Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is considered the most versatile thermoplastic, having been established as an essential material in the packaging industry. Its unique properties offer a variety of benefits, such as films for food preservation, making it a preferred choice for a variety of packaging needs, says the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA).

Flexible PVC films are widely used in the food industry owing to their “excellent” barrier properties, as well as their ability to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of perishable items.

These films achieve this by protecting food from moisture, oxygen and other environmental factors. This will not only help in reducing food waste, but also ensures that consumers receive fresh and safe products.

In the pharmaceuticals sector, rigid PVC films play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of medicinal products. These films provide a robust barrier against external contaminants and are capable of withstanding harsh storage conditions.

As a result, medicines remain effective and safe for use over extended periods. PVC does not pose a hazard to human health or the environment. It is approved for food and pharmaceutical contact.

Additionally, it is used in a broad spectrum of essential and beneficial applications, including delivery of life-saving fluids intravenously in healthcare settings globally.

PVC is also a material of choice for security packaging, particularly for items that are of high-value or corrosive, such as batteries – which are packaged using PVC to prevent damage and ensure safe handling.

The durability and strength of PVC provides a protective shield that reduces the risk of leaks and other forms of damage, ensuring that the product remains intact and functional, says SAVA.

Recycling, Sustainability

One of the standout features of PVC is its recyclability. Globally, more than 1.5-million tonnes of PVC are recycled each year. The recycling process for PVC is well-established, with all rigid PVC packaging being sorted and collected alongside construction materials and pre-consumer manufacturing scrap.

It should be noted that flexible PVC can also be recycled, provided that it is not contaminated with hazardous biological materials.

However, globally, no post-consumer cling film – whether it is made from PVC or polyethylene – is collected and recycled because of contamination and collection issues.

In South Africa, SAVA plays a pivotal role in PVC packaging waste management. Registered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, SAVA achieved a recycling and collection rate of 13% for 2023.

This achievement underscores the effectiveness of organised recycling efforts and the commitment of industry stakeholders to environmental sustainability.

Recycled PVC has found its way into a variety of innovative and practical applications, such as flexible PVC being repurposed into products such as interlocking floor tiles, shoe soles and compounds used in the shoe industry.

These applications not only help to reduce waste, but also provide cost-effective materials for manufacturing industries.

Rigid PVC packaging has a similar versatility in its “second life”. It can be turned into facia and barge boards, roof tiles, PVC composite decking and more. SAVA adds that these products benefit from the inherent durability and weather resistance of PVC, making them suitable for long-term use in outdoor and industrial environments.

Member Commitments

All of SAVA’s members adhere to the Product Stewardship Commitment (PSC), a set of achievable commitments designed to address environmental issues associated with PVC.

These commitments are based on international health and safety standards and best practices. The PSC outlines safe manufacturing processes, the sustainable use of additives, low-molecular weight phthalate plasticisers, and closed-loop management systems.

This commitment will ensure that PVC packaging is not only effective and durable, but also produced and recycled in a manner that minimises environmental impact. Through its adherence to these standards, the PVC packaging industry demonstrates its dedication to the sustainability and well-being of the broader community.

Industry associations such as SAVA further exemplify the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and safety, ensuring that PVC packaging remains a viable and eco-friendly option for the future.

Through ongoing advancements and a “steadfast” focus on sustainability, suppliers and producers ensure that PVC continues to be a vital component in the packaging industry, supporting both economic and environmental goals.