<article><p class="lead">German chlor-alkali and vinyls producer Vinnolit announced the launch of GreenVinTM polyvinyl chloride (PVC) today in a move to reduce the carbon footprint of its product portfolio.</p><p>The GreenvinTM brand will reflect the input of "greener" electricity into the electrochemical unit production process, alongside the continuous improvement of the energy efficiency of the PVC production process. This "greener" power source is achieved through the purchase of guarantees of origin (GOOs) for renewable electricity.</p><p>Vinnolit claims a 25pc reduction in the carbon footprint, compared with conventional PVC, depending on grade and resin type — this was calculated by consultants Sustainable AG in accordance with the ISO 14067 standard and has been review and certified by TÜV Rheinland.</p><p>The chlorine produced for PVC is energy intensive, so the GOOs can be used to claim a lower carbon footprint, but there are no differences in feedstocks, the production process or the final product. The power procured via the guarantee of renewable origins will primarily go into the ECU production process for the production of chlorine, where most PVC producers will be fully integrated in for their chlorine supply, a major PVC feedstock.</p><p>The announcement follows Vinnolit's market launch of GreenvinTM caustic soda in February — a bi-product of the ECU production process. The product line is expected to extend into the company's vinyl chloride and hydrogen products in the future. Vinnolit is also working on the production of bio-attributed PVC — from bio-ethylene — as an alternative that supports energy transition and sustainability targets.</p><p class="bylines">By Michael Vitiello</p></article>
