Jason  joined Hydro Polymers in 1988 as a technologist responsible for developing novel PVC based materials.  Since then he has worked as section leader in the development department, responsible for the development of gamma radiation resistant PVC compounds and then as senior manager of the technical compounds group.  He took further responsibility as the Regulatory Affairs Manager supporting both PVC compounds for medical device applications and for use in Food Contact Applications.  He is an active member of APME Food Packaging Committee and a representative of the Pharmaocpoiea sub-committee.

In his current role, he is responsible for representing the company across the Division on Environmental and Regulatory issues with Government, NGOs and UK and European Trade Associations.  He is also pursuing a diploma in Sustainable Development at Cambridge University and has a keen interest in ecological issues.

This paper addresses the importance of  Sustainable Development for the PVC Industry in relation to medical device applications.  This is done by an initial review of triple bottom line reporting of today’s position and a by a  novel evaluation of what it would take to make PVC truly sustainable.  This aspect of the report reviews a pioneering process called the Natural Step, developed in Sweden by Karl Henrik Robert which uses a strict set of 4 key principles.  The model presented in this case is the use of PVC in medical device applications compared to these criteria, with a review of current practices and future activities.   There is particular emphasis on the challenges that the industry will need to address to maintain its position as the most widely used polymer in pre-sterilised single use medical device applications.