PVC and the certification of a new conveyor belt from Vanderlande Industries
In fulfilling our mission to see a world where products are designed and manufactured using only healthy and safe materials and processes, we recognize how complicated this can be. Fortunately, the Cradle to Cradle® methodologies originated by William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart provide an elegant framework for our Institute to assess and certify products.
Health concerns regarding PVC provide an especially interesting challenge for manufacturers. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third most widely used plastic in the world, yet in many current applications it is toxic to human health and the broader environment.
Vanderlande Industries, a world leader in providing material handling solutions, which include conveyor belts, was presented with a challenge when they sought to find ways to eliminate PVC from their products at the request of British Airways. After a process that required a significant commitment and investment Vanderlande created a new conveyor belt, called the Blueveyor, that replaced PVC with a recyclable polyester belt. The company went beyond this important innovation with many other innovations that make the Blueveyor 80% more energy efficient than its predecessor.
On behalf of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, I salute Vanderlande Industries for the hard work and leadership demonstrated to achieve Silver Certification for the Blueveyor.
Read more about the Cradle to Cradle Certified (CM) Blueveyor from:
Learn more about PVC:
- Should PVC be Banned in Schools and Daycare Facilities? Lloyd Alter of Treehugger referred this article to us. In it chemist Christine Lepisto discusses the issues surrounding PVC in a way that is highly understandable. She also discusses the notion of creating more sustainable types of PVC.