MICROSOFT COMPLETES PHASE OUT OF PVC, "THE POISON PLASTIC"
HP, Crabtree & Evelyn, Kaiser Permanente, Catholic Healthcare West,
Wal-Mart, and Others Join the Trend Towards Phasing Out PVC in Consumer
Packaging and Products
For More Information:
Lois Gibbs, Center for Health, Environment and Justice, 703-237-2249 x15,
703-627-9483 (cell), lgibbs@chej.org Stephen
Kent,
Kent Communications, 845-758-0097, 914-589-5988 (cell), skent@kentcom.com
(Washington, DC) Microsoft, along with Kaiser Permanente, Crabtree and
Evelyn, and others, announced they have joined the fast-growing ranks
of
major corporations demonstrating concern about the environmental health
impacts of their products or packaging by phasing out PVC plastic (polyvinyl
chloride or vinyl). Hazardous chemicals are used and released in this
commonly used material, the second highest selling plastic in the world.
Studies show links between chemicals created and used during the PVC
lifecycle and cancer, reproductive and immune system damage, and asthma.
A coalition of 60 organizations coordinated by the Center for Health,
Environment & Justice (CHEJ www.chej.org)
worked with these companies to convince them to eliminate PVC packaging
or products voluntarily, thereby helping build
markets for safer substitutes. Health Care Without Harm works with
healthcare institutions to promote safer substitutes to products such
as PVC
plastic in health care. The Healthy Building Network is leading the campaign
to accelerate the transition away from PVC building materials in favor
of
safer, healthier alternatives.
New PVC phase-out developments include the following:
* Microsoft announced that by the end of 2005 it will have completed
its PVC
packaging phase out, which has already resulted in the elimination of
361,000 pounds of PVC since July, 2005.
* Crabtree & Evelyn, an international manufacturer and retailer of
personal
care products, toiletries, home fragrance products and fine foods, has
announced it will phase out PVC in its packaging. Crabtree & Evelyn
has
already begun to phase out PVC in existing and all new product lines,
and is
developing a complete PVC phase out timeline.
* Kaiser Permanente, the largest non-profit health care system in the
US,
has announced phasing out PVC wherever possible in millions of square
feet
in new construction to be built over the next decade. Kaiser vendors have
developed PVC-free wall protection products and PVC-free carpeting.
Other recent PVC phase-out announcements include the following:
* Catholic Healthcare West, a healthcare system with 40 hospitals, announced
on November 21, 2005, it awarded a five year, $70 million contract to
B.Braun to supply CHW with PVC-free and DEHP-free IV systems.