Polyvinyl Chloride better known as PVC is a prominent plastic resin with a variety of uses, but it has serious environmental issues that need to be considered. In a previous post I spoke about the various types of plastic resins and some of their associated issues. However, the implications of PVC merit a deeper examination.
 

PVC has been around since the late 1800’s, but wasn’t used commercially until 1926, when the B.F Goodrich Company was able make the resin more appealing for commercial purposes. There are many functional uses of PVC as product, many of which are in the construction industry. From a design standpoint, designers will often use PVC as a material for promotional banners and signage. Unfortunately, the production (and disposal) of PVC has serious environmental and social concerns. 

Production Issues:

The toxicity issues associated with PVC are one of the main causes for concern. PVC production releases Dioxin, a carcinogenic chemical that is linked to immune system problems and birth defects. Furthermore, Dioxin doesn’t really break down upon release, so it will accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals and humans. 

Prolonged exposure or excess accumulation of Dioxin may lead to health complications. The largest producer of PVC in Venice, Italy, found that PVC production exposed its employees to dangerous levels of chemicals that were causing cancer. They didn’t act upon this knowledge for several years, and 31 executives were actually tried for the manslaughter of their employees.  So from both a social and environmental point of view there are problems with PVC production that need to be considered in sustainable design solutions. 

Disposal Issues:

The next problem with PVC is it’s disposal. Although it is technically recyclable very few US municipalities offer PVC (plastic resin #3) recycling. Only about 1% of all the PVC produced is recycled. The result is that PVC, often ends up in a landfill where it will take thousands of years to break down. It is more common for densely populated areas to incinerate their trash, this includes PVC. When PVC is burned, it also releases Dioxin and some other toxic gases into the atmosphere. These gases pose a dangerous health concern that was demonstrated in 1980 when the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas caught fire. An electrical fire sparked the combustion of PVC pipes and wallpaper. The combination produced toxic fumes and smoke that ended up killing 86 people.

Due to it’s environmental effects and the health concerns of people and animals exposed to it, PVC is not a sustainable material for design solutions. When ever possible PVC ought to be avoided.

Alternatives:

There are new alternatives to PVC use. Bioplastics can be used instead for things like credit cards or membership cards. Instead of vinyl promotional banners try using sustainable canvas products or something as old fashioned as wood. If vinyl can’t be avoided, try using thinner layers of vinyl on a ridged back piece, rather than opting for excess thick vinyl banners. Better still, try using an alternative new product like Eco-Flexx from Circle Graphics. Eco-Flexx is a Polyethylene substrate that has a recycling program in place. 

Ultimately, there are always solutions to design problems and there isn’t a problem in the world great designers can’t solve. To get the big design you seek sometimes you just need a few bright ideas. 

(Photo credit: chanchan222 under Creative Commons 2.0)