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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Inkjet-printed Polyvinyl Alcohol Multilayers

Inkjet-printed Polyvinyl Alcohol Multilayers

Published on: May 11, 2017

New developments in PVC.

O Grøndahl Hansen¹

¹PVC Information Council Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark. pgh@pvc.dk

Medical Device Technology

|November 8, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) medical devices are environmentally preferable to alternatives, according to a new life cycle analysis. Deselection of PVC is not advisable, despite environmental concerns and risks associated with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Environmental Science
Medical Device Technology

Background:

Hospitals in Europe often avoid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) medical devices due to environmental concerns.
This has led to the exploration of alternative plastic materials for medical device manufacturing.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the environmental impact of PVC medical devices compared to alternatives using a life cycle analysis.
To assess the scientific opinion on the risks of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in medical devices.

Main Methods:

Conducting a comprehensive life cycle analysis comparing a PVC medical device with two devices made from alternative plastics.
Reviewing the latest scientific literature on the potential risks associated with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Main Results:

The life cycle analysis indicates that deselection of PVC for medical devices is not advisable.
The study addresses conclusions from the life cycle analysis regarding PVC and alternative materials.

Conclusions:

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) remains a preferable material for medical devices from an environmental perspective.
Further assessment of risks associated with specific plasticizers like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is necessary but does not negate PVC's overall advantages.