Polyvinyl chloride, (IUPAC Polychloroethene) commonlyabbreviated PVC, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. In terms of revenue generated, it is one of the most valuable products of the chemical industry. Globally, over 50% of PVC manufactured is used in construction. As a building material, PVC is cheap and easy to assemble. In recent years, PVC has been replacing traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas. Despite appearing to be an ideal building material, concerns were raised about the costs of PVC to the natural environment and human health.

There are many uses for PVC. As a hard plastic, it is used as vinyl siding, magnetic stripe cards, window profiles, gramophone records (which is the source of the name for vinyl records), pipe, plumbing and conduit fixtures. The material is often used in Plastic Pressure Pipe Systems for pipelines in the water and sewer industries because of its inexpensive nature and flexibility. PVC pipe plumbing is typically white, as opposed to ABS, which is black.

It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates. In this form, it is used in clothing and upholstery, and to make flexible hoses and tubing, flooring, to roofing membranes, and electrical cable insulation.

Ten Advantages of PVC

1. PVC secures existing and creates new jobs
   The PVC industry is one of the few growth segments in Germany. Some 100,000 employees in PVC production and processing generate annual revenues of Euro 10 Billion, a figure that is projected to grow. The industry is also creating new jobs and training opportunities.
2. PVC is an economically sound, inexpensive material
   German consumers would spend some 6.5 billion more annually if PVC were replaced but other materials according to a study by Prognos.
3. PVC is an environmentally sound material
   PVC production and processing require comparatively few fossil fuels and resources (57% of PVC consists of native rock salt available in virtually unlimited amounts; oil comprises that other 43%). PVC construction products are light, low-maintenance, long-lasting and are thus environmentally friendly.
4. PVC is recyclable
   Recycling facilities exists for virtually every PVC product, for example floor covering, windows and roofing, which ensure a full circle product cycle. Recycled PVC products have the same standard of quality as original manufactured products.
5. PVC is a high-quality, versatile material
   Products made of PVC are resistant to weather oil, and UV radiation. Finished products are flexible or resistant to mechanical shock and can be pigmented in any colour. The material has absolutely no adverse effects on health. The versatility of PVC allows it to be used for a wide range of applications with high standards for product quality.
6. PVC is well researched
   According to the government committee “Schutz des Menschen und der Umwelt” (protection of man and the environment) of the GermanBundestag, today PVS - due its relevance to the environment – is one of the most thoroughly researched materials. In its findings, the committee cautions against replacing the material without sound environmental and economical cause
7. PVC is a crucial material
   PVC constitutes some 28% of all plastics processed in Europe. It is thus among the essential materials for industry and trade. The main PVC consumers by industry: construction, packaging, electronics, cables, automotive, transport, furniture, office and others.
8. PVC is a safe material
   PVC burns less readily than the majority of other materials and is thus a factor in fire prevention.
9. PVC has no adverse effects on health
   Today, PVC production and processing is not a health hazard to workers or consumers, according to the Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecology and Reactor Safely). Consequently, PVC is used for medical equipment and engineering, food packaging and transport piping for potable water. PVC is a crucial factor in modern medicine (blood pumps, blood bags, intravenous tubes, etc. consist of PVC). In European legislation, PVC is the only material authorized for use as blood bags.
10. PVC is growing in popularity
    Due to the material’s economic and ecological advantages, PVC sales are increasing world wide.