Message from Michael ShireyKaren Sinar

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. As an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , amanufacturer of PVC resin in North America, I am concerned about the potentialimpact of the European Union’s actions on international trade, my company’sbusiness, our customers’ business and my own job.

European plastics waste management policy should include all the options: landfill,recycling and incineration. Sometimes separation of plastic applications is notpossible or cost-effective. In this case, incineration recovers the energy content ofplastic materials.

Each material has its own incineration cost. Even though the neutralization residues’disposal costs appear to be significant for PVC, PVC emits less CO2 whencombusted. Total life cycle costs may be comparable to those of other materials.Before deciding to divert one material from incineration, all material specific costs-operating and environmental--have to be taken into account. Moreover, newtechnologies allow minimization and/or recycling of neutralization residues. TheEuropean PVC Industry has committed to research such technologies.

The European Union’s Green Paper rightly notes that research and regulation theworld over shows that design and operation of incinerators is the most importantconsideration for dioxin minimization. Chlorine/PVC content is, at most, a minorcontributor.

PVC is a modern material yet it has significant history. Resin, additive and producttechnology is improving continuously; however, the long track record of safety andutility of vinyl should not be ignored. The European industry, through its voluntarycommitment is working to address the substantive issues outlined in the Green Paper.This is a progressive approach to environmental concerns, and should be the basis forEuropean policy on PVC.

Thank you,Michael Shirey

Messages from Michael Pulley :

1.Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact such action might have oninternational trade my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Common short-life applications such as bottles and plastic containers are the mostfrequently recycled items; PVC is unfortunately less commonly used in those itemsthan other plastics. Consequently, the greatest investment in recycling infrastructuregoes to increase the recycling rates of packaging as a whole, and thus mainly therecycling of materials other than PVC.

As a material predominantly used in long-life applications, PVC will have specialrecycling challenges. Whether these challenges mean that PVC will have asignificantly lower recycling rate than other products-when all end-use applicationsare considered--is not apparent from the horizontal studies.

New recycling technologies have been commercialized recently by individualcompanies as part of the industry’s voluntary approach to PVC policy. They willincrease the potential for recycling. Voluntary action is a progressive way to solvemodern problems of modern materials like PVC. It can take into account the differentways in which materials are used in different European countries and still accomplishrecycling goals. Industry’s voluntary approach should form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s policy on PVC.

2.Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Michael L. Pulley

Egregio Sig. Schulte-Braucks,

Desidero rispondere al primo quesito riportato sul Green-Paper in merito ai rischi e alle azioni da intraprendere neiconfronti dei metalli pesanti utilizzati come additivi nei manufatti in PVC.

L’industria del PVC ed in particolare L’ESPA, si sono presi l’impegno di sospendere lacommercializzazione degli stabilizzanti a base di Cadmio entro un anno. Al momento è già statapromossa un campagna di sensibilizzazione presso i trasformatori ai quali è stato raccomandato dievitare l’utilizzo di tali stabilizzanti a partire dal marzo 2001.L’industria del PVC è inoltre a favore di misure legali che proibiscano l’importazione in Europa distabilizzanti contenenti cadmio.Per quel che concerne il Piombo è da rilevare che solo il �� del Piombo commercializzato inEuropa viene utilizzato per produrre stabilizzanti. Ciononostante l’ESPA ha dichiarato che in 10anni provvederà a diminuire di quasi il 35% l’utilizzo di Piombo negli stabilizzanti ed a finanziareprogetti di ricerca per sviluppare alternative a questo metallo.Ritengo, di conseguenza, che non sia necessario prendere alcun provvedimento per quel checoncerne il Cadmio, in quanto è stata già programmata la sua dismissione, e che il Piombo nonpossa essere considerato come una maggiore fonte d’inquinamento dell’industria del PVC vistol’esiguo contributo (3%) che essa apporta.In conclusione penso che il programma dell’ESPA, che prevede una diminuzione dell’utilizzo diPiombo negli stabilizzanti, studio di alternative e valutazione del rischio associato all’utilizzo distabilizzanti al Piombo, preveda misure sufficientemente restrittive a tutela dell’ambiente.

Distinti saluti,Michele Odorico

Message from Mike AshbyTom FletcherRobert LussNeil Holmes

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Mike Ashby

Message from Mitch Chadwick

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact such action might have oninternational trade my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Common short-life applications such as bottles and plastic containers are the mostfrequently recycled items; PVC is unfortunately less commonly used in those itemsthan other plastics. Consequently, the greatest investment in recycling infrastructuregoes to increase the recycling rates of packaging as a whole, and thus mainly therecycling of materials other than PVC.

As a material predominantly used in long-life applications, PVC will have specialrecycling challenges. Whether these challenges mean that PVC will have asignificantly lower recycling rate than other products-when all end-use applicationsare considered--is not apparent from the horizontal studies.

New recycling technologies have been commercialized recently by individualcompanies as part of the industry’s voluntary approach to PVC policy. They willincrease the potential for recycling. Voluntary action is a progressive way to solvemodern problems of modern materials like PVC. It can take into account the differentways in which materials are used in different European countries and still accomplishrecycling goals. Industry’s voluntary approach should form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s policy on PVC.

Thank you,Mitch Chadwick

Message from Noel Jones

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. As an employee of Occidental Services Incorporated , amanufacturer of PVC resin in North America, I am concerned about the potentialimpact of European Union’s actions on international trade, my company’s business,our customers’ business and my own job. This is particularly true as it involves theuse of phthalate plasticizers.

Phthalates have been used safely in the US for flexible PVC for a half-century. WhileI understand questions have been brought forward about phthalates, no legislativemeasures should be taken until the results of the ongoing risk assessments areavailable. The plasticizer producers have provided significant data to nationalauthorities in order to support these ongoing EU risk assessments. The Industry iscommitted to continue to do so until the assessments are completed. If risk reductionmeasures are appropriate, manufacturers, as practitioners of Responsible Care®, willundoubtedly take immediate action.

PVC is a modern material yet it has significant history. Resin, additive and producttechnology is improving continuously; however, the long track record of safety andutility of phthalate plasticized vinyl should not be ignored. The European industry,through its voluntary commitment is working to address the substantive issuesoutlined in the Green Paper. This is a progressive approach to environmentalconcerns, and should be the basis for European policy on PVC.

Thank you,S. Noel Jones

Message from Nola Ruhl

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Nola Ruhl

Message from O Garcia

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact such action might have oninternational trade my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Common short-life applications such as bottles and plastic containers are the mostfrequently recycled items; PVC is unfortunately less commonly used in those itemsthan other plastics. Consequently, the greatest investment in recycling infrastructuregoes to increase the recycling rates of packaging as a whole, and thus mainly therecycling of materials other than PVC.

As a material predominantly used in long-life applications, PVC will have specialrecycling challenges. Whether these challenges mean that PVC will have asignificantly lower recycling rate than other products-when all end-use applicationsare considered--is not apparent from the horizontal studies.

