PVC (Polyvinylchlorid)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third most commonly used plastic worldwide after polyethylene and polypropylene. It is produced by polymerisation of the monomer vinyl chloride and is characterised by its versatility, durability and resistance. With a chlorine content of around 57%, PVC is a halogen-containing plastic that is characterised by its particular flame resistance and good chemical stability.

PVC is naturally a hard, brittle thermoplastic. Its properties can be specifically adjusted by adding additives such as plasticisers, stabilisers or fillers.

There are therefore two main variants:
Hard PVC (PVC-U): has high rigidity, impact resistance and durability. It is used for window profiles, pipes, formwork panels, roofing membranes and other construction products, among other things.
Soft PVC (PVC-P): contains plasticisers, making it flexible, elastic and pliable. Typical applications include floor coverings, cable sheathing, hoses, seals and imitation leather.

Important properties of PVC:
High weather and UV resistance without becoming brittle quickly.
Very good resistance to seawater, many chemicals, oils and alcohols.
Flame retardancy due to high chlorine content (self-extinguishing).
Long service life, especially in construction applications (window profiles last 30–50 years).
Good processability through extrusion, injection moulding, calendering and coating processes.
Versatile modifiability through additives.

Areas of application:
PVC is an all-round plastic used in construction, the electrical industry, medical technology and packaging.

Examples include:
Hard PVC: window profiles, sewage and drinking water pipes, façade elements, cable ducts.
Soft PVC: hoses, floor coverings, cable insulation, roofing membranes, imitation leather, toys.
Medical products: blood bags, hoses, packaging for medicines.

In the recycling cycle, PVC is marked with the number ‘3’ in the recycling triangle. Due to its wide range of additives, recycling PVC is technically more challenging than recycling polyolefins, but the recycling of construction products is becoming increasingly important.