One of the most important environmental aspects and benefits of PVC is in the origin of its main feedstock: chlorine, ethylene, and water. Marine salt, a renewable resource in nature that gives origin to chlorine, represents 57% of the PVC compound. The rest (43%) is obtained from petroleum, used in the form of ethylene.

Because of this low dependence on petroleum, PVC consumes less than 0.3% of the petroleum extracted in the world. All the polymers combined consume 4% of the petroleum worldwide, while 86% are used in less rational applications such as air conditioning, transportation, and the generation of energy.

These facts alone are enough to understand that PVC is a plastic that meets one of the basic requisites of Sustainable Development.



"Sustainable Development is one that meets the present needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs." (Brundtland Commission)

This concept, discussed and approved during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio 92), is a broad and advanced vision of the obligation that mankind has in promoting development to the utmost of his needs and capacities, while preserving the integrity of the natural and human resources, which will be the source for the continual development of the future generations.

The PVC production chain has given important contribution to Sustainable Development. This product is completely inserted in the pillars of sustainability since it helps preserve the natural resources, improves people's quality of life, and contributes to economic growth. Below are the main highlights:

The main feedstock for PVC is marine salt, which is a natural renewable    resource.
PVC can be recycled many times without losing its original properties.
PVC is the resin of greatest application in the medical field.
PVC packing keeps food and medication from getting contaminated.
PVC products help protect the environment. For example, PVC windows and    doors provide excellent thermal insulation resulting substantial savings with    energy.
Competitive costs, installation ease, and low maintenance make PVC    products perfectly adequate to meet basic needs: housing, sanitation, water    supply, and medical care.