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Many hospitals have decided to seek and use products that contain little or no vinyl. (Vinyl is also commonly called PVC or polyvinyl chloride). There are many PVC-free office products that are readily available, cost competitive and more attractive and durable than their vinyl counterparts. A few simple steps can help you select more environmentally preferable office products.
Learn to recognize vinyl
- Read the product descriptions! (Check the product package, a stationery supply catalog, or an online catalog or manufacturer's website). Look for the words "vinyl", "PVC", or "polyvinyl chloride" to tell you that vinyl is present. Watch for other words often used on vinyl products, such as "leather-like", "leather-look", "ballistic-like" or "ballistic-look".
- If a product is made of plastic that is flexible, glossy, and/or clear, be suspicious that it is vinyl. Look closely at the product description or check with the manufacturer for more information.
- Vinyl products are sometimes marked with the vinyl recycling symbol, which is a triangle with the number "3" inside and a "V" at the bottom of the triangle. This is typically seen on packaging, such as molded blister packs that some products come in (e.g. scissors). Occasionally it is seen on the product itself, if the product is large.
Learn to recognize alternatives
- Look for the words that are often used to describe non-vinyl (alternative) products, including: "poly", "polypropylene", and "polyethylene". "Poly" is a generic term, so check with the manufacturer to verify it is non-vinyl.
- One must be cautious about selecting "poly" with vinyl components. For example, the "Rolodex Poly business card book" has a non-vinyl cover but uses vinyl sleeves for holding the cards.
- For report covers, sheet protectors, business card folders, and photo albums, look for the terms "archival quality", "archival safe", "acid free", "non-stick" or "won't lift print off inserts". These phrases are often used on non-vinyl products. This is only a clue - once again verify it with the manufacturer!
Browse for PVC-free products
- Become familiar with alternative products by browsing through stationery catalogs or online catalogs for the products shown below. A little sleuthing will familiarize you with terms and characteristics that identify both PVC and alternative products.
- Here are some online catalogs and manufacturers websites to browse. Try searching on the term "poly" to find alternative products.
Recognize the common office products that often contain vinyl
- 3-ring binders
- report covers
- colored paper clips
- pad holders
- dust covers for computers and equipment
- badge holders
- hole reinforcements
- sheet protectors
- business card holders
- media storage sleeves and pages
- "Out" guides for files
- shop ticket holders
- organizers, portfolios, checkbook covers
For a list of PVC-free office products and their manufacturers, visit the Sustainable Hospitals website at http://www.sustainablehospitals.org or contact the SHP by phone (978-934-3386) or email (shp@uml.edu)
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