This integrated approach includes a five-step process that can be embedded in a branded sustainability performance for the entire vinyl industry.

In 2017, VSC sponsored a Materiality Analysis to identify and prioritize sustainability options. The Materiality Analysis included a survey of internal and external industry stakeholders plus a literature review. The results of the survey and literature analysis helped identify potential Impact Categories, and subsidiary priority areas also known as “hotspots” in sustainability circles.

Based on the Materiality Analysis, VSC members selected three Impact Categories: (1) Resource Efficiency, (2) Health and Safety, and (3) Emissions. Efforts within each Impact Category are organized into one or more Priority Areas. For example, efforts within the Emissions Impact Category are organized by Emissions to Air, Emissions to Water, and Emissions to Soil Priority Areas. Each Priority Area has associated +Vantage Vinyl Goals and target dates.

The materiality analysis results identified six hotspots that rolled up to into three major categories of interest:

RESOURCEE EFFICIENCY: Waste Management & Recycling

HEALTH & SAFETY Community Health & Safety; User Health & Safety

EMISSIONS: Emissions to Air; Biodiversity & Emissions to Soil;
Emissions to Water

• Life-cycle assessment (LCA) to map the environment impact of a vinyl product from the raw materials to recycling and/or disposal.
• The VSC has created taskforce groups for each impact category. Those task group are addressing the hotspots, including creating a clear sustainability strategy, and communicating with stakeholders (e.g., architects, designers, consumers) on the progress made to date.
• Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs): In 2019, VSC members are establishing a bench marks for all six hotspots. Once the benchmarks are set, the VSC will establish targeted goals and KPIs.
• Reporting