A series of new studies have renewed pressures on corporations and governments to phase out the use of toxic, nonrecyclable PVC packaging. PVC is toxic in all stages of its life-cycle. Its manufacture involves the use of deadly chemicals like vinyl chloride, which is highly carcinogenic and has caused the deaths of many PVC factory workers. Furthermore, toxins within PVC can be released in our homes and enter our bodies, including deadly dioxin and worrisome phthalates, which were banned in children's toys by 2007's AB 1108 (Ma). PVC is also a dangerous toxin in its end-of-life stage. PVC is largely non-recyclable due to the high costs and releases of toxins involved with the process, so most is landfilled or incinerated. Both methods of disposal can lead to the release of dioxins, hydrogen chloride gas and other toxins into the environment.

A series of new studies have highlighted the dangerous processes used in PVC packaging production, especially PVC packaging imported from overseas. One study commissioned by the US EPA and California Department of Toxic Substances Control found that over 60% of PVC packaging tested was in violation of California law for unacceptable high levels of toxic heavy metals. In 2006, Governer Schwarzenegger's Ocean Protection Council—a multi-agency government task-force—recommended banning vinyl chloride plastic packaging.

While PVC is still used widely in construction—despite mounting evidence alternatives have almost reached cost-parity—a consensus has grown that the use of disposable PVC retail packaging constitutes an unacceptible environmental and human health risk, as evidenced by the slew of high-profile corporations, including Wal-Mart, Target, Sears and Microsoft pledged to phase out its use. Furthermore, PVC packaging has raised environmental justice concerns because—among other factors—it is mainly used in low-cost toys and pet packaging applications. Use of PVC is being phased out on a national scale in Germany, Finland and Spain.

Additional Information:

• AB 954 (Brownley) - PVC Packaging Phase-Out
• Economics of Phasing out PVC - Tufts University
• PVC and its Effects on PET Recycling - Grass Roots Recycling Network
• Lead and Cadmium present in 61% of PVC Packaging Tested - Toxics in Packaging Clearing House
• PVC White Paper - Center for Health, Environment and Justice
• An Overview of National and Regional Laws on PVC Use - Greenpeace
• Aggregate Exposure to Phthalates in Humans - Health Care Without Harm
• Resolution on Marine Debris (See No. 11) - California Ocean Protection Council:
• California Toxic Packaging Law