New recycling technologies have been commercialized recently by individualcompanies as part of the industry’s voluntary approach to PVC policy. They willincrease the potential for recycling. Voluntary action is a progressive way to solvemodern problems of modern materials like PVC. It can take into account the differentways in which materials are used in different European countries and still accomplishrecycling goals. Industry’s voluntary approach should form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s policy on PVC.

Thank you,

Message from P.M Griveaux

Messieurs,

Par le présent mail, je souhaiterais vous faire part de mon opinion à propos de laconsultation qui est ouverte au sujet du PVC. Personnellement, le PVC ne me génèreaucune nuisance.J'estime que c'est un matériau moderne très utile qui permet l'amélioration du confortde vie de chacun : habitat mieux isolé, non nécessité d'entretien, au contraire du bois,qui lorsqu'on l'entretien nous fait inhaler des produits toxiques, amélioration despossibilités d'évacuation des eaux.Au contraire, le PVC participe à la non détérioration de l'écologie, en protégeant nosforêts, dans la mesure où il se substitue au bois dans de nombreux domaines :fenêtres, portes, clôture, bardage, décoration intérieure.D'autre part, de nombreuses personnes travaillent aujourd'hui grâce au PVC qui, entant que matériau récent, est fortement créateur d'emplois. En conclusion, je suisfavorable au PVC et à son développement, étant entendu que les mesures nécessairessoient prises par les industriels afin d'assurer sa production dans des conditionsécologiques, ainsi que sa récupération et son recyclage.

En espérant que mon opinion puisse vous être utile, je vous prie de recevoir,Messieurs, l'assurance de toute ma considération.

P.M. GRIVEAUX

Message from Patrick DELAINE

Le PVC, quoi de mieux ? . Venant d’accéder récemment à la propriété, j’ai fait installer toutesmes huisseries en PVC. Dans un souci d’économie d’énergie (surtout en cette période ou leprix du pétrole atteint des sommets) et de protection de l’environnement (moins decombustible, moins de rejets à l’atmosphère), je suis persuadé d’avoir fait le bon choix.De plus travaillant sur un site de production de PVC, j’apporte ma contribution en achetant duPVC à pérenniser nos emplois.

Message from Patrick d’Hose :

Commission Européenne

A l'attention de M.Krämer, Head of the Waste Management Unit DG ENV

Concerne : Green Book PVC

Messieurs,

L'année dernière mon fils a été renversé par une voiture en traversant un passageclouté devant son école. Il a échappé à la mort de justesse et a subi différentesinterventions chirurgicales.

Depuis sa prise en charge par l'ambulance jusqu'au jour de sa guérison, 6 mois plustard, le matériel médical en PVC a été omniprésent à la plus grande satisfaction dupatient et du corps médical avec lequel j'ai pu m'entretenir à maintes reprises à cesujet : poches à sang et poches à glucose ainsi que leur dispositif de perfusion,seringues, allèses médicales, etc.

Le corps médical m'a confirmé que le PVC est utilisé en toute sécurité depuis de trèsnombreuses années et qu'il est indispensable dans ce genre d'applications médicales.

Personnellement, je suis donc opposé à la suppression du PVC

Je vous prie d'agréer, Messieurs, l'expression de mes meilleurs sentiments.

Patrick d'HOSE

Message from Dr. Paul E. Hajdu

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of OxyVinyls, LP , a manufacturer of PVC resin in North Americaand I am concerned about the impact EU action might have on international trade, mycompany’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Dr. Paul E. Hajdu

Message from Paul Lanoux

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. As an employee of OxyVinyls, LP , a manufacturer of PVCresin in North America, I am concerned about the potential impact of the EuropeanUnion’s actions on international trade, my company’s business, our customers’business and my own job.

European plastics waste management policy should include all the options: landfill,recycling and incineration. Sometimes separation of plastic applications is notpossible or cost-effective. In this case, incineration recovers the energy content ofplastic materials.

Each material has its own incineration cost. Even though the neutralization residues’disposal costs appear to be significant for PVC, PVC emits less CO2 whencombusted. Total life cycle costs may be comparable to those of other materials.Before deciding to divert one material from incineration, all material specific costs-operating and environmental--have to be taken into account. Moreover, newtechnologies allow minimization and/or recycling of neutralization residues. TheEuropean PVC Industry has committed to research such technologies.

The European Union’s Green Paper rightly notes that research and regulation theworld over shows that design and operation of incinerators is the most importantconsideration for dioxin minimization. Chlorine/PVC content is, at most, a minorcontributor.

PVC is a modern material yet it has significant history. Resin, additive and producttechnology is improving continuously; however, the long track record of safety andutility of vinyl should not be ignored. The European industry, through its voluntarycommitment is working to address the substantive issues outlined in the Green Paper.This is a progressive approach to environmental concerns, and should be the basis forEuropean policy on PVC.

Thank you,Paul R. Lanoux

Message from Paula Criss

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,

Message from Paul Ameis :

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. I am an employee of Occidental Petroleum Corporation , amanufacturer of PVC resin in North America, and I am concerned about the potentialimpact of the European Union’s actions on international trade, my company’s businessand my job.

Chemical recycling is a new technology, still under development that iscomplementary to mechanical recycling. Even though it is most economically viablewith pure streams, it has the potential to treat non-sortable and/or contaminated waste,including PVC. The European PVC Industry has committed to explore this recyclingroute, in order to identify the most appropriate technology by 2002. Scale-up andapplication to real waste will follow, pursuant to the Voluntary Commitment.

PVC is a modern material. Resin, additive and product technology is improvingcontinuously. The European industry, through its voluntary commitment is working toaddress the substantive issues outlined in the Green Paper. This is a progressiveapproach to environmental concerns, and should be the basis for European policy onPVC.

Thank you,Paul A. Ameis

Messages from Paul Williams :

1.Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. I am an employee of OxyVinyls, LP , a manufacturer of PVCresin in North America, and I am concerned about the potential impact of theEuropean Union’s actions on international trade, my company’s business and my job.

Chemical recycling is a new technology, still under development that iscomplementary to mechanical recycling. Even though it is most economically viablewith pure streams, it has the potential to treat non-sortable and/or contaminated waste,including PVC. The European PVC Industry has committed to explore this recyclingroute, in order to identify the most appropriate technology by 2002. Scale-up andapplication to real waste will follow, pursuant to the Voluntary Commitment.

PVC is a modern material. Resin, additive and product technology is improvingcontinuously. The European industry, through its voluntary commitment is working toaddress the substantive issues outlined in the Green Paper. This is a progressiveapproach to environmental concerns, and should be the basis for European policy onPVC.

