Evaluation of environmental impacts in PVC sector: the case of Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of PVC and provide recommendations to the industry to increase sustainability. The analysis first takes into account the effects at the product level, then moves on to the national level. According to the findings, total global warming potential (GWP) is estimated at 3 kg CO₂ eq./kg PVC. The raw material supply stage is the most significant hotspot for all environmental impacts. The emissions and energy consumption associated with the production of PVC have been significantly reduced by increasing the recycling rate. The total annual GWP of the PVC profile sector in Turkey is estimated at around 1294 kt CO₂ eq., which corresponds to nearly 0.3% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. Policymakers, construction companies, PVC manufacturers, and users will be interested in the findings of this paper, which will allow them to make more informed decisions about the plastic industry.