Ending the use of pvc as a packaging material in supermarkets, unless its use is essential

Based on research conducted by the University of Twente, feedback from businesses, and insight from a scientific review, the KIDV’s board drew up a report with its findings in October 2014. The use of PVC as a coating and liner in the retail/supermarket sector was added to the list.

Because the University of Twente’s research was not exhaustive, the KIDV mentioned in its report that businesses can submit requests to the KIDV to have other applications of PVC for packaging materials added to the “essential use” list, if the use of PVC grants specific, essential properties.

On 15 October 2014, the KIDV received a request from the Packaging Waste Fund and NRK Verpakkingen to add PVC films to the “essential use” list. The KIDV acquired scientific recommendations from the University of Twente, Wageningen University, and CE Delft. Next, the KIDV presented these recommendations for review to Ghent University. Based on the recommendations and the review, the findings of the KIDV’s board concerning the classification of PVC film as “essential use” are as follows:

The use of PVC film to package products such as sprout vegetables, mushrooms, dates, pre-cut vegetables, etc. can be classified as “essential use” until suitable alternatives have been developed.
The use of PVC film to package meat and meat products is not considered to be “essential use,” because suitable alternatives – e.g. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) – are available. However, the implementation of these alternatives will take some time because it requires additional investments from organisations that still use PVC film to package their meat and meat products.
As at late 2014, the “essential use” list is therefore as follows:

PVC as a coating in metal packaging materials;
PVC as a liner for crown caps on so-called “twist-off” bottles for single use;
PVC as a film to package sprout vegetables, mushrooms, dates, pre-cut vegetables, etc.;
PVC as a packaging material in the pharmaceutical sector for all legally registered medications, if relevant.
PVC as a film used to package meat and meat products is not included on the “essential use” list, because suitable alternatives – e.g. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) – are available. It should be noted that the implementation of these alternatives requires some time because of the additional investments that have to be made.

Report only in Dutch