The Roadmap of Vinyl

Vinyl is the material of choice for a wide range of applications, from piping that delivers clean water to roofing that shields the building interior. Vinyl is even used in blood bags that protect the nation’s blood supply. It is versatile, durable, and sustainable for a growing world population.

People want energy-efficient homes and buildings that are safe and healthy for occupants. Architects are specifying materials that fulfill the desire for environmentally conscious buildings. Manufacturers are incorporating it into supply chains and the products they offer.

Research shows that the construction marketplace rewards companies that address the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. It’s good for the Earth and business.

Optimal Environmental Performance

As sustainability measures improve for building materials, it is increasingly important for manufacturers to develop environmentally sound products. Vinyl delivers optimized performance for sustainability, from a lower carbon footprint to a longer lifespan.

• Vinyl reduces CO2 footprint due to 57 percent of resin feedstock derived from salt.
• Vinyl is thermal insulating and features sunlight-reflecting properties that reduce building energy use.
• Vinyl is durable and noncorrosive, lowering the frequency of product replacement.

In addition, vinyl reduces waste sent to landfills. Since 2016, overall vinyl recycling has increased by 7 percent, most of which is attributed to pre-consumer recycling.

Be Socially Responsible 

The vinyl industry demonstrates a proven track record of innovation and continues to reduce its products’ environmental impact to ensure workers’ and communities’ health and safety.

• Thirty-one resin manufacturing facilities had zero OSHA recordable incidents in 2020, and nine facilities had five or more consecutive years with zero OSHA-recordable incidents.
• The vinyl industry prides itself on community engagement with long-standing participation in community advisory panels and employee-led volunteer initiatives at community centers, homeless shelters, food banks, and schools.
• Many vinyl manufacturers donated supplies, increased production, and retooled lines to produce PPE and other medical supplies needed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find Economic Value

Vinyl is a sustainable choice that is good for business. As a component material, vinyl increases the service life and reduces the transportation requirements. For example:

• Vinyl is lightweight and reduces product transportation costs.
• The U.S. vinyl industry employs more than 350,000 people across more than 2,900 facilities, with an economic value of $54 billion.
• Vinyl products such as roofing, siding, and PVC pipe are durable and provide a long service life, meaning low life cycle costs.

Make the Commitment: +Vantage Vinyl Verification  

Vinyl contributes to all aspects of the Environmental, Social, and Governance model.

+Vantage Vinyl is leading the industry with a framework to track, verify, and advance a company’s operations that contribute to environmental, social and governance efforts. The +Vantage Vinyl verification signals to customers that buying from your business is a sustainable choice.

Learn more about Earning the Mark.

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