Document 6BY8bjrK4EZgBeQ8qRw9kM3n1

ninutes 4 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING The Rittenhouse Hotel 210 West Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday September 20, 1989 8:00 a.m. Attendees: John Avento, M & T Chemicals J. Alan Bailey, Occidental Chemical Pat Benkner, The Vinyl Institute Frank Borrelli, Georgia Gulf Corporation Greg Boyd, Kaneka Texas Charles Bush, BFGoodrich Company Bill Carroll, Occidental Chemical Peter de la Cruz, Keller and Heckman Rick Flammer, Vista Chemical Roy Gottesman, The Vinyl Institute Don Knechtges, BFGoodrich Company Ed Martinelli, BFGoodrich Company William Patient, BFGoodrich Company Dave Peters, Occidental Chemical Robert Petrich, Rohm and Haas Company Michael Reynolds, Vista Chemical Company John Russ, Borden Chemicals & Plastics Meredith Scheck, The Vinyl Institute Ed Schiffer, Georgia Gulf Corporation Erv Schroeder, Shintech Inc. Doug Sherly, Air Products and Chemicals Rick Smith, Vista Chemical Company Carrie Solin, Rohm and Haas Company Vic Struber, Argus Division, Witco Corp. John York, European Vinyls Corporation I. OPENING OF MEETING AND SELF-INTRODUCTIONS Executive Board Chairman, H. R. Flammer convened the meeting and asked for self-introductions. Mr. Flammer informed the Board that deceased Board member, Mr. Robert Bitten of Lucidol would be replaced by Mr. George Kuzma, Vice President Marketing. Dr. Gottesman noted that a contribution had been made in Mr. Bitten's memory to a charitable organization designated by his family. A moment of silence in Mr. Bitten's memory followed. SPI-09287 The Vinyl Institute, A Division of The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. Wayne Interchange Plaza II, 155 Route 46 West, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, (201) 890-9299 2 II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF KAY 9. 1989 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING Mr. Russ moved that the minutes of the May 9, 1989 meeting as included under Tab A of the briefing book for this meeting be approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Schiffer and approved by voice vote. III. FINANCIAL MATTERS A. Final Fiscal Year 1988-1989 Budget Statements Dr. Gottesman reviewed the statement of final revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year ending May 31, 1989 as found under Tab B of the briefing book, as well as a reconciliation of the actual carry forward for fiscal year 1989-1990 and a companion of actual expenditures v. budget for fiscal year 1988-1989. Dr. Gottesman noted that the fiscal year 1988-1989 fund balance of $77,505 reflects the payment of $162,270 for the California EIR Worker Health Study. B. status of Current Expenditures Dr. Gottesman reviewed the Summary Statement of Revenue, Core Support and Other Income for Fiscal Year 1989-1990 reflecting revised funds available of $1,341,943 composed of - assessments of $1,020,000; SPI core support of $228,438; PRARI refund of $16,000; and carry forward of $77,505. Dr. Gottesman noted that for FY 1989-1990 expenses approved at the May 9, 1989 Annual Meeting are $1,356,560. If indirect and direct expenses are expended at this budgeted level, there will be an operating deficit of $14,617. Mr. Schiffer reminded the Executive Board that the total expense budget for FY 1989-1990 is less than the total actual expenditures for these same categories for FY 1988-1989. Reviewing expenses incurred through July 31, 1989, Dr. Gottesman noted that the fund balance was $375,523. He further commented that his calculations showed an unofficial fund balance through August 31, 1989 of approximately $290,000. Mr. Schiffer commented that the VI Executive Board should be mindful of the fact that programs to be presented during the course of the meeting will have a negative impact on the budget. Mr. Schiffer asked that all task force/committee chairmen be asked to re-examine programs and budgets for the current fiscal year and preliminary budget needs for next fiscal year. Mr. Schiffer sug gested that further discussion on the budget be held until the completion of the solid waste discussions. SPI-09288 3 IV. SPECIAL PROJECT AND ISSUE UPDATES AND DISCUSSIONS A. Solid Waste Management 1. VI Recycling Task Force Dr. Gottesman reviewed the activities of the Recycling Task rorce since it was authorized by the Executive Board at the special session following the 1989 VI Annual Meeting at Callaway Gardens. Background information on the June 29th and August 2nd task force meetings, as well as the August 10th meeting with the Center For Plastics Recycling Research and related items are included under Tab D of the briefing book for this meeting. Dr. Gottesman noted that for purposes of developing a program, the Task Force viewed it