PVC Manufacturing and PVC Products Essential to Protecting Public Health

PVC manufacturing, PVC resin, and PVC products are essential to protecting public health. As public officials consider whether it is necessary to shut down non-essential manufacturing, it is imperative that we remind decision makers that PVC manufacturing and our supply chain are critical in combating the spread of infection, diseases, and protecting public health.

Chlorine, which is a co-product in our industry’s production process, is essential to disinfecting drinking water and treating sewage and wastewater. Chlorine is also an essential ingredient in pharmaceuticals and household cleaners.

Critical PVC medical products, including tubing, masks, isolation units, gloves, IV bags, and more, are used to protect healthcare workers and patients. PVC products such as wallcoverings, flooring, and upholstery are used inside medical treatment facilities because PVC can withstand repeated doses of disinfectants better than other materials. Therefore, when issuing orders to close non-essential businesses and manufacturing facilities, we urge public officials to treat the manufacturing of PVC and PVC products as critical to the protection of the general welfare.

We fully understand and support the need to protect our communities, team members, and the public from the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus). We also recognize the magnitude of these critical decisions which leaders are making to deal with this public health crisis. When decisions are made to close non-essential businesses, we hope that policymakers consider our vital importance and allow us to assist in continuing to protect the public health.