Greenpeace has created a plastic pyramid as a guide to the dangers and environmental compatibility of various plastics.

PVC is at the top of the pyramid, making it the most problematic material. The lower types of plastic (PE), (PP) and bioplastics are the least harmful to the environment.

However, the ranking within the pyramid can change due to the use of toxic additives. The use of toxic laminations (during printing) also influences the position.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as "vinyl", is used to make a wide range of products - from garden furniture to plumbing, children's toys and medical devices.

PVC is an environmental toxin that causes a variety of serious environmental problems from production to disposal. The reason for these problems lies in its production: PVC consists of a high proportion of chlorine, a highly toxic chemical element. Permanent toxins are released during the production, use and disposal of PVC products: Dioxins are formed when PVC is burned. Dioxin is carcinogenic to humans, it acts like a hormone in the human and animal body and is generally harmful to health even in very small amounts.

Principle:

The production and use of PVC must be stopped. This is how to proceed:

• Where there are alternatives to PVC, PVC products must be replaced with them.
  
• PVC toys must be for children under three years of age be banned because of its toxicity.
  
• PVC waste must be sorted out of the waste stream or collected separately.
  
• The incineration and landfilling of PVC must be banned.
  
• The PVC industry must assume the costs and liability for safe disposal.