By Athalia Salsabila Budiyanto
The lifetime of a PVC product is defined as the period where it maintains its functionality and structural integrity (Makris, et al., 2019). This lifetime encompasses not only the physical integrity of the material but also its performance characteristics such as mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and color fastness under normal operating conditions. This lifetime varies, ending when the product can no longer serve its intended function, ranging from a few years for disposable items to decades for construction materials such as pipes, window frames, etc.
In general, the longevity of PVC products is affected by various factors including exposure to heat, ozone, oxygen, UV radiation, light radiation, chemical substances, and water vapor (Plota & Masek, 2020). Given its widespread utilization over recent decades, PVC has emerged as the primary construction material. Consequently, significant determinants influencing PVC products, particularly pipes and fittings, encompass material degradation, pronounced defects, and an unforeseen acceleration in degradation rates (Makris, et al., 2019). Studies indicate that the lifespan of particularly piping systems, is typically extensive, often exceeding 100 years under normal operating conditions. This durability is largely due to PVC's inherent resistance to corrosion, chemical stability, and its ability to withstand various environmental factors when properly installed and maintained (IPEX, 2022).
In Indonesia, the PVC market is influenced by regional trends in the Asia-Pacific area, focusing on reducing the environmental footprint of plastics, including PVC. Innovations in product design and recycling technologies are strategically adopted to extend the useful life of PVC products as its extended lifespan plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Initiatives in Indonesia and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region highlight the shift towards more sustainable practices in managing the lifecycle of PVC products.
Efforts to minimize the amount of PVC reaching final disposal are crucial for environmental protection. This includes improving recycling processes and developing new formulations of PVC that are easier to recycle. Such practices not only help in conserving resources but also in reducing landfill waste, contributing to overall environmental health. By extending the product lifetime through better design, usage, and recycling, the dependency on raw materials can be reduced, and the lifecycle environmental impact of PVC products can be minimized.
