The PVC pipe industry is an integral part of the VinylPlus® programme and is working to increase the recycling of PVC pipes across the EU. Collection schemes have been introduced and recycling undertaken through the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) with the support of Recovinyl®.
Around 30,000 tonnes of PVC pipes are recycled each year through the VinylPlus® programme. Since 2000, 850,000 tonnes of PVC pipes have been recycled. In addition, nearly 50,000 tonnes of recycled PVC are used in new pipes each year.
According to the latest Recovinyl Traceability Study, PVC pipes take up 10% of all PVC recyclate in Europe – the fourth largest application area for recycled PVC after windows and profiles, floor covering, and traffic management.
PVC pipes can be recycled mechanically again and again
PVC is an easily recyclable plastic, and PVC pipes are no exception. Studies show PVC pipes and other rigid PVC products can be recycled mechanically 8 to 10 times without losing their technical properties. This is because the recycling process does not measurably decrease the chain length of PVC molecules. For documentation, see below:
- Fumire, J. & Tan, S.R. (2012). How much recycled PVC in PVC pipes? Plastic Pipes Conference XVI, Barcelona.
- Leadbitter, J. & Bradley, J. Closed Loop Recycling Opportunities for PVC. IPTME Symposium, Loughborough University, 3-4 November 1997.
- Frank, Andreas & Messiha, Mario et al. (2021). Slow Crack Growth Resistance of reprocessed PVC. Plastic Pipes Conference PPXX, Amsterdam.
- Yarahmadi, Nazdaneh & Jakubowicz, Ignacy & Gevert, Thomas. (2001). Effects of repeated extrusion on the properties and durability of rigid PVC scrap. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 73. 93-99. 10.1016/S0141-3910(01)00073-8.
Understanding mechanical versus advanced recycling
Mechanical recycling involves the collection, sorting, and reprocessing of PVC pipes into new materials without altering the polymer’s chemical structure. This is the most energy-efficient recycling method and remains the top priority for plastic waste management, as recognised by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre.
In addition to mechanical recycling, PVC pipes are also suitable for advanced recycling. A recent breakthrough in dissolution technologies—a form of physical recycling—enables the removal of legacy additives such as lead and impurities such as other plastics, while keeping the polymer intact.
PVC can further be processed through chemical recycling. In a VinylPlus-led project, pyrolysis was successfully applied to a polyolefin feedstock containing up to 10% PVC waste.
Cost-Benefit Analyses confirm cost benefits of mechanical recycling
Recycling not only contributes to creation of green European jobs and resource, energy, and carbon savings. Through the methodology of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), it has been demonstrated that mechanical recycling versus incineration or landfilling yields significant cost benefits. Even as Europe grapples with the rise in energy costs, the economic rationale for PVC pipe recycling remains strong.
Recycled PVC with lead permitted in new pipes
In May 2023, the European Commission adopted a regulation aimed at restricting the use of lead in PVC products. It mandates a maximum lead content of 0.1% in all PVC products across the European market, including those that are imported.
Historically, European PVC pipe producers have been proactive in reducing lead usage in their products. This initiative began over 25 years ago, particularly in the Nordic countries, where producers voluntarily started phasing out lead-based stabilisers. This trend spread across Europe over the following decade, with a shift towards safer alternatives like calcium zinc- or calcium organic-based stabilisers.
10-year derogation for pipes
A notable aspect of the new regulation is the 10-year derogation it allows for the use of recycled rigid PVC containing lead, specifically in the middle layer of multilayer PVC pipes, with the exception of those used for drinking water. These particular products are permitted to contain up to 1.5% lead. However, they must be clearly marked, and the source of the recycled material needs to be certified by third party.
The regulation also specifies that 'lead-free' recycled rigid PVC, defined as having less than 0.1% lead content, is exempt from these new restrictions. This exemption allows PVC pipe manufacturers to continue using this material without any specific marking requirements, regardless of its origin.
Closed-loop recycling for profiles and sheets from May 2026
Additionally, the regulation introduces a closed-loop recycling obligation for lead-containing rigid PVC recyclate derived from profiles and sheets. There is a transition period extending until the end of May 2026 for this requirement. Post this date, manufacturers will be prohibited from using recycled material containing lead from PVC profiles and sheets in the production of multilayer PVC pipes. This three-year transition period is designed to give manufacturers time to enhance their collection schemes and increase the use of end-of-life PVC pipes in manufacturing.
Discover how TEPPFA prepared PVC pipe manufacturers to comply with the regulation in the video below:
Circular economy of PVC pipes in Europe
Discover how the European PVC and PVC pipe industry is contributing in the animation from TEPPFA and VinylPlus.
