POLYMERS FOR INDUSTRY - vinavil

Attention to sustainability is the main driving force behind theResearch Center of Villadossola. The elimination of solvents, theprogressive replacement of PBT’s (Persistent, Bio-accumulativeand Toxic materials) and the definition of safe products with highperformances and durability are the driving criteria of Vinavil.RESEARCHFOR PEOPLE ANDTHE ENVIRONMENTOne of the main objectives ofVinavil’s research is to develop productswith an increasingly higher safety profilefor users, harmless for those whocome in contact with them and with thelowest possible environmental impact.To this end, formulas have beendeveloped where all hazardouscomponents are progressivelyeliminated, and the content of VOCswhich may potentially be released intothe environment has been minimised.Today, in each market segmentwhere it operates, Vinavil can offerproducts compliant with the regulatoryrequirements applicable in the differentcountries.In some cases, in co-operation with itskey customers the Company anticipateslaw provisions, eliminating sensitivecomponents from its formulas.For example, Vinavil has alreadyremoved from its food packagingproducts components like phthalates,suspected of modifying the endocrinesystem and of being potentiallycarcinogenic; for the same reason, paintbinders are produced without using anyethoxylated alkyl phenols, which may beclassified as toxic for reproduction.SUSTAINABILITY:THE INNOVATIONSTRATEGY FOR THECHEMICAL INDUSTRYThe Chemical Industry ischaracterized by strong scientific andtechnological bias, aimed at conservingnatural resources and environmentalquality. It develops innovations andnew solutions for the improvement ofpeople’s health and quality life for thefuture generations.Sustainability is the key note to dictatethe progress of the whole ChemicalIndustry in the next decade.Europe can get a leading position,since its market is asking for newsustainable products, following the voteby the European Parliament in favour ofthe REACH Regulations, which in turnwill force the Chemical Industry to carryout a severe and costly assessmenton how to implement them: this hasto be seen as an opportunity to takeadvantage of, rather than a threat.The Chemical Industry is at aresearch & development and sales55