as having four components: collection, FVC separation, clean up/recovery; and commercial aspects, including end market and product development. a. Collection Dr. Gottesman reviewed discussions held with Wellman and Browning Ferris on August 24th, noting that Wellman is now the nation's largest PET bottle recycler. Dr. Gottesman stated that along with Frank Borrelli and Bill Carroll he met with the Waste Management/DuPont joint venture personnel (Plastics Recycling Alliance Partnership) on September 7th. Dr. Gottesman further noted that he is scheduled to meet on September 28, 1989 with personnel from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation. He noted that efforts in Rhode Island as they relate to plastics recycling at the present time, are focused on soda and milk bottles. In summary. Dr. Gottesman stated that those involved in the collection activities discussed above, have expressed a willingness to work with the vinyl industry to assure that any separation technology developed can be efficiently and effectively incorporated into their commercial collection/sortation ac tivities. SPI-09289 4 Separation Rutaers - Center For Plastics Recycling Research - Dr. Carroll reviewed discussions held with the Center For Plastics Recycling Research and the preliminary proposal discussed at the Recycling Task Force Meeting for the purchase and installation of x-ray fluorescence technology from ASOMA as detailed in the material included under Tab D of the briefing book for this meeting. Dr. Gottesman noted that on August 10th, he, Bill Carroll and Frank Borrelli met with the CPRR principals to discuss the preliminary proposal and its implementation. Dr. Gottesman noted that following this meeting, an official proposal was received September 5th for $199,700 which represented a significant increase over the preliminary proposal. Govoni Technology - Dr. Gottesman noted that he has had further discussions with representa tives of the International Food Machinery (IFM is the U.S. affiliate of Govoni) regarding the purchase of the Govoni technology used to detect PVC in a mixed resin bottle stream, beyond those discussed in the background material under Tab D of the briefing book. Dr. Gottesman reported that at this time, IFM is interested in selling only an entire MRF, at a cost of approximately U.S. $2 million. National Recovery Technology Inc. - Dr. Gottesman noted that as a result of a story in the August 28th edition of Crane's Plastic News members of the Recycling Task Force had become aware of a project at National Recovery Technology (NRT) of Nashville to develop a system to remove chlorinated plastics from incinerator feed. Dr. Gottesman noted that the project, in two phases, is being funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Small Business Innovation Research Grant. Dr. Gottesman reviewed a September 8th telephone conversation he had with NRT Vice-President, Dr. Edward Sommer and a meeting held September 13th with Dr. Sommer and his colleagues attended by Drs. Carroll and Gottesman. Dr. Carroll noted that he and Dr. Gottesman had signed secrecy agreements, which had allowed them to review the results of Phase I of the SPI-09290 5 NRT project in which light and heavy PVC (film and rigid containers) could uniquely be distinguished from other plastic materials at a depth of 3-6 inches of mixed garbage. Dr. Carroll noted that during these discussions, NRT personnel had a high degree of confidence that the system is workable and that it would take an additional $150,000 to fully develop the process over the next 6-8 month time frame. Dr. Carroll recommended that the VI Executive Board considering funding work at NRT at a suggested level of $150,000, with a smaller grant to Rutgers ($50,000 level suggested), with the participation of Wellman in some form to assure that there is something industrially operational at the end of the project. Mr. Patient inquired who would own the technology and whether that should be considered in moving forward. Dr. Carroll noted that he and Dr. Gottesman had not discussed the licensing of the technology, but that NRT, like ASOMA, would be interested in selling machinery. Mrs. Solin commented that the Vinyl Packaging Council was interested in activities which could lead to more than just bottle separation programs (i.e., film), and the urgent need to move forward in the recycling area across packaging product lines. Mr. Sherly inquired as to whether there are additional sources of funds beyond the VI that we could help coordinate so as to move the NRT program forward. c. Clean-Up/Recovery Mr. Flammer noted that he had his staff review the economics of a clean-up recovery program and commented that depending on the size of the plant, if one purchased the material