Key Insights from PVC4Cables & PVC4Pipes Conference (16-17 Oct, 2024): Advancing Sustainability and Safety

The 4th PVC4Cables Conference, held in Prague, brought together industry leaders to explore innovations and address challenges in the field of PVC cables. Several notable takeaways shed light on how PVC cables are advancing in terms of both sustainability and performance.

Halogen-Free vs. PVC Cables: Misconceptions and Facts: Cardelli Camillo highlighted that Flame Retardant Low Smoke (FRLS) PVC cables can achieve the same safe CPR fire classification (B2) as halogen-free cables, debunking the misconception that halogen-free is always safer in fire situations. Gianluca Sarti from REAGENS S.P.A. emphasized that acidity alone is inadequate in representing smoke toxicity. For instance, carbon monoxide (CO), the most common toxic element in fires, is not acidic, underscoring that smoke corrosivity does not equal toxicity.

Innovative Flame Retardancy: Using Bio-Based Chlorinated Esters: Dr. Camillo shared research demonstrating that increasing chlorine content in PVC cable formulations, using bio-based chlorinated esters, significantly boosts flame retardancy. This groundbreaking discovery not only enhances performance in EN 50399 burning tests but also improves the environmental footprint.

????????-???????? ????????????????????: TEPPFA 's initiatives toward replacing lead-based additives with sustainable alternatives like calcium-zinc stabilizers have been critical for green building solutions.??

???????????????? ?????? ??????????????????: INEOS Inovyn's Project Circle has successfully extracted lead, cadmium, and phthalates from PVC, taking PVC recycling to a whole new level of compliance with REACH regulations.??

???????????????????????? ???? ???????? ???????????? Bio-based chlorinated esters are transforming PVC cable formulations, drastically improving flame retardancy while boosting environmental performance. ????

?????????????????????? ??????????: The Walloon consortium and Belgium's DISSOLV project are leading the way in full-circle recycling processes for PVC waste, especially in construction and flexible applications like flooring and tarps.??

PVC4Pipes Conference 2024: Leading the Way in Pipe Innovation and Circularity

The PVC4Pipes Conference, also held in Prague, highlighted significant advancements in the development of sustainable and high-performance PVC pipes. With a clear focus on innovation and circularity, the conference showcased multiple breakthroughs shaping the future of infrastructure.

• VOC Emission Reduction in Solvent Cement Rajesh Ranjan , Director of R&D at Weld-On, addressed the growing need to reduce VOC emissions in solvent cement. With stricter regulations coming into place, Weld-On is developing low-emission products that perform just as well as traditional adhesives. This is particularly relevant for both indoor and outdoor pipe installations, where addressing VOC emissions is crucial for regulatory compliance.
• Evolving Stabilization Technologies in PVC Pipe Applications Dr. Stefan Fokken of Baerlocher Group highlighted global advancements in stabilizer technologies. From calcium-based solutions for PVC-O to tin-free options for C-PVC applications, these innovations are enabling the industry to meet new regulatory demands while enhancing sustainability.
• 100+ Year Design Lifetime for PVC-U Pressure Pipes Joaquín Lahoz Castillo from CEISLAB shared insights on achieving a 100-year design lifetime for PVC-U pressure pipes. By using appropriate formulations and processing techniques, such as the Ca/Zn stabilized S-PVC K66-68 compound, alongside stringent quality control measures like DSC analysis, the long-term performance of PVC-U pipes can be significantly enhanced.
• Thermoforming Innovation in PVC-O Pipes Marco Secchiari of Sica SpA - Lifetime value for pipes introduced a new thermoforming process for integrating Rieber socket joints in PVC-O pipes. This method ensures compatibility with global standards, making it a valuable addition to pressurized water distribution.
• Leading the Charge in PVC Pipe Sustainability PVC4Pipes is actively driving innovation in resilient infrastructure. As the leading European platform, the organization collaborates with over 20 partners across the entire value chain, promoting the use of PVC in critical applications like water management and energy distribution. Their ongoing efforts to support circular practices are helping the industry move towards a more sustainable future.

The PVC4Pipes Conference clearly demonstrated that the future of PVC pipes lies in innovation, sustainable practices, and an industry-wide commitment to circularity. Avlante is proud to engage with thought leaders and innovators at such events, cementing our role as a key player in the PVC industry.