US, Australia to cooperate on vinyl recycling

The Vinyl Council of Australia (VCA) and the United States Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore what the groups call a pathway to reciprocity between their two sustainability programs by sharing best practices and collaborating on sustainability program development.

Collaboration between the VCA’s PVC Stewardship Program and VSC’s +Vantage Vinyl program seeks to “promote global harmonization, broaden recognition of industry leaders and increase industry participation” in the sustainability programs of both nations.

“While circumstances vary regionally, sustainability is a global issue and vinyl products participate in a global market,” says Sophi MacMillan, VCA chief executive. “It is in the best interest of the industry and society to work across borders to help the vinyl industry to continue to make progress.”

Jay Thomas, executive director of the VSC, says, “Many of our members do business throughout the world. Developing a pathway to reciprocity between the various sustainability programs will foster progress by easing the administration burden on companies and encouraging more participation. Increased program participation is a key factor in advancing the sustainability of the industry.”

The VCA says its PVC Stewardship Program is an example of voluntary stewardship bringing benefit to industry and community. “PVC is recyclable, and the amount of both pre- and postconsumer recycling is growing,” says MacMillan.

The VSC recently honored efforts in the building products sector in the U.S., while the VCA has been involved in a program that creates recycling outcomes for vinyl tarps and coverings.