SOUTH AFRICA – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely recognized as the most versatile thermoplastic, and it has established itself as a vital material in the packaging industry.
According to the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA), its unique properties offer numerous benefits, making PVC the preferred choice for various packaging applications.
Flexible PVC films are particularly prevalent in the food industry due to their excellent barrier properties, which prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of perishable items.
These films help reduce food waste by shielding food from moisture, oxygen, and other environmental factors. They also ensure consumers receive fresh and safe products.
In the pharmaceutical sector, rigid PVC films are essential for maintaining the integrity of medicinal products.
They provide a robust barrier against external contaminants and can withstand harsh storage conditions, ensuring that medicines remain effective and safe for extended periods.
Importantly, PVC is safe for food and pharmaceutical contact, posing no hazard to human health or the environment.
Additionally, PVC is preferred for security packaging, especially for high-value or corrosive items, such as batteries.
Its durability and strength create a protective shield that minimizes the risk of leaks and damage, ensuring products remain intact and functional.
Recycling and sustainability
A standout feature of PVC is its recyclability. Globally, more than 1.5 million tonnes of PVC are recycled annually.
The recycling process is well-established, with all rigid PVC packaging collected alongside construction materials and pre-consumer manufacturing scrap. Flexible PVC can also be recycled, provided it is not contaminated with hazardous materials.
However, it’s worth noting that no post-consumer cling film—whether made from PVC or polyethylene—is currently collected and recycled due to contamination and collection challenges.
In South Africa, SAVA is pivotal in managing PVC packaging waste. Registered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, SAVA achieved a recycling and collection rate of 13% in 2023.
This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of organized recycling efforts and the commitment of industry stakeholders to environmental sustainability.
Recycled PVC has found its way into innovative applications, such as interlocking floor tiles, shoe soles, and compounds used in the footwear industry. These uses not only reduce waste but also provide cost-effective materials for manufacturers.
Rigid PVC packaging also boasts impressive versatility in its second life. It can be repurposed into products like facia and barge boards, roof tiles, and PVC composite decking.
SAVA highlights that these products benefit from PVC’s inherent durability and weather resistance, making them suitable for long-term use in outdoor and industrial settings.
Member commitments
All SAVA members adhere to the Product Stewardship Commitment (PSC), a set of actionable commitments aimed at addressing the environmental issues associated with PVC.
These commitments are grounded in international health and safety standards and best practices, covering safe manufacturing processes, sustainable additive usage, low-molecular-weight phthalate plasticizers, and closed-loop management systems.
This commitment ensures that PVC packaging is effective and durable and produced and recycled in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
By adhering to these standards, the PVC packaging industry demonstrates its dedication to sustainability and the well-being of the broader community.
Industry associations like SAVA further exemplify the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and safety, ensuring that PVC packaging remains a viable and eco-friendly option for the future.
Through ongoing advancements and a steadfast focus on sustainability, suppliers and producers are committed to keeping PVC as a vital component in the packaging industry, supporting both economic and environmental goals.
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