This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Press Room
Vinyl Industry Leaders Advocate Use of Vinyl in Water and Clean Energy Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, DC, March 15, 2023 – Today, U.S. vinyl industry leaders met with 45 Congressional offices during the Vinyl Institute’s annual Congressional Fly-in event in Washington, DC. They discussed how vinyl material attributes and products are part of the solution when it comes to reducing our nation’s carbon footprint, especially for water and clean energy infrastructure.
“Industry leaders are underscoring the role that vinyl products can play in reducing carbon emissions,” said Ned Monroe, President & CEO of the Vinyl Institute. “Vinyl is often a lower carbon alternative relative to other materials for water and clean energy infrastructure.”
Many vinyl building products are known for durability and are in use for an extended period, minimizing the carbon impact of replacement materials. For example, life cycle assessments and studies show that PVC pipe can have a service life of 100+ years and has a low break rate compared to other piping materials, which results in less carbon being emitted for repairs and replacement.
The performance attributes of many PVC products can also reduce carbon impacts where they are applied. For instance, PVC pipes used in water systems provide long-term pumping energy savings due to corrosion resistance, smooth walls, and large conveyance area. In addition, the amount of embodied energy used to produce PVC pipe is significantly less than other piping materials. The non-corrosiveness of PVC pipe also makes it an optimal choice in phosphate and nitrate abatement systems on farms. And, inherently fire-resistant PVC-jacketed cable and wiring and PVC conduit will be instrumental in the implementation of broadband and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
About the Vinyl Institute
The Vinyl Institute, founded in 1982, is a U.S. trade organization representing the leading manufacturers of vinyl, vinyl chloride monomer, and vinyl additives and modifiers. The Vinyl Institute serves as the voice for the vinyl industry, engaging industry stakeholders in shaping the future of the vinyl industry. The U.S. vinyl industry encompasses nearly 3,000 vinyl manufacturing facilities, more than 350,000 employees and an overall economic value of $54B. To learn more about the Vinyl Institute, please visit vinylinfo.org.