[GBlist] European News On PVC

[Sarah Holland/David Foley <hollandfoley@acadia.net>]

> 
> Tough measures to control PVC's environmental impacts called
> for today by the European Parliament's environment committee
> could cripple the industry if backed by the European
> Commission and EU member states.  The demands come in a
> resolution, originally drafted by Italian socialist MEP Guido
> Sacconi (ENDS Daily 4 January), responding to a Commission
> green paper.  The resolution will now be considered by the
> parliament's plenary.
> 
> In its biggest challenge to PVC makers, the committee says
> use of lead as a stabiliser should be phased out by the end
> of 2005.  The EU should also substitute PVC in certain
> product categories if life-cycle comparisons show this is
> warranted, while there should be a "vigorous policy" on the
> replacement of soft PVC.  PVC should be marked and separated
> out of the waste stream, while the use of phthalates in
> medical products should be curbed.
> 
> Manufacturers brushed off the vote today.  Martyn Griffiths
> of the European council of vinyl manufacturers said it was
> "not as radical as we expected," though he admitted the
> proposed lead ban was a "serious concern".  Lead is the main
> stabilising agent for PVC and suitable alternatives are thin
> on the ground.  Banning it was "too severe" and would be an
> "incredible task," he said.
> 
> Though the committee's vote has no immediate legislative
> implications, it will have enormous significance if backed by
> the full parliament, by giving the Commission's environment
> directorate extra leverage in discussions with its sister
> enterprise directorate, co-author of the green paper.
> Proposals for follow-up action are expected later this year.
> 
> Follow-up:  European Parliament
> (http://www.europarl.eu.int), tel: 284 2111.  The resolution
> will be placed here

-- 
Holland & Foley Building Design L.L.C.
232 Beech Hill Rd.
Northport, Maine 04849 USA
p: (207) 338-9869 f: (207) 338-9859 e: hollandfoley@acadia.net


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