PVC Stabilizers And Their Role In The Recycling Process

Everybody is aware of the thermal benefits of Polyvinyl Chloride stabilizers. Some even know about its uses. But how many of them are aware of its role in the environment? It might come as a surprise to many how these stabilizers can help in recycling and promote waste disposal.

With time, these stabilizers have been added to different synthetic materials before they are released into the environment. This has allowed for controlling any kind of hazardous activity in the environment even if it involves giving rise to soil contamination.

Impact of PVC Stabilizers on the Environment

There have been three different ways by which PVC stabilizers have impacted the environment, especially in controlling its infectious nature. Let's learn how:

1. Recycling

PVC products, especially the ones that are separated and cleaned post use are easily recycled. These applications contain heat-based stabilizers like lead and cadmium that increase their life-expectancy. Besides this, they can be recycled in case they enter the waste stream.

Organic-based stabilizers used in pipes, flooring, and other industries in the world use PVC only for the ease of recycling after they have reached the end of their life.

2. Incineration

Along with the recycling method, the PVC stabilizers also help in incineration. There have been a few studies that have concluded that the metals present in the PVC compounds contain very less amounts of metals. However, high technology has been used to find out whether there is any amount of waste present in the residue or not.

The results of a few tests conducted with the stabilizers have shown that PVC packaging and other applications do not contain any kind of lead or cadmium.

3. Landfill

In the different landfill sites, PVC wastes from the organic-based stabilizers contain household and packaging applications that consist of calcium and zinc. However, it has been concluded that the typical amount of waste for PVC is always less than 1 percent. On the other hand, the metal content will be within 2 percent even if the waste consists of particles from the construction.

The levels that are chosen for the landfill are deep underground. Some of them even consist of calcium-zinc or barium-zinc systems. These are known as biodegradable landfill sites.

These were some of the most effective and positive impacts of Polyvinyl Chloride stabilizers and how it contributes to the environment.