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PVC PVC Alternatives Database Provided by Greenpeace Roofing and Building Membranes
PVC
PVC Alternatives Database
Provided by Greenpeace
Roofing and Building Membranes
Tensile or stressed fabric structures have become common alternatives to
conventional roofs and structures in recent years, particularly for buildings
used for social gatherings or of a semi-permanent nature. Problems associated
with PVC stressed fabric are toxic emissions during welding and the release of
toxic fumes in the case of a fire. PVC geomembranes are also used as linings in
outdoor landscaping, for example in ponds.
Insulation
The use of PVC profiles in cavity closure insulation is increasing. Insulation
bonded to polyethylene profiles is an alternative. Sound barriers are also made
of PVC, although alternatives of EVA extruded sheet are also available.
Exteriors; Siding, Cladding, Profiles & Coatings
PVC siding or cladding is widely used in the USA and to a lesser extent
elsewhere. There are many alternatives on the market including solid wood,
plywood, strand board, wood-resin composites, stucco, fibre cement, masonite as
well as aluminium. Siding must withstand all types of weather, look attractive
and be affordable to buy and install.
If using wood, the buyer should ensure that the product is from a certified
sustainable source (Forest Stewardship Council certified).
Windows and Doors
Despite the claims made for PVC-u windows and doors (PVC-u stands for
unplasticised PVC) wooden window frames have advantages over PVC. PVC-u windows
do degrade, they are not maintenance free and worst of all they cannot be
repaired where necessary.
Developments in timber window design and finishing products mean that modern,
high performance timber windows need minimal maintenance and potentially have a
significantly longer life than PVC-u. Though maintenance of high performance
timber windows is easy and minimal some may consider that they are not suitable
for high rise buildings. In this case aluminium and wood combination windows
should be considered in preference to PVC.
High performance, double-glazed, timber windows need not cost more than PVC-u
equivalents. In the UK the National Housing Federation and some local
authorities have found PVC-u window frames to be more expensive in terms of
initial capital cost and more expensive or equal to timber over the lifetime of
the windows.
Reclaimed wood or local timbers can be used. In general wooden windows can last
for over fifty years and even after that time can be renovated whereas PVC
windows have to be totally replaced after 20 - 25 years.
Look out for sustainable timber Timber is repairable, adaptable and durable. From well managed sources it is a
sustainable, environmentally friendly resource. Independent certification by the
Forestry Stewardship Council should be sought as proof of acceptable forestry
practices. As long as care is also taken in the choice of preservatives, paints
and stains, timber windows are by far the best environmental choice.
Other Polymers - In Berlin, where PVC restrictions on building are in force, new
polyolefin windows from were installed by the City Council in May 1996. In
Austria leading PVC window manufacturing company, Internorm, have developed a
VC/chlorine-free plastic window frame.
Interiors; flooring
Alternatives to PVC flooring are easy to find, are competitively priced and
perform as well as, if not better than PVC.
Natural materials - Ceramic tiles and marble are highly durable. Stone and
terrazos are also traditional, durable materials. When a softer floor surface is
required, wood, cork and linoleum can be used. Cork is indigenous to the
Mediterranean region. It is hard- wearing, very sound absorbent and popular
because it is agreeable to walk on due to reflection of warmth and its natural
bounce. Cork floor coverings are available with untreated or sealed surfaces.
Types which are sealed with artificial resins (polyurethane) or PVC should be
avoided.
Wood - Wood is a natural alternative to PVC flooring which is very durable and
can be renovated by planing or sanding. Increasingly, reclaimed wood floors are
available. If using new wood it is important to source wood from certified
forests where clear-cutting and other environmentally damaging practises are
banned.
Linoleum once dominated the market for elastic floorings before the 1950s trend
for synthetic materials. Linoleum is made of renewable materials and consists
mainly of vegetable linseed oil to which a natural resin is added. The mixture
is spread on hessian fabric and the surface treated with water-based acrylic
dispersion paint. Linoleum has very low flammability, is antistatic, light
resistant, sound-absorbent, resistant to fats and oils and has a natural
antibacterial effect.
Renovation: Cork and wooden flooring can be renovated and for that reason, this
flooring has a longer durability which often justifies the higher costs of
fitting. Linoleum can also be partially renovated to repair normal wear and
tear.
Synthetic materials for special cases could be rubber and other polymers.
Rubber - Several companies produce rubber floor coverings. Particularly in
situations such as airports or sports stadiums where floor coverings have to met
great demands in durability, rubber floor coverings have proven effective.
Rubber flooring which contains chlorine-based ingredients should be avoided.
Ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) type rubber is recommended by the Danish
Environmental Protection Agency as an alternative to PVC.
Other polymers - Polyolefin floor coverings (PP and PE) are now offered by
leading flooring manufacturers such as the French company Tarkett Sommer and the
British company Amtico. The main application for polyolefin flooring is for
industrial use but flooring for domestic use is also available. They are
non-flammable, sound absorbent and resistant to wear and tear. Interiors: walls & decoration
Sheet-style vinyl wall coverings are sought after by consumers who are looking
for a lightweight, durable, washable and easily installed material that can be
applied to standard wall systems. There are many alternatives that can offer the
same qualities, which are made of sustainably acquired materials, and which do
not present the health hazards inherent to PVC (vinyl).
Electrical Equipment
All the alternative cable types have better properties than PVC in the event of
a fire. They generate less smoke, do not release hydrochloric acid or dioxins
and have fire-resistant qualities which match or outstrip PVC. All PVC-free
cables cost more at present but will drop in price as consumer and
municipalities demand safer material use.
The use of PVC-free electrical cables is growing, particularly in the
transportation sector, where safety is critical. Many underground railway
systems in the USA and Europe use PVC free cables (also known as low-smoke,
zero-halogen or LSOH cables); Vienna, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Bilbao and London all
avoid PVC cables underground. Similarly, Eurotunnel, Deutche Bahn, P & O Cruises
and the US Navy all specify PVC free cables.
Electrical cables manufacturers have already developed and marketed several
halogen-free alternatives to PVC cable as a result of concern over PVC
combustion emissions. When cable is designated halogen-free this means it cannot
contain PVC or any other organo-chlorine based chemicals.
The main alternative power cables use polyethylene as an insulation and
sheathing material. Rubber sheathed cables are also available. Also included in
this section are alternatives to PVC for fittings, duct, and trunking, for
example, polyethylene and steel are alternatives to PVC pipes for electricity
cables.
Pipelines and Accessories
One of the largest uses of unplasticised PVC (known as u-PVC) is in rigid pipes
for above ground and underground drainage, gas pipes and electrical cables (see
the above Electrical equipment section).
There are a range of traditional and new material alternative to PVC in
above/below ground and indoor/outdoor piping. Many alternatives offer the same
or improved qualities over PVC and do not pose the same lifecycle hazards.
For underground sewage pipes vitrified clay pipes are suitable and are very
durable. The expected service life of a clay pipe is commonly given as 100 years
- 5-4 times longer than a PVC system. Clay pipes also have a high resistance to
chemicals in waste water. Alternative materials to PVC in sewage pipes may
perform better over time: the city of Nyborg in Denmark reported that the PVC
main sewage pipe had become extremely brittle and required frequent replacement.
In the UK, Anglian Water specify polyethyle