Recovinyl is urging major retailers, wholesalers and distributors to stock products containing recycled PVC material amid general growing consumer awareness and support for sustainability and environmental issues. The PVC industry's recycling initiative has launched a major campaign to encourage greater use of plastic recyclate in new products, especially in the construction and DIY sectors.

A Europe-wide scheme, Recovinyl has been particularly successful in the UK.

In 2006, over 20,000 tonnes of post-use PVC products - mostly PVC-U profile - were recycled; more than double the original target.

The 2007 figure is expected to be even greater.

Recent commitments to sustainability by high-profile companies, such as Tescos, Sainsburys and Marks and Spencer, reflect current trends towards priority of environmental issues in the retail/construction sectors.

Hence retailers are increasingly looking to stock environmentally-friendly products to gain a competitive edge.

Examples range from garden furniture to building products, pipes and conservatory components.

Recovinyl is currently discussing marketing opportunities and product development options with a number of leading construction sector retailers and small builders' suppliers who are keen to stock products containing PVC recyclate.

According to Roger Morton of Axion Recycling, Recovinyl's UK agents, there is growing interest in the concept.

'Because PVC can be recycled into a high quality and versatile polymer that can be cost-effectively re-used in so many new products, we are experiencing considerable levels of interest from companies, particularly in the building and DIY markets.' Roger explains: 'With the rapid growth in volumes being recycled, recyclers are always looking for new outlets for PVC recyclate, particularly in the retail and building sectors.

Manufacturers have the added benefits of cost-savings in using recycled PVC compared to using more expensive virgin material, as well as promoting the eco- credentials of their products'.

He adds: 'We would like to hear from suppliers with existing products using recycled PVC content, or those with creative proposals for new items incorporating recyclate; particularly in the construction and DIY sectors.

Such items could include ducting, flooring, pipe or even concrete replacement goods like paving stones or garden edging blocks.

'Given the growing awareness of 'green' issues, products with recycled content are attracting increasing interest and our initial research indicates that retailers are looking to stock these items.' Recovinyl is funded by the PVC industry body Vinyl 2010 formed to demonstrate commitment to sustainable development.

It is backed by the British Plastics Federation and supported by the Waste and Resources Action Programme.

For more information, contact Axion Recycling on 0161 426 7731 or visit the website.