Voluntary industry association representing the entire value chain of the local polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry, the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA), proudly celebrated a historic milestone as it hosted its inaugural Innovation in PVC conference.

The event, held on August 30, 2023, at Sasol’s head office in Sandton, garnered significant attention and participation from industry leaders, experts and stakeholders representing a diversity of sectors within the PVC industry.

The conference provided a platform for PVC professionals to converge and engage in “thought-provoking discussions”, explore innovations, and address the sustainability concerns within the PVC sector.

Notable highlights from the event included the participation of industry luminaries who shared their insights and expertise.

Sasol base chemicals VP David Mokomela delivered the opening address, titled ‘Innovation within a South African chemicals construct’, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the PVC industry in South Africa, and shedding light on industry growth, challenges and opportunities.

INEOS Inovyn specialty vinyls business development manager Daniel Martinz, who delivered a “riveting” presentation spotlighting the latest and most innovative PVC applications, was recognised at the recent Inovyn Awards held in Brussels last October. He emphasised that sustainability is driving innovation within the vinyls industry.

He stated that initiatives such as renewable energies, decarbonisation of processes, renewable feedstocks and circularity are transforming the vinyls chain. He shared encouraging news that demand and innovation in the PVC sector have never been healthier, with a “remarkable” 48% of all PVC patents issued over the last decade.

INEOS Inovyn polymers business unit manager Inna Jeschke, meanwhile, introduced the audience to Biovyn, the world’s first commercially produced bio-sourced PVC using 100% renewable feedstock.

She explained that, with the launch of Biovyn in 2019, INEOS Inovyn became the world’s first commercial producer of bio- attributed PVC using a renewable supply chain fully certified by The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.

Diverse Topics Explored

Throughout the day, the event covered a wide variety of topics, reflecting the dynamic nature of the PVC industry with discussions ranging from global trends in stabiliser systems for PVC to breakthroughs in sustainable extrusion of rigid PVC.

The exchange of ideas and knowledge further solidified the industry’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the technological advancements.

Throughout the second half of the conference, attention turned to the crucial topic of PVC recycling in South Africa. Local recyclers shared their success stories and innovative applications aimed at the development of end markets for recycled PVC.

These discussions underscored the growing importance of sustainability and circular economy principles in the PVC sector, aligning with the global efforts to reduce environmental impact.

The conference culminated on a high note as SAVA recognised and rewarded excellence in the industry, with a cash prize of R25 000 awarded to South Africa-based eccentric home décor design company Mo’s Crib director Michelle Mokone.

This acknowledgement highlighted the “innovative and eco-conscious spirit that drives the PVC sector forwards”.

SAVA expressed its heartfelt thanks to the sponsors Sasol, Alpha Plast, Continental Compounders and others for making the event possible.

SAVA CEO Monique Holtzhausen expressed her delight at the success of the conference, saying, “the Innovation in PVC conference has set a new standard for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation within the PVC industry”.

She explained that SAVA was proud to have provided a platform for industry leaders to come together, discuss pressing issues, and showcase the remarkable advancements in PVC technologies.

Holtzhausen noted that, with its emphasis on sustainability and innovation, the event serves as a testament to the industry’s commitment to embracing a sustainable future.