2.Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of OxyVinyls, LP , a manufacturer of PVC resin in North Americaand I am concerned about the impact such action might have on international trade mycompany’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Common short-life applications such as bottles and plastic containers are the mostfrequently recycled items; PVC is unfortunately less commonly used in those itemsthan other plastics. Consequently, the greatest investment in recycling infrastructuregoes to increase the recycling rates of packaging as a whole, and thus mainly therecycling of materials other than PVC.

As a material predominantly used in long-life applications, PVC will have specialrecycling challenges. Whether these challenges mean that PVC will have asignificantly lower recycling rate than other products-when all end-use applicationsare considered--is not apparent from the horizontal studies.

New recycling technologies have been commercialized recently by individualcompanies as part of the industry’s voluntary approach to PVC policy. They willincrease the potential for recycling. Voluntary action is a progressive way to solvemodern problems of modern materials like PVC. It can take into account the differentways in which materials are used in different European countries and still accomplishrecycling goals. Industry’s voluntary approach should form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s policy on PVC.

Thank you,

Paul Williams

Message from Phil Coombe :

Sirs, PVC should be phased out of production as soon as possible because of itslong -term damage to the environment.

Deadly Dioxins are produced during the manufacturing of PVC.

How do we intend to deal with the PVC we already have when it comes to theend of its useful life ?

Incineration cannot be considered as an option because it produces deadlyDioxins and Furans which are then put in a landfill !

Why do we consider turning a relatively safe and stable material, PVC, intodeadly chemicals, Dioxins and Furans, using incineration simply to retrievea very small amount of the energy put into manufacturing the PVC in thefirst place ? This is clearly not sustainable.

The continued use of PVC will potentially seriously degrade our quality oflife .

RegardsPhil CoombePortsmouth Friends of the Earth

Message from Philippe Flahaut

Le PVC comme créateur d’emploi

Je travaille dans une usine qui fait vivre directement 350 familles depuis 50 ans enfabriquant des produits utiles pour tous. Ma société s’est engagée dans de nombreusesactions d’autocontrôle, de protection de l’environnement , chacun de nous estsensibilisé au respect des normes antipollution, chaque jour nous tentons de mieuxcomprendre les enjeux écologiques qui entoure notre activité.

Le PVC est un élément incontournable du tissu économique et social de ma région.

Depuis plus de 50 ans des produits en PVC sont utilisés dans notre système de santé etles multiples applications souples ou rigides ont participés à l'amélioration de notrevie au quotidien.

Dois-je expliquer à ma famille que malgré mes efforts et ceux de mes collègues, toutcela pourrait s’arrêter ?

Veuillez agréer, Messieurs, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Message from Philippe Vallot :

En qualité de Responsable du marché des Compounds de PVC en Angleterre, le PVCest omniprésent dans ma vie de tous les jours.Je le rencontre dans le domaine médical pour le matériel utilisé dans les hôpitaux où ilaméliore les conditions d'hygiène, dans le domaine alimentaire comme les emballagesoù il permet de réaliser des emballages légers et performants, dans le domaine duBâtiment pour les fermetures (fenêtres, portes) où il contribue à diminuer ladéforestation, améliore l'isolation et donc diminue les coûts énergétiques. Il constitueun véritable progrès pour notre société et de plus c'est un exemple dans le domaine durecyclage.

Pour toutes ces raisons je dis merci au PVC.

Philippe VALLOT

Message from Pierre Chapentier

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Cher Monsieur SCHULTE-BRAUCKS,

Je suis employé de la société ATOFINA située à Saint-Fons et active dans l’industrie et mesens très concerné par le livre vert de la commission. J’ai étudié attentivement les points, pouret contre de ce document, ainsi que ceux explicités dans l’Engagement Volontaire desproducteurs de PVC.

Je souhaite faire les commentaires suivants :

⇒ Le PVC est un des matériaux synthétiques les plus modernes :

⇒ Il offre une valeur ajoutée importante à la société, par ses nombreuses applications tellesque : équipement médical, emballage pharmaceutique, revêtement de sol pour la maison etl’hôpital, des châssis de fenêtres sans entretien, de bonne performance énergétique, destubes de distribution d’eau assurant leur fonction pendant 100 ans etc…

⇒ Notre société fabrique des compositions vinyliques prêtes à l’emploi ; nos produits sontreconnus comme sûrs dans leurs applications.

⇒ Je sais que d’autres matériaux plastiques, ou naturels peuvent être utilisés dans certainesapplications mais ceux-ci sont souvent moins efficients en terme économique et/ouécologique que le PVC.

⇒ Des progrès énormes ont été réalisés dans nos usines pour réduire l’impact de nos rejetssur l’environnement.

⇒ Quel que soit le matériau considéré, les produits après leur première vie, deviennentdéchets. Le recyclage du PVC progresse dans tous les pays d’Europe, et de nouvellestechnologies sont en cours d’expérimentation : ceci permettra aux générations futures detraiter convenablement les produits PVC en fin de vie.

⇒ De nombreuses questions évoquées dans le Livre Vert s’appliquent à tous les matériaux etpas seulement au PVC. C’est pourquoi je ne comprends pas que la Commission insistetant sur le PVC, en particulier.

⇒ L’importance de l’industrie du PVC, y compris les petites et moyennes industriestransformatrices, est considérable en Europe.

C’est pourquoi je soutiens l’Engagement Volontaire de l’industrie de PVC qui nous a étéprésenté dans nos usines.

En conclusion je recommande à la Commission de retenir les propositions de l’EngagementVolontaire : ce dernier permet l’approche la plus efficace pour améliorer la situationécologique et économique du PVC.

Je souhaite que le PVC soit traité comme tout autre matériau synthétique ou naturel.

Message from Plastivida

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Dear Mr. Schulte – Braucks, Mr Kramer

A public consultation process on the Green Paper published by the European Commission,the executive organisation of the European Union, has recently been started. This documentdeals with the possible risks that PVC or polyvinyl chloride may create for health andenvironment.

Specifically, the Green Paper states that there are chemical substances that may be liberatedto the environment when the PVC waste is incinerated or buried, and it also affirms that thePVC waste is difficult to recycle.

PVC European manufacturers and other industry sectors doubt about the EuropeanCommunity’s Green Paper, considering that it is an unsatisfactory review of the PVC cycle oflife. They affirm that the propositions of the document are not supported by the abundantinformation gathered by the Commission, e.g. the researches on the horizontal initiative, theresults of which show that it is unnecessary to take specific measures about PVC.

As an answer to the public consultation process started by the European Commission,Plastivida Argentina, technical and professional organisation that represents now the mainmanufacturers of plastic raw materials in Argentina (PEAD, PEBD, PET, PP, PS, and PVC)wants to give its opinion as regards the Green Paper.

Plastivida Argentina thinks that the whole PVC cycle of life is environmentally solid and safefor health. As a matter of fact, from the moment PVC is produced, it is friendly with theenvironment and it is used in several elements that are controlled and regulated by thecorresponding health and hygiene organisations.