at $0.05/pound, the program may or may not be profitable in the $0.25/pound range. Mr. Patient commented that a new set of economics will be brought into the industry by others and urged that industry view this activity as a cost of doing business. Mr. Patient commented that he believed that industry could coopera tively work together on end-use market develop ments . SPI-09291 6 Commercial Aspects Dr. Gottesman noted that at the August 2nd Recycling Task Force Meeting, it was agreed that the Legal Committee chaired by Robert Luss of Occidental be asked to develop a proposed structure by which the vinyl industry par ticipants could organize to conduct R & D and related commercial activities on a separated PVC-rich stream. In Mr. Luss1 absence from the Board Meeting, Mr. de la Cruz reviewed his discussions with Mr. Luss and commented that they believed a multi-company activity was "doable", and that on the commercial side, a separate entity outside of SPI could be organized, with its own employees outside of the industry. No specific language was presented for review or discussion. Mr. Carroll announced that within the next few days there would be a press release issued by Occidental Chemical announcing that he had taken a new position with the company as Director of New Commercial Development, with an emphasis on recycling. Mr. Bailey announced that there would also be an announce ment that Occidental will take back any vinyl material. Mr. Flammer asked for a round table discussion on the issue and commented on the significance of the recycling issue. Mr. Sherly commented that of the issues discussed he believes that technology developed' to be the most important for the industry. Mr. Knechtges commented that much work needs to be done on the end use market development issues as well as noted that he believes we need to work with the pipe industry to recognize the importance of the issue. Mr. Flammer asked that each of the market oriented task forces be asked, to look at the commercial side of the issue and to develop some suggestions for the use of the material. Mr. Schiffer noted that the Board had not determined whether there was the sentiment that the industry would form an entity to be involved in taking material back or whether individual companies should proceed on their own. Mr. Flammer noted that while there seemed to be agreement that the issue of any industry SPI-09292 7 consortium needed resolution, he commented that more discussion needed to occur. Mr. Flammer suggested that a small group be organized to further discuss the concept of a consortium, with an initial discussion by telephone conference. The following VI member company individuals volunteered to work on this concept - William Carroll of Occidental, Frank Borrelli of Georgia Gulf, Ed Martinelli of BFGoodrich and Rick Flammer of Vista Chemical. Mr. Russ moved that an additional $200,000 be approved for FY 1989-1990 expenditure for PVC recycling separation technology development with this amount incorporated in a revised budget for FY 1989-1990 which is to reflect revised committee budgets. This budget is to be distributed for approval of the Executive Board by letter ballot prior to the December 13th meeting of the Executive Board. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bailey and approved by voice vote. Technical Committee Project: Removal Lead and Cadmium Dr. Bush reviewed for the Executive Board, the activities related to the development of a position statement on cadmium stabilizers as noted in the Technical Committee Report under Tab E of the briefing book. Dr. Bush noted that a meeting was held with representatives of the Cadmium Council, the Dry Color Manufacturers Association, and vinyl stabilizer manufacturers to discuss the proposed VI position statement. Dr. Bush noted that the Cadmium Council has formally responded on September 18th and that this response was discussed at the September 18th meeting of the Technical Committee. Dr. Gottesman noted that the original intention of developing this statement had been for it to be developed by the Vinyl Institute and forwarded to the Council For Solid Waste Solutions for their consideration. He further commented that it had been agreed that the position statement would be held until after the worldwide conference on incineration being sponsored by the Council. Mrs. Sol in suggested that the wording of the position statement be changed by deleting "PVC" and replacing those references with "vinyl", so as to be consis tent with other material being printed by the VI. The position statement is found on page 7A. SPI-09293 -7a- POSITION STATEMENT ON TEE QBE OF CADMIUM-CONTAINING MATERIALS IN VINYL Because of the growing public concern and accumulating data about the presence of cadmium-containing products in the municipal solid waste stream disposed of by incineration, the Vinyl Institute recommends that alternatives to cadmium-containing stabilizers and pigments be vigorously pursued and, as technically visible sub stitutes are identified, manufacturers expeditiously incorporate them in vinyl compounds and products. SPI-09294 8 Mr. Martinelli moved that the position statement on cadmium as presented by Dr. Bush with the revision suggested by Mrs. Solin be approved and forwarded to the Council For Solid Waste Solutions. