The Chlorine Chemistry Division, in partnership with the Vinyl Institute, has completed an economic analysis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the U.S. and Canada. The study found that PVC products save U.S. and Canadian consumers over $20 billion per year.
Approximately three-quarters of the PVC resin consumed in 2007 in the U.S. and Canada was fabricated into products used in construction, including pipes, siding, windows, doors, fencing decking, electrical conduit and roofing. The great majority of large diameter (greater than 10 cm) installed pressure water and sanitary sewer pipe in the U.S. and Canada is made of PVC, a tribute to its low cost, ease of installation and reliability. Nevertheless, the greatest economic benefit to consumers per pound of PVC consumed is derived from water pipes and fittings of diameter less than 10 cm. Traditional metal pipes and fittings in this size range are more expensive to purchase and install, and are generally less durable and reliable. This case study is the ninth in a series that addresses chlorine chemistry’s economic contributions to critical end uses such as pharmaceuticals, crop protection, electronics and fluorocarbons. Contact: Mary Ostrowski, (703) 741-5821.