Plastivida Argentina also wants to emphasise the important contribution made by PVC to thelife quality of an ever increasing number of people, e.g. by means of pipes that distributedrinking water, blood and serum bags, tubes, catheters, enteral feeding probes, house andhospital floor and wall lining, blisters and medicine bottles, food wraps, etc. All theseelements have been used for decades, and no case that affects health or that pollutes has beenregistered as a direct consequence of PVC use.\ /

After PVC useful life finishes and it becomes waste, it is perfectly recyclable. PVC may alsobe used as waste in sanitary land-fill, in a safe way for the environment. If it is burned, PVCwaste is used as fuel to produce energy or heat, because its combustion is clean and it doesnot pollute the air.

As regards additives (phthalates) used by PVC in some products, when they are necessary,Plastivida Argentina wants to refer to the most recent opinion given by the InternationalAgency of Research on Cancer, that belongs to the World Health Organization; according tothis opinion, the additive phthalate DEHP (diethylexylphthalate) is not considered to producecancer in human beings.

Notwithstanding this, in December 1999, a few hours before the new minister took office, theArgentine Health Ministry decided to interrupt the production, use, distribution, importationand exportation of toys and items made of PVC that contain phthalates for children under 3,without any sound and valid scientific ground. This also happened in the European Union,where toys and items for children under three, made to be put into children’s mouths andcontaining specific phthalates were temporarily prohibited for three months, without waitingfor the conclusions of the European Committee of Science on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity andEnvironment (CSTEE), that has been studying the subject of phthalates for 2 years. Thisprohibition is renewable and it will elapse next December 5th.

It must be underlined that in the rest of the word there is no restriction on PVC for said items.

Yours respectfully,

Lic. Raúl SegretinExecutive Director

CONFEDERACIÓN ESPAÑOLA DE EMPRESARIOS DE PLÁSTICOS (ANAIP)

Coslada, 18. 28028 Madrid

Tfno.: 91 356 50 59 Fax: 91 356 56 28

Excmo. Sr. D. Ludwig KrämerJefe de la Unidad de Gestión de ResiduosDG Medio AmbienteComisión EuropeaRue de la Loi, 200B-1049 Bruselas

Madrid, 29 de septiembre de 2000

Excmo. Señor:

Nos dirigimos a usted en nombre del Foro Ibérico del PVC, asociación integrada en laConfederación Española de Empresarios de Plásticos (ANAIP) que representa al sector delPVC en la Península Ibérica, con el objeto de dar respuesta a las cuestiones planteadas enel “Green Paper” de la Comisión Europea, presentado a consulta pública el pasado 26 dejulio.

Antes de nada, nos gustaría transmitirle nuestro apoyo a esta iniciativa, que esperamoszanje definitivamente un debate que, lamentablemente, ha sobrepasado el ámbito técnico ycientífico, prolongándose en el tiempo debido a la acción de determinados grupos radicalesde presión.

No obstante, como representantes de la industria del PVC en España y Portugal, nos vemosen la obligación de expresarle nuestra insatisfacción respecto al contenido del citado“Green Paper” y el análisis que realiza del ciclo de vida del PVC por los siguientesmotivos:

- Dicho documento tan sólo se refiere a los aspectos medioambientales de la gestión deresiduos de PVC y no a todo su ciclo de vida, lo que ofrece una visión muy sesgada dela realidad, obviando los grandes progresos realizados, por ejemplo, en materia deproducción.

- Somete a consideración una serie de medidas potenciales a adoptar sin mencionar quemuchas de ellas ya están contempladas en el “Compromiso Voluntario de la Industriadel PVC” presentado a la Comisión.

- Consideramos que el “Green Paper” plantea cuestiones y propuestas ya superadas deacuerdo con la información disponible, incluidos los estudios de la IniciativaHorizontal, cuyas conclusiones confirman que no es necesaria la aplicación demedidas específicas para el PVC.

- Aunque reconoce la aportación socioeconómica de la industria del PVC, no se refierea los múltiples beneficios que aporta este material a la sociedad moderna,contribuyendo a una mejora de la calidad de vida.

- La gestión de residuos es una preocupación de la sociedad que afecta a todos losmateriales y a todos los plásticos, no sólo al PVC, siendo los problemas comunes, porlo que no tiene sentido centrarse exclusivamente en la gestión de residuos de PVC.

- En este sentido, consideramos que antes de proponer posibles acciones, la IniciativaHorizontal debería haber realizado revisiones igual de exhaustivas de los materialesalternativos más importantes y proceder a su comparación con el PVC.

- El “Green Paper”, aunque incorpora ciertos elementos del Compromiso Voluntario, nosubraya fielmente los beneficios del enfoque voluntario ni valora en su justa medida elimportante progreso realizado por la industria del PVC hasta la fecha.

Quisiéramos aprovechar la ocasión para informarle de los importantes logros alcanzados porla industria española del PVC en materia medioambiental, que son ciertamente motivo deorgullo para este sector. Quizá el hecho más destacado sea la obtención por parte de todaslas plantas productoras de PVC que operan en España de la certificación ISO 14001 deGestión Ambiental otorgada por la Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación(AENOR), que acredita la implantación de un Sistema de Gestión Medioambiental queaplica las más avanzadas prácticas en esta materia.

Las inversiones realizadas por las tres compañías productoras de PVC que operan enEspaña para implantar la norma ISO 14001, así como para cumplir los acuerdos voluntariosnacionales e internacionales sobre medio ambiente a los que están adscritos, superan hastael momento los 16.000 millones de pesetas (96 millones de euros).

También deseamos hacer especial hincapié en el estudio técnico realizado por unaComisión de Expertos designada por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente español a raíz de laaprobación de la Ley 11/1997 de 24 de abril de Envases y Residuos de Envases, cuyoobjetivo era analizar las características y propiedades del PVC como material de envasado.Finalmente, se amplió el objeto del estudio y se realizó una revisión en profundidad delPVC en todos sus procesos y fases de su ciclo de vida. En mayo de 1998, tras casi un añode intenso trabajo, dicha Comisión emitió sus conclusiones, que confirmaron la inocuidaddel PVC y su respeto por el medio ambiente.

Por otra parte, quisiéramos realizar una observación que consideramos fundamental a lahora de abordar la gestión de residuos de PVC, y es el hecho de que la problemáticaprincipal en cuanto a gestión de residuos se refiere viene determinada por la gestión deresiduos de envases, ya que, dada su corta vida, el problema se genera de forma inmediata.En este sentido, es importante señalar que la cantidad de PVC destinada a aplicaciones deenvases es muy reducida, y, por lo tanto, el volumen de residuos de envases de PVCpresente en los residuos sólidos urbanos (RSU) es mínima. Actualmente, la mayoría de lasaplicaciones del PVC son de larga y extra-larga vida, por lo que se dispone de un mayormargen de tiempo para solventar los problemas derivados de la gestión de sus futurosresiduos. Por este motivo, la industria del PVC ya ha iniciado a través de su CompromisoVoluntario un proceso que garantiza el desarrollo de medidas efectivas para la gestión deresiduos de PVC cuando estos productos lleguen al final de su vida útil.

