The PVC Pivot

Published In: Metropolis
November 28, 2023

Since the derailment of a train carrying toxic vinyl chloride in East Palestine, Ohio in February of 2023, the dangers of this cancer-causing chemical have been scrutinized more than ever. Vinyl chloride is needed to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

PVC is extremely prevalent in our lives, present in everything from furniture to textiles, and has long been synonymous with high performance. But renewed calls for PVC-free high performance alternatives are having designers looking seriously at what responsible materials manufacturers have to offer. Carnegie's Erika Gaies and Heather Bush contribute to this Metropolis report on where the industry is heading next and how we can wean ourselves off PVC.