Document oDvMLbV3BovbNK3BDdxZjp6OX

A Divisipnol The Society ol The Plastics Industry, Inc. Robert H. Burnett Executive Director March 27, 1992 TO: VI Executive Board RE: Japanese Situation Pending issuance of a full report on our Tokyo visit, please find attached for your review several specific items discussed at the Houston Board meeting. - A status report on Japanese user companies who have made policy statements on the future use of PVC. - The Japanese perception of the European PVC status and the input received from Rolf Buehl of EVC. - A copy of the invitation issued to meet in Washington, D.C. September 9-11 for a tripartite exchange of informa tion on the worldwide PVC situation. RHB/pmb CTL007550 Wayne Interchange Plaza II 155 Route 46 West Wayne, NJ 07470 (201) 890-9299 Fax if (201) 890-7029 Name of company Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Lid. KOSE Corporation Kao Corporation Nippon Lever Summary of presentation Since PVC generates chlorine which causes an acid rain in the orocess of incineration, PVC will be totally abolished using substitutes. The company will abolish PVC packages causing the breakage of ozone layer. We will substitute containers of regenerated paper for plastics. (The company takes measures positively against problems of environment and resources.) Conversion of container to regenerated paper, and abolition of plastics. (Measures against environmental disruption.) Kaijirusi Kamisoli Kougyou (shaving things) Gunze Hoso System (packaging) Chuo Kagaku (easier vessel for food) Conversion of PVC packages to those of PET resin. The rest will be used for regenerated paper. Since incineration of PVC is a cause of an acid rain, exterior films will be converted to PET resin which hardly generates toxic ingredients at the time of incineration. Development of A-PET processing technologies substituting PVC for the establishment of measures against wastes. Lintec Coporation Promotion of development of substitutes for PVC generating dioxine etc. Nippon Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Since PVC will be severely controlled due to problems of environment, PVC will be converted to substitutes as carpet Suminoe Textile Co., Ltd. backing materials. Toray Industries, Inc. We established an institute for global environment aiming at the environmental protection. Immediate theme is a development of substitute plastics for PVC. Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Establishment of a center for global environmental safeguard. Promotion of abolition of PVC and reduction of expanded PS. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. We set a charter of Matsushita and established an institute for environmetal technologies promoting a development and introduction of plastics easily treated as wastes. Sharp Coporation PVC packaging materials for products and parts will be abolished in the course of 1992. 14 Japan Storage Battery Association The use of PVC will be reduced and abolished in 2 or 3 years. CTL007551 COUNTRY /STATE (PER JAPANESE) PROHIBITION ON USB OP: (PER R. BUEHL) CORRECTION Switzerland PVC containers based on USG Timing - January 1989 PVC beverage containers banned Effective - 11/1/91 Austria PVC package, PVC toys, heavy metal stabilizer (Pb, Cd, Ba) Timing - January 1991 Draft PVC ordinance with drawn by Environmental Minister in December 1991 Germany PVC bottle, PVC containing Cd, Pb Timing - January 1992 No anti-PVC legislation (various drafts issued, but not passed parliament) Denmark PVC package, 50% reduction of consumption until 1992 Timing - October 1988 "Volunteering Agreement" (See Appendix 1) Netherlands PVC package for food Timing - October 1990 "Packaging Covenant" (See Appendix 2) Sweden PVC film package Timing - July 1990 Just talks and announcements, but nothing definite EC Cd Stabilizer Cd stabilizer, except for Timing - July 1994 outdoor profiles CTL007552 DENMARK Volunteering Agreement" between Danish Plastics Industry and Government, April 1991 By year 2000 85 % reduction of PVC packaging incinerated 77 % material recycling for PVC longlife products (pipe, profile, cable, flooring, etc.) p- Substitution of Pb stabiliser 'wherever technically possible' (by end 1993) 553 EVC HOLLAND "'Packaging Covenant" between Packaging Industry (SVM) and Ministry (VROM), May 199 1 A Full "chain" responsibility A PRIORITY ORDER : 1. Prevention 2. Re-use 3. Incineration with energy recovery 4. Incineration A PREVENTION + RE-USE : For period 1991 to 1994 : "stand still principle" By year 2000 : no more packaging quantity than in reference year 1986, "preferably 10% less by weight" ctloot554 wiwmm A RECYCLE : \nOMna oonuMnofi) By end 1995 : min. 40% of non-reusable packagings (incl. plastics) to be recycled By year 2000 : dto, but min. 60% to be recycled A LANDFILL : By end 1995 : to have dumping waste reduced by 40% A Avoid usage of non-recyclable materials A Progress substitution of PVC by alternatives^ 711 ess damaging to the environment" A Industry-Ministry shared commission to monitor the targets |E wmwi/oi CTL007555 12. 7. 91 Official Journal of ihe European Communities II (Acts u-bose publication is not obligatory) No L 1S6/59 / COUNCIL COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 18 June 1991 amending for the 10th time Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (91/338/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100a thereof. Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), In cooperation with the European Parliament (*), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (J), Whereas measures for the progressive establishment of the internal market should be adopted over a period expiring on 31 December 1992; whereas the internal market comprises an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured; Whereas the Council resolution of 25 January 1988 (*) invites the Commission to pursue without delay the development of specific measures for a Community action programme to combat environmental pollution by cadmium ; whereas human health also has to be protected and an overall strategy that in particular restricts the use of cadmium and stimulates research into substitutes should therefore be implemented; (') OJ No C 8, 13. I. 1990, p. 8 and amendment communicated 26 November 1990. O OJ No C 260, 15. 10. 1990. p. 92 and OJ No C 129, 20. 5. 1991. 0 OJ No C 112, 7. 5. 1990, p. I. O OJ No C 30, 4. 2. 198*. p. 1. Whereas advances are being made in knowledge and techniques regarding substitutes; whereas it would there fore be advisable systematically to reassess the situation in the light of the results of the scientific and technical studies provided for in the said resolution; Whereas polyvinyl chloride (PVQ may not be coloured using cadmium-based pigments; whereas, for certain particular applications, the use of a cadmium-based stabi lizer is still necessary in the current state of technology ; Whereas restrictions already adopted by certain Member States on the use and marketing of the abovementioned substances or preparations containing them have a direct effect on the establishment and functioning of the internal market; whereas it is therefore necessary to approximate the laws of the Member States in this field and to amend Annex I to Directive 76/769/EEC (*), as last amended by Directive 89/678/EEC (*), accordingly, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Articlt l Annex I to Directive 76/769/EEC is hereby amended as set out in the Annex hereto. However, the new provisions shall not apply to products containing cadmium which are already covered by other Community legislation. 0 OJ No L 262. 27. 9. 1976. p. 201. O OJ No L 398. 30. 12. 1989. p. 24. CTL007556 No L 186/60 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 7. 91 Article 2 Owing to the development of knowledge and techniques in respect of substitutes less dangerous than cadmium and its compounds, the Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, reassess the situation for the first time within three years of the date referred to in Article 3 (1) and subsequently at regular intervals in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 2a of Directive 76/769/EEC. 2. When Member States adopt the measures referred to in paragraph 1, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such a reference shall be laid down by the Member States. Article 4 This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Article 3 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regu lations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive no later than 31 December 1992. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof. Done at Luxembourg, 18 June 1991. For the Council The President G. WOHLFART CTL007557 I - 1. 7. 91 Official Journal of ihe European Communities No L 186/61 A S'SEX kThe following substances are added to Annex I to Directive 76/769/EEC: `24. Cadmium (CAS No 7440-43-9) and its compounds 1.1. May not be used to give colour to finished products manufactured from the substances and preparations listed below. -- polyvinyl chloride (PVC) -- polyurethane (PUR) -- low-density polyethylene (Id PE), with the exception of low-density polyethylene used for the production of coloured masterbatch -- cellulose acetate (CA) -- cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) -- epoxy resins [3904 10) [3904 21) [3904 22] (3909 30) [3901 10) [3912 II] [3912 12) [3912 II] [3912 12] [3907 30) (') In any case, whatever their use or intended final purpose, finished products or compo nents of products manufactured from the substances and preparations listed above coloured with cadmium may not be placed on the market if their cadmium content (expressed as Cd metal) exceeds 0.01 */ by mass of the plastic material. 1.2. Section 1.1 also applies from 31 December 1995 for: (a) finished products manufactured from the following substances and preparations : -- melamine -- formaldehyde (MF) resins -- urea -- formaldehyde (UF) resins -- unsaturated polyesters (UP) -- polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -- polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) -- transparent/general-purpose polystyrene -- acrylonitrile methylmethacrylate (AMMA) -- cross-linked polyethylene (VPE) -- high-impact polystyrene -- polypropylene (PP) [3909 20] [3909 10] [3907 91) [3907 60) [3903 11] [3903 19] [3902 10] (') (b) paints [3208] [3209] However, if the paints have a high zinc content, their residual concentration of cadmium must be as low as possible and at all events not exceed 0,1 */ by mass. IJ. However, Sections 1.1 and 12 do not apply to products to be coloured for safety reasons. 