Environmental and economical acceptance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating agents

Abstract Eco-efficiency analysis was used to compare eco-effectiveness of PVC plastisol with two commercially accepted coating agents; polyacrylate (PAA) and polyurethane (PUR) both in dispersed form in water. Eco-efficiency portfolio was graphically illustrated for different scenarios of coating textile fabrics using high and low quality PVC plastisols. PVC plastisol was found as the most eco-efficient coating agent followed by polyacrylate and polyurethane resin dispersions in water. It was concluded that PVC plastisol containing non-toxic plasticizer and less than 5 ppm free vinyl chloride monomer is an eco-efficient material which, when responsibly managed from cradle to grave, provides sustainable benefits to the society.