ECPI rebuts ruling against recycling of DEHP-containing PVC

The Brussels-headquartered European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI) expresses its woe over the European Parliament’s plenary vote against the Commission proposal to authorise the recycling of soft PVC containing DEHP. The final decision will be taken by the European Commission (EC), which is not obligated to follow the European Parliament’s opinion.

Although the EC proposal to grant the Authorisation of flexible PVC recycling containing DEHP fully respects the regulatory framework, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), the recent plenary vote challenges this process, according to ECPI.

Stéphane Content, General Manager of ECPI, says “ECPI respects the right of the European Parliament to oversee an implementing measures but it is essential to underline that the Commission has been strictly adhering to its mandate under REACH. This is a highly complex and technical process based on thorough scientific and socio-economic impact assessments.”

ECPI also cited in its press release thatin September 2014, European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socioeconomic Analysis Committee (SEAC), based on an extensive evaluation of all available data, recommended the Authorisation of DEHP for use in specific applications including recycled soft PVC containing DEHP.

ECPI urged the EC to take into consideration this recommendation. “We call on the European Commission to respect the scientific conclusions of both RAC and SEAC. We hope for a positive confirmation to be finally given to the Authorisation for the continued recycling of soft PVC containing DEHP to produce PVC articles and the formulation of recycled soft PVC containing DEHP in compounds and dry-blends, “ it said.

Furthermore, ECPI is concerned that this objection could undermine recycling, which in Europe represents about 200,000 tonnes per year of flexible PVC for uses, which have been proven to be safe. This opens a much wider debate around European waste management and the circular economy, the latter being strongly supported by the EC and the European Parliament.

To conclude, ECPI stressed that“PVC can be recycled without loss of performance and with risk control for human health and the environment. PVC recycling enhances resources efficiency, reduces emissions and brings environmental benefits.”