Consideramos muy significativa la situación de este sector en otros países de referencia. ElPVC es un material de gran calidad y excelentes prestaciones que tiene una gran aceptaciónen países tan avanzados tecnológicamente como EE.UU., donde el consumo de esteplástico se ha visto incrementado en un 5,2% anual de media en la última década, frente al1,6% de Europa Occidental. Las previsiones de futuro a quince años vista indican que estatendencia se mantendrá y que el incremento del consumo de PVC en EE.UU. seguirásuperando a la media europea.

A continuación, expondremos nuestras observaciones respecto a las ocho preguntasplanteadas en el “Green Paper”, basándonos en la evidencia técnica y científica.

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Plomo

q No es necesario aplicar ningún tipo de medida específica respecto a la utilizaciónde plomo, ya que la información disponible en la actualidad demuestra que suutilización en las aplicaciones del PVC es segura. De hecho, los legisladoresnacionales de varios Estados Miembro de la UE aprueban el uso de estabilizantesde plomo para tuberías de agua potable.

q Consideramos que no se debería tomar ninguna decisión sobre medidaslegislativas potenciales antes de haber llevado a cabo una evaluación científicaadecuada de los riesgos y disponer de los resultados. El sector del PVC ha ofrecidosu apoyo para la realización de esta evaluación y se ha comprometido a contribuira su financiación, tal como consta en el “Compromiso Voluntario de la Industriadel PVC”. Concretamente, se ha comprometido a llevar a cabo evaluacionesiniciales de riesgos dentro de los programas del CEFIC e ICCA “Confidence inChemicals” para el 2004.

q En cuanto a las aplicaciones concretas que todavía no disponen de alternativasadecuadas, la industria del PVC ya está investigando y desarrollando estabilizantesalternativos. A lo largo de 1999 la industria ha invertido aproximadamente 5millones de euros en esta actividad.

q Se procederá al seguimiento y publicación de los datos de consumo anual deestabilizantes de plomo y su utilización, y si la industria del PVC no consiguieraalcanzar la tendencia prevista, se tomarían medidas al respecto.

Cadmio

q El sector del PVC ya ha contemplado medidas para resolver el asunto del uso deestabilizantes de cadmio. La industria del PVC, y especialmente los productoreseuropeos de estabilizantes (ESPA), se ha comprometido a poner fin a lacomercialización de estabilizantes de cadmio en Europa en el plazo de un año. Susmiembros han recomendado que todos los transformadores dejen de utilizarestabilizantes de cadmio a partir del mes de marzo de 2001.

q La industria europea del PVC acogería favorablemente medidas legales queprohiban las importaciones de estabilizantes de cadmio y de aplicaciones de PVCque contengan cadmio, con excepción de los productos reciclados (solicitud deexención).

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q No debería tomarse ninguna decisión sobre medidas legislativas antes de disponerde los resultados de las evaluaciones de riesgo actualmente en curso, que se prevéestén disponibles a finales del año 2000.

q Es importante señalar que los productores de plastificantes han contribuido en granmedida a los procesos de evaluación de riesgo de la UE que se están llevando acabo actualmente por las autoridades nacionales, facilitando datos a lasautoridades designadas para la realización del informe. La industria se hacomprometido a seguir haciéndolo hasta que finalicen las evaluaciones.

q Concretamente, en lo referente al DEHP, cuya utilización ha concentrado la mayorparte del debate, es necesario destacar los siguientes puntos:

- Tanto la Organización Mundial de la Salud como la Comisión Europea, hanllevado a cabo amplias revisiones del DEHP, pero ninguno de estos dosorganismos ha clasificado a este ftalato como agente carcinógeno para losseres humanos. Al contrario, la Decisión de la Comisión 90/420/CEE de 25de julio determina que el DEHP no debe ser clasificado ni etiquetado comocarcinógeno o sustancia irritante.

En este sentido, consideramos de gran trascendencia el reciente y definitivopronunciamiento de la Agencia Internacional para la Investigación delCáncer (IARC), perteneciente a la Organización Mundial de la Salud(OMS), que ha reclasificado el DEHP como ³QR� FODVLILFDEOH� SRUFDUFLQRJHQLGDG�SDUD�ORV�KXPDQRV´�

- El DEHP ha sido clasificado por el Canadian Environmental Protection Act,CEPA (Agencia de Protección Medioambiental de Canadá) como “sustanciaque es improbable que sea carcinógena para el hombre”. Conclusión: el PVCplastificado es la mejor alternativa posible en las aplicaciones médicas(mejor, incluso, que el vidrio) por garantizar la asepsia y hermeticidad de suscontenidos.

- La Comisión de Expertos en PVC designada por el Ministerio de MedioAmbiente español a raíz de la Ley 11/1997 de Envases y Residuos deEnvases con el objeto de estudiar este material en profundidad, concluyó que³QR� H[LVWHQ� HYLGHQFLDV� GH� TXH� HO� SODVWLILFDQWH� '(+3� VHD� Wy[LFR� \FDUFLQyJHQR�SDUD�HO�VHU�KXPDQR´.

- El estudio realizado recientemente por el Consejo Americano de Ciencia ySalud (ACSH), presidido por C. Everett Koop, ex-director general de SaludPública de Estados Unidos, ha concluido que el DEHP no presenta efectosnegativos para la salud, ni siquiera en los casos de exposición prolongada(p.ej. tratamiento de diálisis).

- Por último, señalar que el DEHP es el único ftalato homologado por laFarmacopea Europea para la fabricación de bolsas de PVC destinadas acontener sangre humana, productos de sangre y soluciones acuosas paraperfusión intravenosa.

q En cualquier caso, si al final del proceso resultara que las medidas de reducción deriesgo son adecuadas, lo cual no es de esperar, la industria evidentemente lasadoptaría de manera voluntaria.

