Are large amounts of VCM emitted during PVC production?
The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) which represents most of the European EDC/VCM/PVC producers has issued two industry Charters: Industry Charter for the Production of VCM and PVC (suspension process), in 1994 Industry Charter for the Production of Emulsion PVC, in 1998. Among other commitments, these Charters set tight limits on VCM emissions from VCM and PVC plants as well as on the maximum amount of residual VCM present in PVC resin. The inter-governmental Oslo and Paris Commissions for the Protection of the North Sea (OSPAR) later issued two Decisions on emissions from VCM and suspension PVC plants as well as a Recommendation on emissions from emulsion PVC plants. The limits imposed by OSPAR for VCM emissions are broadly in line with the limits specified in the Charters. In 1999, the companies that signed the 1994 charter underwent a third party verification by an independent consultant (Det Norske Veritas – DNV). A new verification has been completed. A verific
