Kerala’s SPIA to put up PVC flex recycling unit in Thiruvanthapuram

In the wake of the proposed ban on the use of PVC flex for advertising, Sign Printing Industries Association (SPIA), a printers’ association based in Kerala, is planning to install a multi-layered PVC flex recycling unit to recycle the PVC flex used for advertising in the state. With the assistance of Pioneer Industries, the association is importing a PVC recycling unit from China to be set up in Thiruvanthapuram.

Confirming this to Media4Growth, Vijaya, General Secretary, SPIA, said: “Our endeavour is to become a socially responsible industry partner in stopping the harmful effects of flex and provide a solution to the industry”. This machine with the capacity to recycle 3,000 sq ft of flex per hour creates no pollution at all.  SPIA had apparently approached the Thiruvananthapuram corporation to seek financial and logistical support for setting up the uit, but did not get the due support.

After that, SPIA opted to get the unit that costs $25,000 by raising funds from its members and with the proceeds of an exhibition that they organised in the state. An NGO has offered space for putting up the recycling unit and will operate it, thereby providing employment to a few underprivileged beneficiaries.

SPIA will have to brace for big challenges in collecting the tons of PVC flex used for advertising. “We have around 1,300 members and their clients who will collect the used flexes and transport them to the recycling unit while meeting the cost of collection and transportation,” said Vijaya.

The recycling unit will separate the polyester fabric and PVC film and the polyester fabric can be re-used for making polyester yarn and the PVC film will be turned into granules through extrusion. The granules can then be used for making PVC pipes, sandal soles and other plastic products.
 
Initially, the association plans to install one such unit and put up more units as the project gains traction.