PVC waste incineration is carefully managed in Europe to prevent harmful emissions. Additionally, PVC is increasingly recycled, contributing to a circular economy in healthcare and elsewhere.
- Complexity of Phasing Out PVC: Replacing PVC with alternative materials may introduce other additives (e.g. PFAS), potentially causing unforeseen health effects, and regretful substitutions must be considered. Substitution also poses challenges related to technical performance, life cycle impacts, supply disruptions, and increased costs.
- DEHP-Free PVC Blood Bags: Efforts to phase out DEHP from blood bags are in progress, with promising results from non-phthalate PVC alternatives. In contrast, the development of a PVC-free blood bag remains a challenge.