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sherly and approved by voice vote. Dr. Bush reported that the Technical Committee is working with Franklin Associates to refine the numbers relative to lead that appear in Franklin's report to the EPA, and commented that the lead MSW content figures in this report are understated, perhaps by half. He commented that the Technical Committee is considering developing a position on the use of lead in critical and non-critical applications, and note that in some critical applications, the material is not normally part of the MSW stream. In response to a question from Mr. Flammer, Dr. Bush noted that he did not believe that any additional financial resources would be needed to complete this project. Legislative Status As follow-up to material included under Tab L of the briefing book for this meeting, Mrs. Scheck updated the Board on the status of legislative activity in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and New York. She also reviewed recent local activity in Broome County, New York and in several New Jersey municipa lities. Summary of Solid Waste Discussions and Related Financial Considerations Mr. Flammer reviewed the following decisions regarding solid waste management and related financial decisions: - Dr. Gottesman was authorized to proceed with finalizing contracts with National Recycling Technologies Inc. for $150,000 and with the Center For Plastics Recycling Research for $50,000 to carry-out projects discussed above. Committee Chairmen be asked to provide revised budgets for FY 1989-1990 recognizing the newlyauthorized $200,000 expenditures. Committee Chairmen will also be asked to provide preliminary estimates for FY 1990-1991. SPI-09295 9 VI Executive Director and Treasurer Edwin Schiffer will develop a revised FY 1989-1990 budget. - The revised budget will be distributed by letter ballot to the Executive Board for approval. FY 1989-1990 second-half assessment notices, due to be mailed by December 1, 1989, will be developed reflecting the revised FY 1989-1990 budget. Hr. Flammer will convene a meeting to further discuss the industry consortium concept. - Dr. Gottesman was authorized to implement the recommendations regarding additional staffing as discussed during the closed session of the Executive Board Meeting and to incorporate any required funding necessary in the revised FY 1989-1990 budget. B. Fire and cowihnstion Toxicity 1. NIBS Project on Smoke Toxicity Performance Dr. Gottesman updated the Executive Board on the status of the development of a toxic hazard assessment test by the National Institute of Building Sciences. Background information was referenced as included under Tab O of the briefing book. Dr. Gottesman discussed in detail the test methodology and apparatus used. Dr. Gottesman noted the preliminary results of the test on cable and conduit applications and reviewed discussions he and Dr. Harcelo Hirschler of BFGoodrich had with representatives of Carlon. Dr. Gottesman noted the strong interest on the part of NIBS in moving this test through the ASTM process, although they have agreed not to move it forward at this time. Dr. Gottesman commented that Drs. Hirschler and Clarke are working on developing a position statement on the test that could be used where and when ap propriate . 2. Recrulatorv Initiatives in Massachusetts and New York City Background information on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission on Fire Safety, combustion, Toxicity and combustibility is included under Tab SPI-09296 10 P of the briefing book for this meeting. Dr. Gottesman noted that a meeting of the Commission originally scheduled for September 1 at which Dr. Yves Alarie of the University of Pittsburgh was slated to testify had been cancelled. (Note: The VI was advised on September 26th that this meeting has been rescheduled for October 6th.) Dr. Gottesman noted that SPI Government Affairs staff are providing liaison on this issue. Dr. Gottesman briefly summarized the activities in New York City as they relate to a new interpretation by the Director of the Material Equipment and Acceptance Division of the New York City Building Code 26-504.10(e), as described under Tab F of the