THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though Sign Printing Industries Association submitted a detailed report on recycling poly vinyl chloride (PVC) to the government two months ago, the latter is yet to respond. The association's vice-president Sanjay Panicker told DC that a comprehensive report on the recycling of PVC which is extensively used for manufacturing sheets for flex, was submitted to the officials. "We visited a Delhi based company for firsthand information on recycling. Even the video of the entire process was provided to Suchitwa Mission. However, we are yet to hear from them," he added.
Sources at Suchitwa Mission said the report was being examined at the moment. "We cannot take a decision in a hurry. All these claims need to be verified. The scientific report submitted by them is not satisfactory. More research is required in the matter as it concerns environment," an official said on the condition of anonymity. The process of recycling includes conversion of poly vinyl chloride into plastic granules and threads. Granule is the primary stage of plastic and this can be used to make chappals, plastic ropes, buckets, agro-bags and base for carpets.
There are 75 flex printing units in Thiruvananthapuram district with almost 9000 employees. "It's a livelihood issue for so many families. Instead of a complete ban, authorities should allow recycling using advanced technology available now," said association chief patron Venpakal Chandra Mohanan. He said the polyethylene suggested by the state government as an alternative cannot be used for big hoardings.
However, green activists are totally opposed use of PVC. "PVCs cannot be recycled. Under the green protocol, it is to be completely avoided. The research and studies carried out so far have not proved PVC can be actually recycled. There is another type of material used for banners which is called Korean cloth. It is not harmful in terms of production and recyclability. But it cannot be considered a better choice or alternative," said Nikhilesh Paliath, coordinator zero waste and climate action program.