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q En primer lugar, deseamos precisar que no debe otorgarse un tratamiento especialal PVC en cuanto a reciclaje se refiere dado que no conlleva unas dificultadesdistintas a la del resto de los plásticos, tal como constató la antes citada Comisiónde Expertos en PVC designada por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente español, quellegó a las siguientes conclusiones:

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q De hecho, el PVC es el segundo plástico más reciclado en España, tal como constaen el Plan Nacional de Residuos Urbanos, aprobado en Consejo de Ministros elpasado 7 de enero. Además, se ha fijado para el PVC una cuota de reciclaje quedobla a la de los demás plásticos, para lo cual se podrán suscribir acuerdosvoluntarios o convenios de colaboración con los agentes implicados, tal comoconsta en el citado Plan (publicado en el BOE. núm 28 del 2/2/99).

q Creemos que la forma más eficaz de alcanzar el objetivo de incremento delreciclaje del PVC es que la UE y sus Estados Miembro apoyen el CompromisoVoluntario de la Industria del PVC.

q Concretamente, ya se han alcanzado compromisos voluntarios para los marcos deventanas y tuberías de PVC. Dichos compromisos recogen objetivos intermedios yfinales cuantificados y calendarios específicos (en ambos casos se ha fijado unobjetivo de reciclaje del 25% para el 2003 y del 50% para el 2005).

q Para otras aplicaciones potenciales como cables de PVC o revestimientos desuelos, es necesario desarrollar una logística apropiada, así como tecnologías yaplicaciones de reutilización. La industria del PVC se ha comprometido a apoyarel desarrollo de estos avances para lograr objetivos más elevados de reciclajemecánico lo antes posible.

q La industria también ha establecido programas de devolución en los últimos añospara reciclar los residuos de PVC provenientes de los talleres de procesado einstalación. Para finales del año 2002, se habrán identificado la generación yfuentes de este tipo de residuos para establecer objetivos de mejora significativos.

q Por otra parte, es necesario examinar las distintas aplicaciones susceptibles de serrecicladas de acuerdo a ciertos criterios para garantizar que el reciclaje mecánicosiga siendo sostenible (fácil de identificar, fácil de recoger, fácil de clasificar, encantidades suficientes, existencia de un mercado de material reciclado encondiciones económicas competitivas). La industria del PVC procederá a esteanálisis.

q Asimismo, deben respetarse las particularidades de cada país, teniendo en cuentalas tendencias de las aplicaciones locales (por ejemplo, los marcos de ventanas dePVC no se utilizan de igual forma en toda Europa).

q Consideramos la adopción de normas sobre productos reciclados una medidaválida, siempre y cuando estén redactadas de tal modo que los materialesreciclados puedan ser absorbidos sin afectar a las prestaciones del producto final.

q Para alcanzar objetivos altos de reciclaje, hay que considerar todas las opciones dereciclaje de materia (p. ej. reciclaje mecánico, reciclaje químico y cualquier otranueva tecnología).

q Es necesario el apoyo de las autoridades públicas para crear y organizar programasapropiados de recogida de residuos. La industria del PVC trabajará con todas laspartes interesadas para desarrollar estos programas.

q No consideramos adecuada la adopción de objetivos de reciclaje específicos paraun material. Estos deben afectar a todo el sector, como ocurre en el caso de losenvases, Vehículos Fuera de Uso, Residuos de Equipos Eléctricos y Electrónicos,etc. El PVC, como cualquier otro material, tiene que contribuir adecuadamente a laconsecución de los objetivos acordados. Esta es la forma más rentable para lasociedad de organizar la recogida y clasificación.

q Tampoco pensamos que el marcaje de los materiales individuales constituya unaforma rentable de separación, ya que seguirá habiendo muchos productoscompuestos que requerirán más de un código.

q En cuanto a la financiación de los costes de recogida y clasificación, partesustancial de todo esquema de reciclaje, la industria del PVC propone unacontribución financiera compartida por todas las partes interesadas a lo largo detodo el proceso.

q Hay que tener en cuenta que en la actualidad, sólo existe normativa de objetivos dereciclaje para los materiales de envasado (todavía no se ha implantado VehículosFuera de Uso, y Residuos de Equipos Eléctricos y Electrónicos aún se encuentraen fase de borrador). Por este motivo, los materiales de envasado presentanmayores volúmenes de reciclaje. Dado que el PVC tiene una importancia menordentro los materiales plásticos de envasado, es lógico que el PVC presente cifrasgenerales de reciclaje más bajas.

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q En las aplicaciones de PVC, los metales pesados están integrados en la matrizpolimérica y, por lo tanto, son seguras.

q Pese a que no se ha realizado una evaluación completa del riesgo, evidentementeresulta más ventajoso mantener esos metales pesados en un ciclo cerrado queperder el recurso eliminándolo al final de su ciclo de vida y producir polímeronuevo.

q No consideramos que deban aplicarse medidas específicas al reciclaje mecánico deresiduos de PVC con contenido de plomo y cadmio, sino que hay que dar prioridadal sistema de ciclo cerrado.

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q Consideramos que las iniciativas voluntarias son la forma más adecuada deavanzar en el desarrollo tecnológico del reciclaje químico. Es necesario disponerde una explotación a escala industrial para poder evaluar los aspectos tecnológicosy económicos.

q Por este motivo, los productores de PVC se han comprometido a invertir 3millones de euros en 2001 en una planta piloto de reciclaje químico, con el objetode identificar de aquí al año 2002, la tecnología más adecuada para llevarla aescala industrial. Paralelamente, la industria del PVC investigará otros procesospotenciales de reciclaje químico.

q El reciclaje químico es complementario del reciclaje mecánico, porque ofrece laposibilidad de tratar residuos de PVC no clasificables y/o contaminados con otrosmateriales.

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q Un concepto de gestión de residuos sostenible para los plásticos debe incluir laopción de incineración para utilizar (aprovechar) el poder calorífico de estosmateriales cuando el reciclaje mecánico, químico o de nueva tecnología no seaposible. Depositar los residuos en el vertedero no sólo significa perder laposibilidad de recuperación energética, sino que, además, nunca será tan limpiocomo una planta incineradora moderna bien controlada.

q No resulta rentable separar del flujo de residuos a incinerar más que lasaplicaciones que sean fáciles de reciclar.

q En ningún caso debe descartarse la incineración de PVC ya que existe en todo elmundo investigación suficiente que ha demostrado que el contenido en cloro/PVCno aumenta el impacto medioambiental ni el nivel de emisión de dioxinas de estasinstalaciones, que dependen de las condiciones de funcionamiento

q El propio estudio encargado por la Comisión Europea al Instituto TNO de CienciasMedioambientales, Investigación de Energía e Innovación de Procesos ratifica estehecho:

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q También la Comisión de Expertos en PVC designada por el Ministerio de MedioAmbiente español ha llegado a las mismas conclusiones.

q Cada material presenta su propio coste de incineración, y el del PVC tampoco esmotivo de exclusión del flujo de residuos de incineración, ya que, mientras quepara el PVC los costes de eliminación final de los residuos de neutralizaciónparecen elevados, para otros materiales los costes medioambientales del CO2, porejemplo, pueden ser preponderantes. Por lo tanto, antes de decidir descartar laincineración de un material, hay que tener en cuenta todos los costes específicosdel material (costes de funcionamiento y medioambientales). En este sentido, elestudio TNO antes citado llega a la siguiente conclusión:

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q Es necesario avanzar en el desarrollo tecnológico para minimizar las cantidades deresiduos de sales producidas, así como desarrollar tecnologías de purificación conel objetivo de recuperar sales que se reutilizarán en procesos químicos, y deminimizar los residuos finales que deben ser eliminados. Existen innovacionestecnológicas potenciales (p.e. la recuperación de HCl, Neutrec, ...) que permitenminimizar y/o reciclar los residuos de neutralización. La industria del PVC se hacomprometido a apoyar y desarrollar estos avances tecnológicos.

q Asimismo, y en base al concepto de desarrollo sostenible y ecoeficiencia de larecuperación, la industria aplicará sus conocimientos para trabajar en la promocióny apoyo al desarrollo de la recuperación de energía.

