Vinyl has been saddled with a dual reputation for decades. On one hand: design engineers, product owners and OEMs know it’s a workhorse compound with proven performance, unmatched versatility and a high value point in countless important applications.
On the other hand, vinyl’s reputation for safety and environmental impact has been questioned, often with scientific confusion . . . or outright skepticism of science.
What gets lost in the noise: Ever-changing regulations and standards are continuing to drive innovation across the plastics industry, resulting in steadily evolving processes, intensified recycling initiatives, refined disposal procedures and more responsible formulations.
Some vinyl products are now recognized by fire safety standard regulation associations and green building rating systems. And, as compared to many other polymeric materials, vinyl has been proven to have superior recyclability and life cycle endurance, energy efficiency, fire resistance and low VOC properties.
Also quietly enduring: Vinyl is the most studied, critiqued and scrutinized plastic – and its safe and broad use in medical settings (one of the most vigorously regulated applications) has been trusted for more than 50 years.
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