PVC recycling in the UK is continuing to increase, with more than 50,000 tonnes of material expected to be recycled by the end of 2011, according to Recovinyl (Brussels / Belgium; www.recovinyl.com), the PVC industry’s recycling initiative. Jane Gardner, of Axion Consulting (Bramhall, Stockport / UK; www.axionconsulting.co.uk), Recovinyl’s UK agent, said the PVC industry’s recycling initiative is expected to exceed the 49,343 t of post-consumer PVC recycled last year in the UK through its 26 specialist recyclers.

Speaking at a recent recycling seminar organised by the British Plastics Federation (BPF, London / UK; www.bpf.co.uk), Gardner said that Recovinyl is now positioned strongly to build on its “Vinyl 2010” achievements and co-ordinate delivery of fresh targets up to 2020 under the new “Vinyl Plus” voluntary commitment – see Plasteurope.com of 15.04.2011.

These targets include 800,000 t to be re-used in all European countries by 2020 - with 700,000 t mechanically recycled and the remainder through new technologies for more difficult-to-recycle or contaminated PVC. “While these targets are ambitious, Recovinyl has demonstrated proven success under Vinyl 2010; particularly in the UK which, as a star performer, has contributed to 20% of overall EU PVC recycling so far,” Gardner added. Last year, 254,000 tonnes of PVC was recycled in Europe through Recovinyl.

Moving forward, Gardner explained that there would be a shift towards a “pull” market involving both the existing recycling network and convertors, who will be encouraged to increase the use of recyclate in their products. This is already happening with recycled PVC-U being used in new window profiles, reinforcements and fascia products. There will also be greater focus on the quality of recyclate produced and a move towards a certification process, she said.