Today’s design decisions for the hospitality industry, and the built environment generally, will have an impact on human health, ecosystem health, and planetary health for generations. So, it’s important that “cost” is appropriately defined and understood. This is made more complicated by a lack of published information (the majority of products used in the built environment do not fully disclose their contents and only a small minority of HPDs are prepared by an independent third party) and the prevalence of greenwashing.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or simply “vinyl”) is very familiar to many designers and has been for decades, so understandably, it could be viewed as a go-to material. It’s widely used in wallcoverings, flooring, upholstery, window and door frames, roofing, and potable water piping because of its durability and low cost. However, many sources now point to the hazards associated with vinyl. A review of alternatives and a more holistic view of cost allows designers to make informed decisions.
Chlorinated polymers, which include PVC (vinyl), are Red List materials, defined by the nonprofit certification agency Living Future as “…a list of chemicals representing the ‘worst in class’ substances prevalent in the building industry that pose serious risks to human health and the environment.” Habitable, formerly the Healthy Building Network, describes vinyl as “…the most environmentally damaging type of plastic…” and further comments that “…safer alternatives are already available for virtually all uses of PVC.”
PVC production is entirely dependent on the manufacture, transportation and use of the vinyl chloride monomer. Vinyl chloride monomer is extremely flammable, unstable and a known human carcinogen. It’s the material that was of highest concern in the East Palestine train derailment and subsequent environmental disaster. Ninety-five percent of vinyl chloride monomer produced is used in the manufacture of PVC.
A recent report by Toxic Free Future cited that 400,000 pounds of vinyl chloride monomer were released into the air in 2021 from vinyl chloride monomer and PVC production facilities. While vinyl producers are aware of the industry’s growing demand for more sustainable materials and marketing “greener” versions of vinyl by utilizing biobased feedstock or implementing recycling programs, Perkins and Will (with the support of Habitable) commented that “the fundamental hazards inherent in the chemistry of PVC are unresolvable”. They further noted that PVC production also produces highly carcinogenic dioxins, and at the end of life for vinyl, those dioxins and plasticizers such as phthalates can leach into the air through incineration or into soil and water through landfills. This is particularly relevant as less than 1 percent of post-consumer PVC is recycled. In situ, vinyl off-gases volatile organic compounds which can be harmful.
Cost-Effective Alternatives
Given the above, it’s important to review the range of high-performance, cost-effective alternatives to the widespread use of PVC, such as:
- Wallcoverings: Well-established, high-performance alternatives include bio-based polyethylene (up to 85 percent biobased content), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), and durable woven products like polypropylene (PP). There are also products based on woven hemp or straw and grass cloth. A cadre of innovative materials in development like fused cellulose fibers bonded with latex show promise.
- Flooring: In flooring, established alternatives to PVC include linoleum, solid wood, stone, ceramic tiles (without added lead), and cork. Excluding the topcoat, linoleum is often made from bio-based and low-hazard ingredients. Non-vinyl polymeric composites are also available, typically utilizing polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester rather than PVC.
- Upholstery: Silicone and silicone/polyurethane blends are well-established and have the same performance as vinyl. High-grade polyurethanes now also offer vinyl performance.
- Windows and Doors: For windows and doors, wooden frames offer an alternative to PVC and are durable, easily repaired, and have minimal maintenance requirements. Composite wood options now exist that use NAF and soy-based resins as an alternative to formaldehyde.
- Roofing: Roofing alternatives to PVC include TPO. It is important to look for products within this category that perform well in accelerated weather testing. Ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM) are also an option when made without the use of halogenated flame retardants.
- Potable Water Piping: Under typical conditions, copper pipes provide the fewest health hazards. Polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are also well-established alternatives to PVC piping for potable water. These two options are typically also fused with heat and pressure, avoiding the use of solvent cements.
In summary, although vinyl has been a go-to for many years, many sources now lead us to a better understanding of the total “cost” of specifying vinyl—expressly, its environmental impact. Coupled with an ever-increasing range of high-performance alternatives, it’s appropriate for specifiers in the hospitality industry to reevaluate choices and the very definition of “cost.” As the industry moves forward, designers, developers, and specifiers have a unique opportunity to lead the way in redefining what it means to build responsibly. By prioritizing transparency, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability over short-term cost savings, the hospitality sector can set a new standard—one that ensures both guest comfort and a healthier planet for future generations.
About the Author
Gordon Boggis is the CEO of Carnegie, a leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable commercial textiles and acoustic solutions. Before joining Carnegie in April 2021, Gordon led companies across various industries, focusing strongly on textiles, innovative materials, health and wellness, purpose-driven and environmentally sustainable businesses.