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q No deberían adoptarse medidas específicas respecto al depósito en vertederos delos residuos de PVC.

q De acuerdo con nuestra filosofía, basada en los principios del desarrollosostenible, entendemos que el depósito en vertederos debe ser la última opciónpara la gestión de residuos, tanto de PVC como de otros de materiales, dandoprioridad al reciclaje y a la revalorización energética.

q Existe suficiente investigación disponible en la que los científicos llegan a laconclusión común de que el PVC no constituye un riesgo significativo para elmedio ambiente.

q Este extremo ha sido ratificado por un estudio independiente encargado por laindustria del PVC en 1996. El estudio, que ha tenido una duración de tres años, hasido realizado por expertos de tres Universidades de Alemania y Suecia, encolaboración con la Agencia Sueca de Protección Medioambiental.

Se evaluó el comportamiento a largo plazo de varios productos de PVC medianteensayos de simulación en laboratorio y análisis de muestras de lixiviadoprovenientes de vertederos. También se investigaron las fuentes potenciales decloruro de vinilo en el gas del vertedero y el destino de los aditivos que se liberancomo productos derivados de la descomposición del PVC.

La investigación reveló que el PVC es resistente a la descomposición encondiciones de vertedero. Aunque se puede producir una pérdida parcial deplastificantes y estabilizantes en las aplicaciones de PVC flexible, los niveles deconcentración en el lixiviado no constituyen un riesgo para el medio ambiente. Losniveles de metal en el lixiviado no sufren alteraciones por la presencia de PVC ylas concentraciones de cloruro de vinilo en el gas de vertedero no proceden delPVC.

q La Comisión de Expertos en PVC designada por el Ministerio de Medio Ambienteespañol también llegó a la conclusión de que� los residuos de PVC que sondepositados en un vertedero proyectado y gestionado correctamente no tienenporqué sufrir un tratamiento discriminado con respecto al resto de loscomponentes de los RSU.

q Deseamos manifestar nuestro total desacuerdo respecto a las conclusiones delestudio de la UE, las cuales cuestionamos, ya que no ha sido realizado encondiciones reales de vertedero. Otros estudios independientes más similares aestas condiciones han llegado a la conclusión de que el PVC en vertedero, inclusoen el caso de aplicaciones plastificadas, es seguro para el medio ambiente.

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q En ningún caso debería preverse una política de sustitución del PVC para ningúntipo de aplicación ni restricciones legislativas dado que no existen motivos decarácter científico o técnico que justifiquen esta actuación.

q Antes de plantear la sustitución del PVC en cualquier aplicación debería someterseal mismo proceso de exhaustiva revisión a los materiales alternativos. Cualquierdecisión que se adoptara sin proceder a un análisis equivalente de las alternativassupondría una evidente discriminación contra el PVC.

q Asimismo, consideramos que todo análisis comparativo debe tener enconsideración todo el ciclo de vida de cada aplicación en concreto, y no sólo losaspectos del final de su vida útil, lo que ofrece una visión sesgada de la realidad.La Comisión de Expertos en PVC designada por el Ministerio de Medio Ambienteespañol también se manifestó a este respecto para el caso de los envases, y llegó alas siguientes conclusiones:

� �3RU� OR� TXH� VH� UHILHUH� D� ORV� HQYDVHV� GH� XQ� VROR� XVR�� QR� VH� YH� XQD� FODUDSULRULGDG�GH�QLQJXQR�GH�ORV�PDWHULDOHV�UHYLVDGRV�GHVGH�HO�SXQWR�GH�YLVWDPHGLRDPELHQWDO��HVWDQGR�HO�39&�ELHQ�VLWXDGR�HQWUH�WRGRV�HOORV�

� ³$�OD�YLVWD�GH�WRGR�OR�DQWHULRUPHQWH�H[SXHVWR��QR�KD\�UD]RQHV�SDUD�GDU�DO39&�XQ�WUDWDPLHQWR�GLVFULPLQDWRULR�FRQ�UHVSHFWR�DO�GH�RWURV�PDWHULDOHV�GHHQYDVH�DO�FRQVLGHUDU�HO�DQiOLVLV�GHO�FLFOR�GH�YLGD�GH�ODV�PDWHULDV�SULPDV��\GH�ORV�SURGXFWRV�GH�HQYDVH�HODERUDGRV´

q El Compromiso Voluntario es la mejor forma de avanzar hacia la sostenibilidad yuna buena tutela de producto, mediante

- La optimización continua de los procesos de fabricación

- La consideración de los aspectos relacionados con los aditivos

- El incremento del reciclaje

- La puesta en marcha de un esquema financiero para alcanzar los objetivos.

Para finalizar, quisiéramos reiterar la esperanza depositada por el sector en esta iniciativade la Comisión Europea, que esperamos ponga fin de una vez por todas a la persecuciónsufrida desde hace años por un sector que ha contribuido mediante la calidad y versatilidadde sus productos al bienestar y mejora constante de la calidad de vida de la sociedadmoderna. Dichos ataques están perjudicando seriamente a una industria constituida enEspaña por más de 1.200 empresas que facturan 360.000 millones de pesetas anuales, ygeneran 20.000 puestos de trabajo directos y 80.000 indirectos.

Entendemos que la única forma de acabar con este acoso injustificado es que la Comisiónfundamente sus conclusiones de forma rigurosa en criterios exclusivamente técnicos ycientíficos, y desestime cualquier opinión, consideración o petición que no se ajuste a estosparámetros.

En el convencimiento de que nuestras observaciones serán tenidas en consideración,le saluda atentamente,

6U��'��)UDQFHVF�)RQW

Presidente del Comité Ejecutivo del Foro Ibérico del PVC

Message from Raffaele Violinia, Giorgio Marchetti, Giorgio Mari :

In difesa del PVC

Il Libro Verde, pubblicato dalla Commissione Europea il luglio scorso, mi lasciaperplesso come cittadino/consumatore e soprattutto preoccupato come dipendentedella Solvay Italia. Ecco le motivazioni:

* Il PVC è , ad oggi, un materiale utilizzato per un gran numero di applicazioni:edilizia, settore automobilistico, industria elettrica ed elettronica, agricoltura, piscine,impermeabilizzazione, accessori da viaggio, articoli sportivi, giocattoli, barriereantinquinamento, pavimentazioni, profili per porte e finestre, carte di credito, nastriadesivi, settore sanitario, imballaggio.Inoltre con il riciclaggio di PVC vengono realizzati: cavi elettrici, tubi per fognature,raccordi per canalizzazioni, lastre, rinforzi per calzature, materiali da giardino erecinzioni

* Il PVC ha apportato degli incontestabili benefici alla nostra vita quotidiana negliultimi 50 anni, creando prodotti utili a tutti e soprattutto offrendo nuove opportunità dilavoro e di sviluppo per importanti settori industriali ora potenzialmente minacciati.

