PVC vs. PVC-Free Banners: Environmental Impact Comparison

PVC-Free Banners (Polyester + Polycarbonate Eyelets) 

Traditional PVC Banners (PVC + Metal Eyelets) 

Environmental Benefit 

Material Composition 

Made from a woven polyester with a polymer coating; eyelets are polycarbonate (a thermoplastic) 

Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC); eyelets are aluminium or nickel-plated brass 

PVC-free options eliminate hazardous plastics and toxic additives 

Raw Material Sourcing

Polyester and polycarbonate are derived from petrochemicals but are less toxic and can be engineered for recyclability 

PVC uses chlorine and plasticisers (phthalates), which are toxic and persistent in the environment 

Polyester + PVC Free have fewer long-term environmental impacts 

Toxicity / Hazardous Additives

No chlorine or phthalates; polycarbonate is inert when manufactured correctly

High levels of chlorine during production; uses phthalates. 

Reduces toxic emissions during manufacture, use, and disposal 

End-of-Life Disposal 

Can be mechanically recycled (with difficulty); easier to incinerate with energy recovery and minimal toxins 

Banned from being incinerated in most countries due to dioxins release. 

Lower carbon footprint and pollution of soils and air. 

Biodegradability 

Not biodegradable, but less harmful if littered or landfilled 

Not biodegradable and can release toxins in landfill or natural environments. 

PVC-free is more inert and poses lower ecological threat in landfill 

Recyclability (Infrastructure) 

Polyester and polycarbonate are more compatible with existing plastic recycling streams 

Requires specialist recycling and often ends up in landfill 

Higher potential for closed-loop recycling with polyester/PC 

Manufacturing Energy Use 

Generally lower for polyester and PC versus PVC (especially with additives and lamination) 

High energy input; involves multiple stages and toxic by-products 

Reduced carbon footprint* per unit with PVC-free         * we need to qualify this with a LCA tool we are working on with our supplier 

Durability 

Highly durable and tear-resistant; UV stable with proper coating 

Also durable, but degrades with UV exposure and becomes brittle 

PVC-free matches or exceeds performance without environmental cost 

Reusability 

Lightweight and easy to clean; less brittle with age 

Heavy and prone to cracking and fraying over time 

Longer usable lifespan with less maintenance for polyester banners 

Weight / Transport Emissions 

Lighter weight reduces shipping emissions 

Heavier material increases transport CO₂ emissions 

Reduced logistics impact with polyester banners

Eyelet Recycling

Polycarbonate eyelets can be recycled with banner as same-class plastic 

Metal eyelets must be separated, often making the banner unrecyclable 

Simplified waste stream for recycling PVC-free banners

Cost (Current Market) 

Traditionally slightly more expensive due to advanced materials – not with the Tradeprint product 

Typically, cheaper per square metre due to mass production – not compared to the Tradeprint product! 

Higher cost reflects lower ecological cost – not compared to the Tradeprint product!

Consumer Perception

Seen as modern, and brand-aligned with sustainability 

Increasingly viewed as outdated and environmentally damaging 

Positive brand alignment with sustainable choices