PVC isn't green they say.... Haven't you gotten the memo?
If you press components for the trendy office industry or commercial type industries then you have probably heard some questioning about PVC.
I feel that its important to discuss this subject and I believe that this is an issue that should be of great importance to my membrane / vacuum pressing friends.
Rather than writing in paragraph form I will do a question and answer. Q= Questions, A=Answer, T: Translation into common sense.
Q: Why do they say PVC is not green?
A: When PVC is burned it releases dioxides which may cause cancer.
Translation (T): If your Kitchen is on fire, put it out; if your entire house is on fire, then leave the house and call the fire department.
Q: What about countries who burn PVC when disposing waste?
A: With old technology, when trash was burned PVC released dioxides into the environment. Some countries such as Japan outright banned it, whereas other countries (Europe) have used newer technology to improve their filtration systems so that the burning of PVC is possible.
T: Unlike other countries, the US doesn't burn its trash; however, if it did we'd have to get good filters.
Q: Who is saying it?
A: Some specifiers, scholars and other well meaning people.
T: Your competitors who do not press components.
Q: Where did they get the idea?
A: From Europe in the 90s. Interestingly, Europe has since gone back to PVC, since it uses less energy, is more efficient and costs less.
T: Old information circulated.
Q: What does PVC replace?
A: PVC in our industry typically replaces real wood.
T: So PVC could cause cancer but cutting down trees is more green?! Isn't the green movement about cutting less trees down and consuming less energy?
Q: What are the common uses for PVC?
A: All the wiring in your house, on your computer, and those white pipes that pump water to your house. You know the water you drink sometimes.
T: The copper pipe sales people didn't get the memo to do guest speaking appearances at the trade shows where the D&A community congregate.
Q: Is PVC actually a more green alternative?
A: PVC used in Decorative Surfaces saves trees, utilizes wood scrap for the component core, reduces VOCs used in Wood Door production, consumes less energy to produce than PET, consumes less energy to press than PET, reduces freight cost over wood doors and generally is more efficient than other alternatives in terms of Energy consumption.
T: Readers of this article should speak loudly to their customer base. Mass thought is contagious. The members of "Got Milk" can't say enough good things about the benefits of milk.
Q: I have a membrane press, should I care?
A: Pressers of PVC in Europe tried alternatives to PVC, but pressing prints on such was nearly impossible, costs rose and component production dipped.
T: Press an alternative for PET if specified but do your best to fight for PVC. Its the best material currently for most applications.
Q: Who is fighting for us?
A: The Vinyl Institute.
T: If you haven't heard of them maybe its time they hear from you.
Q: Who is against us?
A: Green Peace and a few other activist groups.
T: They must have only tested products with certain types of plasticizers. I guess its just easier to say "ALL PVC" rather than break it down via exact contents.
If you'd like to add to the list email me....
