About the campaign
The ‘6 Steps to Sustainability’ campaign is about helping to sustain a healthy environment for future generations. Altro has always accepted its ethical responsibilities and we have now identified six key areas where we can improve further.
By assessing where we are at present and identifying challenging targets for the near future Altro aims to set high standards for social and environmental responsibility. We recognise this will not always be an easy task but feel it is an important part of our development as a business. As a commercial organisation one of our key objectives is to generate profit, provide jobs and contribute to the local economy. It is our fundamental belief that we can achieve this and also have a positive effect on the wider community and the environment.
For a number of years Altro has been putting measures in place to improve our sustainability performance. This campaign is about recognising our successes and identifying key areas that we can tackle as we move forward.
Top 10 FAQs about PVC
1. Is PVC Safe To Use?
PVC has been safely used for over 50 years and is now the most researched and tested plastic in the world. It meets standards in some of most heavily regulated industries such as food and drink, medical and sanitation.
2. What Is A Dioxin?
A dioxin is a toxic chemical released into the atmosphere from the incineration of almost anything.
3. Is PVC Production A Major Source Of Dioxin Emissions?
Only very small amounts of dioxin are generated during PVC production. Dioxin emissions have actually halved in last 30 years even though PVC production has increased by 300% The PVC industry is strictly regulated and the highest dioxin concentration allowed from industrial discharges is 0.1 ng/cubic metre of emission.
The dioxin concentration in the vicinity of a standard barbecue cooking meat has been measured at 0.7 ng/cubic metre i.e. seven times greater than the industrial concentration limit. (Robin des Bois, France, 2003)
4. Does The Incineration of PVC Waste Produce Large Amounts Of Dioxins?
Incineration of PVC waste in a properly operated incinerator has a negligible effect on overall dioxin emissions.
5. How Is PVC Flooring Managed At End Of Life?
PVC flooring can be recycled, incinerated or land filled safely. PVC manufacturers generally recycle their own waste into things like traffic cones or back into their own products.
6. Does PVC Pose A Particular Problem In A Building Fire?
Compared to other building materials, PVC is slow to catch fire as the chlorine is flame retardant. Upon ignition, PVC self extinguishes and most PVC products will not continue to burn once the flame source is removed. Presence of small amounts of HCL in a fire may act as an early warning system
7. Do Natural Products Like Wood, Linoleum And Ceramic Materials Perform Better Environmentally Than PVC?
Environmental performance can be measured in a number of different ways.
When you take into account the durability and life span of a product it can often outweigh any concerns about the manufacturing process.
8. How Energy Efficient Is PVC?
PVC uses 15% less energy in production than linoleum and considerably less energy than ceramics. Because of its durability, vinyl flooring does not have to be replaced as often as many other types of flooring.
9. Does Vinyl Flooring Contribute To Poor Indoor Air Quality By Releasing VOC’s?
Practically all indoor materials and products give off VOC’s. Vinyl flooring has been tested and found to have little, if any, long term impact on indoor air quality.
10. Are Phthalate Plasticisers Used In The Manufacture Of Vinyl Flooring Hazardous?
There is no evidence of adverse effects when properly used in vinyl flooring as phthalate plasticisers are tightly held in polymer, limiting contact or release into the environment.