PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Alternatives in Building Materials
PVC has replaced many “traditional” building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas. For almost all PVC applications, more environmentally friendly alternatives exist that use more sustainable, traditional, local materials. PVC can also be replaced by a variety of other, less environmentally damaging plastics, such as polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and bio-based plastics. Bio-based plastics can be made out of products obtained from natural living raw materials such as starch, cellulose (from wood or cotton), horn (hardened protein) and raw rubber. The advantage of bio-polymers is that they readily degrade and can be composted. Converted natural polymers include vulcanized rubber, vulcanized fiber, celluloid and casein protein.
Below is a table containing many common uses of PVC in buildings and corresponding alternative materials. The table is not comprehensive, but gives a good overview of alternatives.
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| Piping | Cast iron, steel, vitrified clay, concrete, copper, and plastics such as HDPE (High Density Polyethylene |
| Siding | Fiber-cement board, certified sustainable wood, polypropylene, acrylic, stucco, brick. aluminum |
| Roofing Membranes | Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPOs) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) membranes, low slope metal roofing |
| Flooring and Carpet | Natural linoleum, bamboo, ceramic tile, carpeting with natural fiber backing, reclaimed or sustainable wood, cork, recycled rubber, concrete, Stratica and other nonchlorinated plastics. |
| Wall Coverings | Natural fibers (wood, wool, etc.), polyethylene, polyester, paint, tiles. |
| Electrical Insulation and Sheathing | Halogen free, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), thermoset crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) |
| Windows and Doors | Recycled, reclaimed or certified sustainable wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. |
| Furniture | Wood, metal, textiles, leather, and chlorine-free plastics such as butadiene-polyamide copolymer |
see also:
Alternatives
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Lawsuit- Alternative Building MaterialsPVC Polyvinyl Chloride- Alternative Building Materials for PVC
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PVC Plastic Lawsuit Info - Polyvinyl Chloride - FREE Resource CenterPVC Polyvinyl Chloride- Environmental Pollution Learn More Information
