PVC: Globally challenged, locally confident

Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA – In the grand scheme of things, PVC faces an existential threat from a global environmental lobby which seeks to ban it altogether, or restrict its use.
The rationales relate to threats to human health and environmental harm caused by toxic ingredients in PVC and other plastics, and PVC and polystyrene are being specifically targeted by ‘the High Ambition Coalition’ a group of nearly 60 countries – including 12 in Africa – which are seeking to eliminate ‘problematic plastics’.

Led by the Global Vinyl Council, of which the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) is part, the PVC industry argues that the way forward includes banning specific plastic products, not the polymers used to make them – reduce packaging, for example, rather than products which have a longer life, and which can more easily be recycled.

While that battle is still being fought, SAVA says PVC production and use in South Africa is growing. Not coincidentally, PVC polymer – produced by Sasol – is the only domestically produced plastic polymer.
“This growth is partly driven by increased cooperation and networking among industry stakeholders,” said SAVA CEO Monique Holtzhausen. “Organizations like SAVA are playing a crucial role in expanding the industry’s footprint, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, our concerted recycling efforts are starting to yield tangible results, as the industry embraces a circular economy approach. This positive momentum not only benefits the environment but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and economic prosperity. With a shared commitment to sustainability and progress, the vinyls industry in South Africa is poised for a bright and promising future.

“The successes we were able to achieve this past year are a testament to the resilience and unity of our association and our industry. Despite the challenging circumstances, we were able to reach the targets we had set for ourselves. Our collective efforts have not only strengthened the vinyls industry, but also positioned us as key contributors to sustainable development in the Southern African region. SAVA remains dedicated to its mission of promoting the responsible and sustainable use of vinyl. We will continue to work diligently to strengthen our advocacy efforts, expand network of members in order to grow an even stronger voice to the rest of the world when it comes to promoting the use and recycling of PVC in the Southern African region.”

SAVA statistics show polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third largest thermoplastic market behind polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Global PVC demand in 2021 was approximately 50.2 million tonnes, and is expected to increase to 59.3 million metric tons by 2026 (an average annual demand growth of 3.5% per year). In 2021, PVC capacity in Africa was at 740kt with 479kt production at a utilization rate of 64%. Consumption and production rates dipped in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions. Since production is insufficient to meet demand, Africa is a net importer of PVC. Imports are expected to grow to 1.1million metric tonnes by 2025. 

With the Southern African market growing, Sasol has moved from a traditional ‘structurally long’ supply position, to be in ‘structural deficit’ relative to market demand within the region. Imports will thus play an increasingly important role in the supply / demand balance for the Southern African region.

The breakdown of the PVC industries in SA. Footwear (gumboots and soles) comprises approximately 2 % of the market.

The building and construction sector accounts for the majority of PVC applications. In South Africa, pipe manufacturing accounts for 44% of the PVC market.
Although a small market, PVC is becoming more important to the South African footwear industry. As pressure on the ex-factory prices of South African-made footwear continues, PVC soling is taking back market share from more expensive TPR, TPU and PU.
There is an area where footwear manufacturing contributes more to the PVC’s ‘circular economy’ than most other PVC product manufacturers – recycling.

Delanie Bezuidenhout is GM of My Walk Made With Soul, which has produced 66 000 pairs of school shoes from recycled medical equipment.

“Under GM Delanie Bezuidenhout, My Walk Made With Soul produces 800-1000 pairs/day at a breakeven price of R35/pair. Only 20 empty IV bags are needed to make 1 pair of shoes in 17 seconds. To make two pairs of shoes, takes just more than 1 minute,” she said.
Another charitable company, Shoose Life, run by Shannon and Marius van Biljon, buys shoes from My Walk and distributes to other schools, again with the help of sponsors.
To date the My Walk factory has already made more around 66 000 pairs of shoes and recycled more than 65 000 kgs of PVC healthcare waste.

Shannon van Biljon (right, pictured with her daughter Keneau), runs a charity called Shoose Life which distributes recycled PVC school shoes. She promotes the concept at fairs such as the KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition in July.