"Thanks to this cooperation, we were able to provide a huge amount of validated information within very short deadlines in response to ECHA’s three calls for evidence to contribute to the Investigation report on PVC and PVC additives. We contributed an impressive number of studies and a large amount of data and research, all based on solid technical and scientific foundations. Although the final Report recognizes that we are adequately managing the risks associated with our production, we will continue to respond to issues highlighted by ECHA, though in our opinion these might not always be justified.

At the global level, UNEP intergovernmental negotiations are currently ongoing to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, which is likely to have an impact on the global plastic production system. Together with the other regional PVC and plastics associations, we intend to proactively contribute to the discussions on how to eliminate plastics pollution at a global level through science-based policies also harnessing the power of voluntary commitments like VinylPlus.

We are convinced that cooperation and dialogue between industry and regulators are paramount for a successful industrial transition to sustainability and a circular economy and that a clear and supportive regulatory framework is essential to any successful business. This is especially the case with recycling.

VinylPlus has always been setting a course towards a circular economy for PVC, which is a versatile, highly recyclable, and inherently low-carbon material, and which is an enabler of the green transition. However, as you will read in this report, VinylPlus’ tremendous annual growth rate in recycling over the last two decades is stagnating. Persistent high inflation has negatively impacted the construction sector, putting our network of recyclers in difficulty and reducing demand for recyclates as well as for primary PVC in the EU. In addition, the recycling system continues to be under scrutiny from regulators.

We will continue to work with the competent institutions and authorities to achieve a fair regulatory framework that can support the industry in achieving the recycling targets that the EU itself has set. The Restriction on Lead in PVC adopted by the European Commission in May 2023 is a good example. It restricts the import of lead-containing PVC products from third countries where lead is still used as a stabiliser, while enabling the recycling of PVC products containing legacy-lead additives in a manner that safeguards human health and the environment.

At the same time, VinylPlus has taken several steps to support new technologies that allow the separation and treatment of PVC waste containing legacy additives. I would also like to underline the continuous progress of the VinylPlus® Product Label, one of our flagship initiatives, which obtained the European level accreditation by Accredia in September 2023. Moreover, the VinylPlus® Product Label was recognized among the most valued certification schemes included in the multi-material label developed by the Belgian Construction Certification Association to certify the quality and sustainability of windows and doors manufactured in Belgium.

Throughout 2023, VinylPlus continued to engage with stakeholders, developing successful partnerships, joint projects and initiatives. Examples such as VinylPlus® Med and Garden to Connect were presented along with other PVC industry initiatives in the Plastics Pavilion at the World Congress of Architects 2023 in Copenhagen.

Finally, on behalf of the entire VinylPlus family, I would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to Brigitte Dero, who stepped down from the position of Managing Director at the end of 2023, having guided VinylPlus for 10 years. We all appreciated her enthusiasm, energy, determination and strength in thinking ahead with a clear vision of the future of our industry. We wish Brigitte all the best for her future!

We warmly welcome Charlotte Röber, who succeeded Brigitte in the position. Charlotte knows the PVC industry very well from her successful work as Managing Director of EPPA, the European trade association representing the manufacturers of PVC window systems. We wish Charlotte every success in her new, broader role for the European PVC value chain!