PVC continues to dominate as the most widely used polymer for single-use medical devices — making up nearly 30% of the market. From IV bags and tubing to masks and other disposables, its versatility and ease of recycling make it the top choice in healthcare.
A recent market study confirms that PVC will maintain its lead at least until 2027. Unlike other polymers, which are fragmented across ten different types, PVC offers the unique benefit of being both soft and rigid — making it ideal for recycling into new products.
Its high usage volume and recyclability make PVC the logical starting point for hospitals looking to implement sustainable waste strategies. While past concerns around certain additives limited recycling, safer alternatives are now widely adopted and even approved by European regulatory standards.
Driven by environmental goals, the European PVC industry has been investing in recycling since 2014. Initiatives like VinylPlus Med aim to expand hospital collection schemes and create clean PVC recyclates for use in new, high-value products. With pilot projects already running in countries like Belgium, similar programs are being rolled out across Europe — signaling a shift toward circular healthcare practices.
“Explore how Orbimind highlights material innovations in our medical plastics events”
Contact Orbimind
“Looking for conference updates on medical plastics? Subscribe here.”
