The recycling of plastics plays a central role in the European circular economy. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in particular, which is used in numerous industries - from the construction industry to the automotive sector and medical technology - due to its durability, versatility and cost-effectiveness, is the focus of numerous sustainability initiatives. One of the most important platforms for the promotion of PVC recycling in Europe is Recovinyl®.
What is Recovinyl®?
Recoviny®l is an initiative of the European PVC industry as part of the voluntary sustainability programmeVinylPlus®which is committed to promoting a sustainable PVC economy. Founded in 2003, Recovinyl®asCentral platform for the collection, certification and promotion of recycling activities for PVC wastethroughout Europe. The main objective is to increase the use of recycled PVC (rPVC), ensure traceability and strengthen high-quality recycling processes.
How does Recovinyl® work?
Recovinyl coordinates a Europe-wide network of companies along the entire PVC value chain - including recyclers, compounders, processors and manufacturers. The platform enables companies to register their recycled PVC quantitieswhich are then validated by independent testing organisations.
There are clear criteria for this:
Only post-industrial or post-consumer PVC waste is counted.
Traceability must be ensured by means of receipts and documentation.
Only PVC streams that do not end up in landfills or are incinerated are eligible.
The added value for companies: Why take part?
Participation in Recovinyl® offers companies along the PVC value chain a wide range of benefits:
1. Proof of sustainability and market positioning
In times of increasing environmental regulation and CSR obligations, proof of recycling rates is a valuable asset. Companies that register their recycling figures with Recovinyl can Concrete, audited key figures for sustainability reports, certifications and tenders to show.
2. Part of a European network
Recovinyl is closely linked to VinylPlus and other industry networks such as EUMEPS (for EPS) and PlasticsEurope. Participation opens up Access to European funding programmesindustry initiatives, political developments and examples of best practice.
3. Reputation and trust advantage
Validation by Recovinyl gives Credibility towards customers, investors and authorities. It signals active commitment to the circular economy and sets companies apart from the competition.
4. Data for innovation and product development
The recorded data streams offer Valuable insights for R&D. Companies can react more precisely to available recycling quantities, qualities and trends and drive forward innovations in the field of rPVC products in a more targeted manner.
5. Economic advantage
Recycled PVC is in many cases cheaper than new goodswith comparable quality. It also reduces the carbon footprint of the end products - an increasingly important purchasing criterion for end customers.
Recovinyl® in figures
In 2023, Recovinyl was able to sell over 850,000 tonnes of recycled PVC were recorded - a new record. The largest areas of application are
Window profiles
Pipes and cable sheathing
floorings
Roofing membranes
More than 200 recycling companies in over 20 countries are currently actively using the platform, and the trend is rising.
Conclusion: Documenting sustainability - securing a competitive advantage
Recovinyl is more than just a registration platform. It is a Strategic tool for companieswho want to play an active role in shaping the transition to a circular economy. Those who document their recycling activities today create the basis for regulatory certainty, better market access and a sustainable future.
For PVC processing companies that want to be ecologically and economically sustainable, participation in Recovinyl is therefore not only sensible - it is a competitive advantage.