2.1. May not be used to stabilize the finished products listed below manufactured from polymen or copolvmen of vinyl chloride: -- packaging materials (bags, containen, bottles, lids) -- office or school supplies -- fittings for furniture, coachwork or the like -- articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves) -- floor and wall coverings -- impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile fabrics -- imitation leather -- gramophone records -- tubes and pipes and their fittings -- swing doon -- vehicles for road transport (interior, exterior, underbodv) -- coating of steel sheet used in construction or in industry -- insulation (or electrical wiring [3923 29 10] [3920 41] [3920 42] [3926 10] [3926 30] (3926 20] [3918 10] [5903 10] [4202] [8524 10] [3917 23] (') (') Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/17 o< 23 July 1917). on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (OJ No L 236, 7. 9. CTL007558 No L 186/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 7. 91 In any case, whatever their use or intended final purpose, the placing on the market of the above finished products or components of products manufactured from polymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride, stabilized by substances containing cadmium is prohibited, if their cadmium content (expressed as Cd metal) exceeds 0,01 */ by mass of the polymer. These provisions enter into force on 30 June 1994. 2.2. However, Section 2.1 does not apply to finished products using cadmium-based stabilizers for safety reasons. 3. Within the meaning of this Directive, "cadmium plating" means any deposit or coating of metallic cadmium on a metallic surface. 3.1. May not be used for cadmium plating metallic products or components of the products used in the sectors/applications listed below. (a) equipment and machinery for: -- food production -- agriculture -- cooling and freezing -- printing and book-binding [8210] [8417 20] [8419 81] [8421 11] [8421 22] [8422] [8435] [8437] [8438] [8476 II] [8419 31] [8424 81] [8432] [8433] [8434] [8436] [8418] [8440] [8442] [8443] (') (b) equipment and machinery for -- household goods -- furniture -- sanitary ware -- central heating and air conditioning plant production of: [7321] [8421 12] [8430] [8509] [8516] [8465] [8466] [9401] [9402] [9403] [9404] [7324] [7322] [8403] [8404] [8413] (') In any case, whatever their use or intended final purpose, the placing on the market of cadmium-plated products or components of such products used in the sectors/ applications listed in (a) and (b) above and of products manufactured in the sectors listed in (b) above is prohibited. (') Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (OJ No L 256, 7. 9. 1987). CTL007559 A 12. 7. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 186/63 3.2. The provisions referred to in Section 3.1 are also applicable from 30 June 1995 to cadmi um-plated products or components of such products when used in the sectors/ applications listed in (a) and (b) below and to products manufactured in the sectors listed in (b) below: (a) equipment and machinery for the production of: -- paper and board [8419 32] [8439] [8441] -- textiles and clothing [8444] [8445] [8447] [8448] [8449] [8451] [8452] (') (b) equipment and machinery for the production of: -- industrial handling equipment and machinery [8425] [8426] [8427] [8428] [8429] [8430]. [8431] -- road and agricultural vehicles [chapter 87] -- rolling stock [chapter 86] -- vessels [chapter 89] (') 3 J. However, Sections 3.1 and 32 do not apply to: -- products and components of the products used in the aeronautical, aerospace, mining, offshore and nuclear sectors whose applications require high safety standards and in safety devices in road and agricultural vehicles, rolling stock and vessels, -- electrical contacts in any sector of use, on account of the reliability required of the apparatus on which they are installed.' (') Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/(7 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff fOJ No L 256, 7. 9. 1987). J CTL007560 J The ' Vinyl Institute A Division of The Society of The Plastics Industry, Inc. Robert H. Burnett Executive Director March 27, 1992 TO: Mr. Hashimoto - Japan PVC Association RE: September Conference As decided during our Tokyo visit earlier this month, we proposed an information exchange conference to the Vinyl Institute Board of Directors in our meeting last week. We also had the opportunity to discuss the situation with Mr. Willem Prinselaar of EVC to invite European participation as well. In summary, the Board approved the proposal, but suggested that the conference be held in the United States on September 9-11, 1992. This will immediately follow our Board meeting in Washington, D.C. and facilitate the attendance of our European colleagues from ECVM and EVC. You will have the opportunity to explain your incinera tion technology to our industry and government representatives and we can show you some plastics recycling operations including post consumer PVC resin. So we invite your senior executive and technical expert representa tion plus JPA staff to Washington, D.C. together with a full European and American delegation to discuss the topics identified in our Tokyo meeting. Please confirm your willingness to meet on this basis and we can arrange the agenda and final details later. Best regards. Robert H. Burnett Executive Director CTL007561 Wayne Interchange Plaza II 155 Route 46 West Wayne, NJ 07470 (201) 890-9299 Fax # (201) 890-7029