briefing book. He noted that an industry meeting was hosted by SPI on September 6th at which time it was agreed that SPI would recontact appropriate city officials and would meet with Mr. Joseph Newman of the New York City Building Congress. It was further stated that representatives of the Coated Chemical and Film Association had scheduled a meeting with Dr. Rosalind Anderson on September 28th. The affected industry representatives agreed to reconvene following that meeting. V. PRO-ACTIVE TASK FORCES AND RELATED ISSUES A. Pipe Resource Organization 1. Program Report Task Force Chairman, Dave Peters updated the Board on activities of the Pipe Resources Organization as summarized in the report included under Tab F of the briefing book. Mr. Peters highlighted results of the benchmark survey and the recommended communica tions activities which will use the testimonial approach in its advertising program. ! 2. California Environmental Impact Report Dr. Gottesman updated the Board on plans for the public hearings scheduled for September 26th and September 27th on the Draft EIR issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on August 21st. Background information was included under Tab G of the briefing book for this meeting. It was noted that a meeting was held in Sacramento on August 28 th with experts to organize for the hearings, at which time expert witnesses will testify on the subjects of fire and SPI-09297 11 combustion toxicity, permeation, leaching and worker safety and health. Dr. Gottesman stated that SPI has developed a fact kit on the issue for the press, and has scheduled editorial briefings in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He noted that SPI will announce a willingness to participate in worker training initiatives, as one of the points of deficiency that was discussed in the Draft EIR was a variety of improper industrial hygiene practices. Dr. Gottesman stated that the comment period ends on October 23rd. Should the schedule be adhered to, a final EIR could be expected in the November 1989- February 1990 time period, with an anticipated publication date for the final EIR in March 1990. Dr. Gottesman further commented that this should end the need for any further industry financial resources, as should any law suits be filed they would be against the state. B. Electrical Materials Council Electrical Materials Council Chairman Rick Smith updated the Executive Board on activities of the Council as highlighted in the material included under Tab H of the briefing book for this meeting. He noted that the Electrical Materials Council and the Technical Committee have decided to meet for joint sessions on a semi-annual basis. He also noted that a meeting involving the Electrical Materials Council, the Pipe Resource Organiza tion and the VI code consultants will be held in the next several weeks. He reviewed for the Board, the trade show exhibit booth that will be used by the Council at the Interwire Show in November and plans for participation in the seminar portion of the show and related communica tions activities. C. Vinvl Packaging Council Mrs. Carrie Solin, Chairman of the Vinyl Packaging Council, directed her comments to the background material included under Tab I of the briefing book for this meet ing. She noted that a series of three focus group sessions held in June provided an update to the original benchmark survey on attitudes and knowledge relative to vinyl for packaging applications. She noted that the participants represented companies involved in food, pharmaceutical and the health/personal care markets. Mrs. Solin commented briefly on the discussions held during these sessions and on the ways in which the Council intends to factor these sessions into program implementation. Mrs. Solin commented that an advertising program is underway with the use of branded products and SPI-09298 12 distributed copies of the Bottle Talk pamphlet developed using these ads. Mrs. Solin also referenced the recent announcement of the Vinyl In Packaging (VIP) Awards Program and noted that a press release on the awards program had already been picked up in a number of packaging magazines. D. coimimntcations ffftinmtfroa Mr. Reynolds reported that as noted under the report included under Tab J of the briefing book for this meeting, the photography and text for the general vinyl industry brochure have been completed and that the agency is now working on alternative layouts. He noted that the VI members will be recanvassed to update order require ments, as the original estimate was done several months ago. VI. REGULATORY AND LEGAL UPDATE A. OSHA - Ethvlene Dichloride PEL VI Legal Counsel, Peter de la Cruz, reviewed for the Board the activities undertaken on behalf of those VI members with an