European Group Looks to Boost PVC Recycling

A pilot plant built to develop PVC recycling technology is going online at Solvay's site in Tavaux , France. The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers has invested more than $3 million in the project, which addresses environmental concerns and PVC product end of life studies. To surmount environmental objections to the use of PVC, the industry is investigating new technologies to divert waste from landfill and maximize conservation of natural resources.

There are two new projects under investigation for recycling on a pilot/commercial scale. They are the Tavaux feedstock recycling project and the Vinyloop mechanical recycling technology project developed by Solvay.

Mechanical recycling of PVC can be applied without breaking the polymer chains. This is the preferred option whenever its application can be justified on environmental and economic grounds. Feedstock recycling breaks the PVC down into its chemical constituents. It is intended for streams unsuitable for mechanical recycling.

The role of the pilot plant has been justified by the detection and correction of problems in the commissioning stage. These included excessive amounts of hydrogen chloride being released from the PVC as well as too much molten slag overflow. Technical alterations and tuning has taken place on the plant to correct these problems.

In the feedstock technology the PVC molecules are broken down in a molten slag bath containing many silicates in line with the Linde process. After use the slag bath can be used for a number of building projects. The PVC is decomposed by reactions within the process, forming hydrogen chloride and syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide). Both these gases are then recovered within the process for re-use.

To protect themselves and if possible pre-empt public pressure European PVC producers have opted for a voluntary code and funded recycling research projects. Many environmental departments worldwide are grappling with the used PVC and used "plastic bag" problem.

The industry's objectives are in line with the Charter of European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers and with recent decisions of the international commission for the protection of oceans and sea life regarding PVC production. www.industrialinfo.com