* È importante sottolineare l'elevato rapporto qualità-prezzo di questo materiale:il PVC permette di fabbricare prodotti di alta qualità, molto resistenti e durevoli neltempo, che rispondono bene alle esigenze dei consumatori.

* Ritengo che il PVC sia in sostanza un prodotto "ecologicamente corretto" egrazie al programma di iniziative dell'Impegno Volontario dell'industria del PVC, acui il Gruppo Solvay ha aderito, il bilancio d'impatto ambientale non potrà chemigliorare.Sono al corrente inoltre che sono in corso vari investimenti: ad esempio Solvay Italia,entro luglio 2001, renderà operativo un impianto innovativo, in costruzione a Ferrara,destinato al recupero/riciclaggio di manufatti compositi in PVC. Ritengo dunque chele elevate "preoccupazioni ambientaliste" sollevate in merito all'utilizzo di questomateriale siano infondate.

Grazie per l'attenzione a considerare questo mio intervento.

9-10-2000RAFFAELE VOLINIA

Message from Richard Kitchen :

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. As an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , amanufacturer of PVC resin in North America, I am concerned about the potentialimpact of European Union’s actions on international trade, my company’s business,our customers’ business and my own job. This is particularly true as it involves theuse of phthalate plasticizers.

Phthalates have been used safely in the US for flexible PVC for a half-century. WhileI understand questions have been brought forward about phthalates, no legislativemeasures should be taken until the results of the ongoing risk assessments areavailable. The plasticizer producers have provided significant data to nationalauthorities in order to support these ongoing EU risk assessments. The Industry iscommitted to continue to do so until the assessments are completed. If risk reductionmeasures are appropriate, manufacturers, as practitioners of Responsible Care®, willundoubtedly take immediate action.

PVC is a modern material yet it has significant history. Resin, additive and producttechnology is improving continuously; however, the long track record of safety andutility of phthalate plasticized vinyl should not be ignored. The European industry,through its voluntary commitment is working to address the substantive issuesoutlined in the Green Paper. This is a progressive approach to environmentalconcerns, and should be the basis for European policy on PVC.

Thank you,Richard B. Kitchen

Message from Rick Steele

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,rick steele

Message from Robert Antus

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. I am an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , ANorth American manufacturer of PVC resin. Since it could form the basis forEuropean Union’s regulation of PVC, I am concerned about the potential impact theGreen Paper might have on international trade, my company’s business, ourcustomers’ business and my own job.

I am particularly concerned about the study conducted on land filling of PVC. TheEuropean PVC Industry challenges the conclusions of the EU study, as well theyshould. The extreme temperature used to accelerate a ging of materials in the studyundoubtedly affected the results. Other independent studies closer to real landfillconditions have concluded that PVC in landfill, including plasticized applications, isenvironmentally safe.

There is enough scientific research available on this topic. PVC can be safely landfilled, and no specific regulatory measures should be considered at present.

PVC is a modern material yet it has significant history. The European industry,through its Voluntary Commitment is working to address the substantive issuesoutlined in the Green Paper. This is a progressive approach to environmentalconcerns, and should be the basis for European policy on PVC.

Thank you,

Message from Robert S. Schuster

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Robert S. Schuster

Message from Robert Rauscher :

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Robert Rauscher

Message from Rodan srl :

La ns.azienda produce semilavorati di PVC rivolti ad innumerevoli settori quali:INDUSTRIA MECCANICA,CERAMICA,FERMACEUTICA,PROFUMERIA,ECC...Temiamo che la campagna per la messa al bando del PVC,frutto distrumentalizzazione e cattiva informazione, metta in serio pericolo la nostra attività edil posto di lavoro dei 35 dipendenti che vi sono impiegati.Firmato Ditta Rodan srl Reggio Emilia Italy

Message from Roger DeGarmo

Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on the European Community’sGreen Paper on PVC. As an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , amanufacturer of PVC resin in North America, I am concerned about the potentialimpact of the European Union’s actions on international trade, my company’sbusiness, our customers’ business and my own job.

European plastics waste management policy should include all the options: landfill,recycling and incineration. Sometimes separation of plastic applications is notpossible or cost-effective. In this case, incineration recovers the energy content ofplastic materials.

Each material has its own incineration cost. Even though the neutralization residues’disposal costs appear to be significant for PVC, PVC emits less CO2 whencombusted. Total life cycle costs may be comparable to those of other materials.Before deciding to divert one material from incineration, all material specific costs-operating and environmental--have to be taken into account. Moreover, newtechnologies allow minimization and/or recycling of neutralization residues. TheEuropean PVC Industry has committed to research such technologies.

The European Union’s Green Paper rightly notes that research and regulation theworld over shows that design and operation of incinerators is the most importantconsideration for dioxin minimization. Chlorine/PVC content is, at most, a minorcontributor.

PVC is a modern material yet it has significant history. Resin, additive and producttechnology is improving continuously; however, the long track record of safety andutility of vinyl should not be ignored. The European industry, through its voluntarycommitment is working to address the substantive issues outlined in the Green Paper.This is a progressive approach to environmental concerns, and should be the basis forEuropean policy on PVC.

Thank you,Roger DeGarmo

Message from Ron Knerr

Since the European Community’s Green Paper could form the basis for EuropeanUnion’s regulation of PVC, I am pleased to be invited to comment on aspects of it. Iam an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation , a manufacturer of PVC resinin North America and I am concerned about the impact EU action might have oninternational trade, my company’s business, our customers’ business and my own job.

Any legislation regarding one single material is inappropriate without having equallyanalysed its alternatives. Such a comparison has to consider the whole life cycle ofeach specific application and not just end-of-life aspects. I look forward to the set ofhorizontal studies that must be done on every other material before such life cyclecomparisons can rationally be made.

As a serious step forward on the track to sustainability, the PVC Industry has offereda Voluntary Commitment for improvement in many of the areas addressed by theGreen Paper. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate good product stewardship bycontinuously improving manufacturing processes, addressing additives issues,increasing recycling and setting up a financial scheme to achieve the targets.

Voluntary action by companies is a progressive way of accomplishing environmentalgoals in cooperation with government. It should be the preferred EU policy.

Thank you,Ron Knerr