interest in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's final rule amending the air contaminants standard to create new permissible exposure limits for ethylene dichloride. Background information on this activity was included under Tabs K and M of the briefing book for this meeting. Mr. de la Cruz noted that the EDC Working Group is now working on developing test data that could be used to refine the agreement reached with OSHA on the use of air purifying respirators under certain conditions to achieve the PEL. B. Clean Air Act Settlement Agreement Mr. de la Cruz stated that the Office of Management and Budget has now approved for publication in the Federal Register, the notice implementing the provisions of the settlement agreement between SPI and the U.S. Environmen tal Protection Agency and Department of Justice as it related to EPA's 1986 amendments to the vinyl chloride standard issued under the Clean Air Act. (Note: The proposed rulemaking was published September 21, 1989.) Mr. de la Cruz commented that a set of comments would be filed in this rulemaking. C. Food and Drug Administration - Status of PVC Rulemaking Dr. Gottesman stated that Ogden Martin submitted September 1, 1989 a letter to the FDA Docket updating SPI-09299 13 letters they had submitted July 2, 1984 and January 6, 1989 concerning PVC in the municipal waste stream. Dr. Gottesman stated that the most recent submission specifically addresses the issues of incinerator corrosion and acid gas scrubbing and notes in conclusion that "....as PVC is a small percentage of total plastics in the waste, and an ever smaller contributor to total chlorine, we do not perceive the anticipated increases in PVC food packaging to be problematical." D. Settlement of Pittsburgh Litigation Bv Carlon Mr. de la Cruz noted that Carlon has entered into a unique settlement agreement with the City of Pittsburgh relative to a July 1988 City Council ordinance emending the city building code to prohibit the use of plastic pipe in duct and electrical work. Background information was included under Tab M of the briefing book for this meeting. VII. EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENTS Mr. John York updated the Board of significant activities in Europe of interest to the vinyl industry including a countryby-country summary of legislative/regulatory activity. He noted that he will provide a written summary to be appended to the minutes for this meeting. Mr. York also reviewed the APME activities related to the Organization of a Plastics Waste Management Institute. He noted that Mr. Prinselaar serves on the APME Solid Waste Task Force that develops the proposal for this new Institute. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. National Recycling Coalition Dr. Gottesman noted the request from the National Recycling Coalition for a financial contribution to help offset their proposed programs for this fiscal year. Dr. Gottesman noted that in conversations with Bill Moore of Waste Management, a contribution at the $2,000 level is recommended as appropriate. Following a brief discussion on the issue, Mr. Martinelli moved that Dr. Gottesman be authorized to make a $2,000 contribution to the National Recycling Coalition for this fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Ms. Solin and approved by voice vote. B. Mexican Petition For Duty-Free Status of PVC Dr. Gottesman noted that he earlier advised the Executive Board of a petition filed by Primex for duty-free status under the Generalized System of Preferences. Following SPI-09300 14 a brief discussion regarding the impact of this and similar requests, Mr. Flammer asked Mr. de la Cruz to review the issue and to determine whether the association can play a principal or supporting role in this issue or whether any legal filings must be made by individual companies. IX.NEXT MEETING DATE AND LOCATION Mr. Flammer noted that the next meeting of the Executive Board has been scheduled for December 13, 1989 at the Wyndham Greenspoint in Houston and asked VI members to review their schedules at this time should there be any scheduling difficulty that has developed since this date was selected. There being no suggestions that the date for this meeting needs to be changed, the next meeting of the Board will be held on December 13th. