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Description
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Approximately three-quarters of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processed in Germany are used for building products. Due to long product lifespans, the quantities of PVC waste from building sector are currently significantly lower than the processing volumes. In the long-term, an increase in waste volumes is expected. The long product lifespans also mean that PVC waste from the construction sector may contain substances that were used in PVC production decades ago, which are now considered problematic. The aim of this study is to identify contaminant-related challenges for PVC cycles in the construction sector in Germany and to quantify them using a dynamic material flow model. The material flow model is based on an analysis of regulatory frameworks, literature and data research, as well as waste characterizations. Based on the analysis of regulatory frameworks, about 680 substances were identified that have been used in PVC applications in the construction sector. The use of 188 of these substances is regulated by the EU-POP Regulation, REACH, or CLP Regulation. Chemical analysis of waste PVC shows that old PVC products from the construction sector contain relevant concentrations of problematic substances such as lead, cadmium, and DEHP. Based on the dynamic material flow modeling, the current stock of PVC profiles, pipes, and flooring is estimated to be around 19 million metric tons. By 2050, it is expected that PVC waste from these applications will increase from 246,000 metric tons in 2022 to 449,000 metric tons. The material flow model also reveals that PVC waste from the construction sector is highly likely to still contain relevant concentrations of problematic substances in 2050. Therefore, to enable future material recycling of this PVC waste and establish clean material cycles, novel waste treatment technologies will be needed to remove contaminants and exploit increasing recycling potentials. (2025-04-09)
***This entry has been automatically imported via Infodoc(ASO) CSV by LIST harvest scripts. *** (2025-09-03)
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