MEDICAL PACKAGING
Aimplas-VinylPlus study confirms recyclability of flexible PVC
— By Plasteurope.com staff —
 Project leader of VinylPlus Healthcare, Ole Grøndahl Hansen (Photo: VinylPlus) |
VinylPlus Healthcare (Brussels; www.vinylplushealthcare.eu) has announced study findings confirming that flexible PVC, a material widely used in medical devices, can be mechanically recycled up to six times without compromising quality.
The study was conducted by Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.net) on behalf of VinylPlus Healthcare, a newly established platform created to address the increasing demand for information on vinyl’s contribution to the healthcare sector.
The platform integrates the activities of the former PVCMed Alliance to advance the recycling efforts of initiatives VinylPlus Med – focused on medical devices – and VinylPlus PharmPack – dedicated to pharmaceutical blister packaging.
Related: VinylPlus fights for industry’s future in EU
Ole Grøndahl Hansen, project leader at VinylPlus Healthcare, explained that the platform was created to bring together expertise and initiatives, ensuring a more coordinated and effective approach. “[It] aims to foster a well-informed debate on vinyl’s technical advantages and its evolving sustainability profile in the health care sector.”
The study, which also highlights the recyclability of both rigid and flexible PVC, strengthens the case for expanding recycling efforts across the healthcare industry. VinylPlus managing director Charlotte Röber said, “While the recyclability of rigid PVC has long been established, this study confirms that the same applies to soft PVC applications. This reinforces vinyl’s position as a leader in mechanical recyclability.”
Polyvinyl chloride is used in medical applications, including blood bags, tubing, pharmaceutical packaging, and hospital infrastructure. Ongoing innovations continue to improve the material’s technical and environmental performance.
The study was conducted by Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.net) on behalf of VinylPlus Healthcare, a newly established platform created to address the increasing demand for information on vinyl’s contribution to the healthcare sector.
The platform integrates the activities of the former PVCMed Alliance to advance the recycling efforts of initiatives VinylPlus Med – focused on medical devices – and VinylPlus PharmPack – dedicated to pharmaceutical blister packaging.
Related: VinylPlus fights for industry’s future in EU
Ole Grøndahl Hansen, project leader at VinylPlus Healthcare, explained that the platform was created to bring together expertise and initiatives, ensuring a more coordinated and effective approach. “[It] aims to foster a well-informed debate on vinyl’s technical advantages and its evolving sustainability profile in the health care sector.”
The study, which also highlights the recyclability of both rigid and flexible PVC, strengthens the case for expanding recycling efforts across the healthcare industry. VinylPlus managing director Charlotte Röber said, “While the recyclability of rigid PVC has long been established, this study confirms that the same applies to soft PVC applications. This reinforces vinyl’s position as a leader in mechanical recyclability.”
Polyvinyl chloride is used in medical applications, including blood bags, tubing, pharmaceutical packaging, and hospital infrastructure. Ongoing innovations continue to improve the material’s technical and environmental performance.
28.04.2025 Plasteurope.com [257777-0]
Published on 28.04.2025