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Meredith N. Scheck SPJ-0930J European Vinyls Corporation International SA/NV Boulevard du Souverain 360 B-1160 Bruxelles Belgium Tel. (02) 674 09 11 Telex 24 200 EVCB Telefax (02)660 11 81 EVC EUROPEAN VINYLS CORPORATION 6th October 1989 Dr R T Gottesman The Vinyl Institute Wayne Interchange Plaza 11 155 Route 46 West Wayne NJ 07470 Dear Roy, I promised to let you have in summarised form the oral comments I made at the meeting in Philadelphia about developments in Europe. These are attached and indeed in one or two cases have been updated by further events both favourable and unfavourable. I hope our American colleagues find this summary of interest. Yours sincerely, John York TVA 429.158 682 RC. B 482 997 SPI-09302 European Vinyls Corporation International SA/NV 3ouievara 3j Souve'sn 360 3-1160 3ruxelles Belgium Tel. (02) 674 09 1 1 Telex 24 200 EVCB Telefax (02) 650 11 51 EVC EUROPEAN VINYLS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN EUROPE AS PER SEPTEMBER 1989 AUSTRIA Growing political pressure to ban or restrict PVC in packaging, construction and interior decoration. Parliamentary hearings have taken place in which politicians expressed on the one side, that something is to be done to reduce PVC consumption, on the other side that PVC plays a vital role in the caustic soda and chlorine balance. No decisions have been taken so far. BELGIUM PVC and PET producers and the trade are working constructively together in bottle collection and recycling schemes. There are positive contacts between industry, environmental groups and government. Situation generally under control at present. LVM and two other companies have, together with the Flemish Region, formed ECOL, a company to engage in the material recycling of mixed plastics. DENMARK Environmental Minister repeatedly insists on voluntary reduction of 50% in total PVC consumption by 1992, with further reductions thereafter, or a total ban by 1993. Dioxin formation is the major issue, although actual evidence favours the PVC industry's case, supported by a Dioxin report from the Danish authorities themselves, as yet unpublished. A new, more aggressive structure for the PVC defence has recently been formed with Wavin playing a lead role. FRANCE The "Pelican" bottle collection and recycling project, jointly run between Gecom and the largest French Federation of Ecologists, is working well. This project is also supported by the Environmental Minister. SP1-09303 TVA 429.158 552 RC. B 482 997 GERMANY The Toepfer decree took effect 3/89 and imposes a mandatory deposit of 0.50 DM on all beverage containers, following a massive campaign by Coca Cola to introduce PET one way bottles. PVC bottles so far have not been affected because of a transition period to allow for collection schemes to be established. Toepfer now also propose that refillable bottles should be favoured to one-way bottles, which are to be limited to a small percentage of the overall drinks market. A draft text has been introduced by the Toepfer Ministery, proposing the elimination of plastic packagings which are not "environmental friendly". All plastics are to be labelled by 1990 to help recycling. Hearings took place to collect industry and ecologists' views, and a decision is expected by year end. A motion was put by the Green Party to the parliament to stop PVC manufacture alltogether, claiming that it can be substituted. Again, hearings took place to collect views from industry, ecologists and neutral experts, but a decision to totally ban PVC is unlikely to pass the parliament. Pressures from town councils to ban PVC from public buildings ("PVC free zones") is diminishing somewhat in the light of more rational debates about the economic and ecological balance for PVC and it's substitutes. HOLLAND Much more hostile atmosphere, with environmental groups engaging in anti-PVC campaigns and refusing to speak with the industry in seeking working solutions, though the Environmental Minister is prepared to collaborate. The campaigns concentrate on PVC packaging, leading the main super market chains to request from their suppliers to no longer use PVC.' The PVC working group within the Dutch Plastic Federation is extremely well organised and counselled by a specialist in environmental communication. They have managed to produce solid evidence that the specifc dioxine concerns were attributed to the malfunctioning of the incinerator and not from the PVC in the waste. Working Groups are also being established on all sensitive issues to collect and compile information in order to arrive at an objective report. Workshops will then be held with the Ministry, with an invitation to the environmental groups to participate. SP1-09304 ITALY The new waste law has obliged municipalities to organise separate collections of plastic bottles, bags, glass, paper and metal. Regional consortia are to be created to include industry and local authorities to develop recycling schemes, financed by industry. Incineration is an integrated part when energy recuperation is coupled. Assoplast is waiting for a decision from the Government on how to regulate the consortia, with a good chance that their proposals become accepted