Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Seeking Sustainable Development on a Level Playing Field : A PVC Case Study, EPUB eBook

Seeking Sustainable Development on a Level Playing Field : A PVC Case Study EPUB

EPUB

Please note: eBooks can only be purchased with a UK issued credit card and all our eBooks (ePub and PDF) are DRM protected.

Description

Back Cover Copy

Humans have exploited a huge diversity of materials throughout history. Today's conflict between rising demands and dwindling resources raises searching questions about how optimally to meet humanity's needs efficiently and safely, challenging common assumptions. Plastics support many facets of modern life yet raise associated problems, whilst 'natural' materials may be far from benign when inputs extending their longevity are considered.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic with adaptable, durable and other properties used in diverse construction, medical, information technology, domestic and many applications besides. However, PVC has faced significant NGO pressure relating to its chlorine content and the range of additives conferring desirable properties. Yet, unlike organochlorine pesticides, PVC plastic is inert and recyclable after providing long service life. This book is not 'pro-PVC', but draws on lessons learned from how the PVC value chain, particularly across Europe, has engaged with problems and made further progress under voluntary commitments to sustainable development.

The book advocates a 'level playing field' of common sustainability principles for assessment of the benefits and risks of the use of all materials in the context of their incorporation within whole product life cycles, from raw material extraction to beyond end-of-life. The use of every material raises specific challenges, but also shares common problems arising from society's legacy of wasteful, linear resource use.

Activities surrounding the PVC value chain have generated novel ideas, assessment techniques and reconsideration of regulatory approaches relevant to sustainability assessment of the use of all materials in the context of whole product life cycles on a common 'level playing field', which best supports the meeting of the diversity of human needs in the safest and most efficient manner.

This book is aimed at industry, regulatory and NGO audiences and influence on wider media.

Other Formats