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pipes, PVC windows and doors or vinyl flooring, the whole life cycle
impact of a product is the key consideration. SAVA members focus
on the “cradle to grave” approach in their Life Cycle Assessments,
taking into account the sustainable sourcing of raw materials, best
practice manufacturing processes, the sustainable use of additives,
and ultimately the disposal of the product at the end of its life. The
better their product performs throughout all these various stages
of its life, the better its overall environmental profile and the more
likely it is to be specified in these eco-conscious times.
PVC is a thermoplastic made of 57% chlorine (derived from
industrial grade salt) and 43% carbon (derived predominantly from
oil / gas via ethylene). It is less dependent than other polymers on
crude oil or natural gas, which are nonrenewable, and hence can be
regarded as a natural resource saving plastic.
PVC has a versatility that helps it meet the various needs of modern
architecture. In addition to new projects, PVC is also widely used in
refurbishment where it often replaces traditional materials such as
metals and wood.
PVC has received some criticism in the past, but fortunately, and to a
large degree as a direct result of the work SAVA and global partners
are doing behind the scenes, much has changed in the worldwide
PVC industry over the past 10 years.. In Europe, Australi