with only minor changes. The PET and PVC bottle collection and recycling scheme as set up by Tecoplast is developing well. 32 Supermarkets are now equipped with the "Azzura Mangiabottigle" automat, with another 40 in preparation. A PR campaign has been launched by Assoplast in order to improve the image of plastic materials in the public. A 100 lira tax on PE bags has come into effect, with biodegradation still being a major topic in the discussions. SWEDEN Concerns are increasingly expressed about PVC as a user of chlorine, similar to what developed in the paper industry, where a tax for the use of chlorine in the bleeching process is to be paid. SWITZERLAND A draft ordinance on beverage containers proposing a ban on PVC bottles and metal cans was published in early 1989. ASKI and other industry groupings firmly opposed to this draft leading the Government to enter new consultations until the end of the year. Meanwhile, industry is establishing collection schemes to recycle PVC bottles as an alternative to a ban, as well as offers to take back salts from the incinerators. The European Commission will also meet with Swiss authorities in October to express EC reservations regarding the Swiss proposal because of its serious impact on free trade. However, previous measures have already cut PVC usage in packaging by 60%, a level unlikely to be exceeded. UK Strong pressure from well-organised environmental groups against the use of PVC in packaging, but the defence activities of the BPF are gathering momentum. The first phase of the Greater Manchester Project to evaluate the possibilities of recovering plastic from municipal waste has started and further progress has been made on activities at Sheffield Recycling City. SP1-09305 These include plastic bottle collection via bottle banks, the setting up of a BPF run site for all plastic collection and the formulation of an outside collection scheme to be started in November. Other towns and cities wish to join and Cardiff could be the second location for a similar initiative. Publicity has in general been good concerning these schemes. Advance comments in the media on PVC and other plastics continue to be a regular feature and all of these are being immediately answered by the BPF. Also the "green consumer" is being bombarded by not very accurate information and this is motivating the major retailers to take a green stance. The PVC producers, the BPF and the PVC Plastic Film Group in the UK has been active in presenting the facts about plastics and PVC to major retailers to try to control this debate. Industrial firms have also been active individually. The result is much activity and uncertainty. The Green Consumer Guide to Supermarkets was published on 28 September and it gives a much more optimistic view of PVC's future as a packaging material. The balance of the material used was much improved as a result of intervention by the British Plastic Federation and representations by the PVC industry earlier in the Summer. All is quiet at the moment on the "cot death" front. The BPF is awaiting a report on the subject by the Government Scientist but it is feared that more work will be required by the industry in order to distance the industry from the problem. DEVELOPMENTS AT EUROPEAN COMMISSION LEVEL It is to be expected that new regulations for beverage containers will be proposed shortly to replace the 1985 directive, which obliged member states to reduce the volume of beverage containers in the waste stream and led to the German situation described before. The new regulation is likely to place refillable and recyclable containers on a same level, this means that collection and recycling of one-way bottles will have to develop. Mandatory deposits will most likely not be imposed on an European basis, but will be allowed in order to achieve significant levels of return. A figure as high as 80% may well be proposed. The commission plans to propose by the. end of this year a first draft of a directive regulating the plastic fraction of the municipal solid waste. APME has just adopted a text on this subject to submit to the commission, outlining the European producers commitment to contribute to plastic waste management. This includes a commitment to actively participate in material recycling developments. The commission is likely to propose a text which places significant constraints on the plastics industry, including the setting of ratios for material recycling. SPI-09306 Under revision is the regulation on Cadmium. The industry has provided its input and it seems, that the use of Cd stabilisers will continue to be allowed for PVC outdoor applications. However, some countries may adopt stricter regulations. It R. BOHL (with input from N. RUSSOTTO, ECVM) RB2101/mm SPI-09307