The European PVC industry commits to address five key challenges:- Work towards the more efficient management of PVC throughout its life cycle.- Help to ensure that persistent organic compounds do not accumulate in nature and that other emissions are reduced. - Review the use of PVC additives and move towards more sustainable additives systems.- Help to minimize climate impacts through reducing energy and raw material use, potentially endeavoring to switch to renewable sources and promoting sustainable innovation.- Continue to build sustainability awareness across the value chain and external stakeholders.

In line with the Agenda 21 chapter 30 Strengthening the role of business and industry, the VinylPlus Voluntary Commitment has been developed bottom up with an open process of stakeholder dialogue. Five key sustainable development challenges have been identified for PVC, based on The Natural Step System Conditions for a Sustainable Society. VinylPlus considers the dialogue with all of its stakeholders and the involvement of an NGO as critical external friend a key factor for success.Specific Task Forces, composed of internal and external experts, provide guidelines and define approach and implementation tools to achieve the set targets.In this regard, it is of paramount importance a cradle to grave approach, involving the entire upstream and downstream chain from raw-material production to post-consumer waste. Sustainable consumption and production are only achievable looking at the entire life cycle of product and actively involving SMEs.With reference to the chapter V of JPOI, VinylPlus is cooperating with the EU new members and trade unions with the objective of raising health, safety, and environmental standards to higher levels and to harmonize sustainability goals. Furthermore, VinylPlus will engage in efforts to globalize the approach by encouraging similar voluntary initiatives elsewhere in the world.

As part of its commitment to promote its approach across the PVC industry worldwide, VinylPlus actively shares experience, knowledge and best practices with the other regional PVC associations at the global level in the bi-annual meetings of the GVC (Global Vinyl Council), as well as in other relevant conferences and events.

VinylPlus is managed by a comprehensive Board representing all European PVC industry sectors (resin and additives producers, plastics manufacturers).A Monitoring Committee guarantees an independent evaluation of the initiatives undertaken in the framework of the Voluntary Commitment and gives guidance and advice. Open to external stakeholders, the Committee currently includes representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, trade unions and consumer associations, as well as representatives from the European PVC industry. The Monitoring Committee plays a fundamental role in ensuring VinylPlus’ transparency, participation and accountability.

The European PVC industry value chain represented by the following four Associations: ECVM The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers); EuPC The European Plastics Converters (The European Plastics Converters); ESPA The European Stabiliser Producers Association (The European Stabiliser); European Plasticisers, former ECPI The European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (European Plasticisers). Openness, transparency and accountability of VinylPlus are guaranteed by an independent Monitoring Committee composed of representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, trade unions and consumer associations, as well as representatives of the European PVC industry. A Progress Report audited by independent sources is published every year.