John R Svanander was formerly the director of ECVM and is currently the Consultant - Industrial Affairs.  ECVM is the trade name within the CEFIC, which represent the interests of PVC manusfacturers in Europe.  ECVM is a division of APME.

Born in Sweden and educated in Switzerland (Bachelor of Business Adminstration) and the USA (Master of Adminstration and International Marketing).  Svalander has over 35 years experience in the chemicals and plastics industry having worked in senior management positions for DOW Chemical, Union Carbide and BP throughout Europe and the the US.

Before establishing INSAM SA and then joining ECVM in 1993, Svalander worked for DOW Chemical, Union Carbide and BP.  He was president of BP Chemicals USA, General Manager Specialty Chemicals and most recently General Manager Environmental Affairs at BP Chemicals.

During his extensive career John has lived and worked in Sweden, United States, United Kingdom, Belgium and Switzerland.

John Svalander is also the Director of INSAM SA - a Swiss company that specialises in Strategic Expertise with emphasis on environmental issues.

INSAM SA has worked for ECVM (European Council for Vinyl Manufacturers) for the past six years.

In the industry John is sometimes referred to as a "white collared environmentalist..."

John Svalander has lectured at several well-known European and American universities on the subject of International Marketing, Strategic Expertise and Ecology combined with Economy.

Svalander has duel Swedish/Swiss nationality, lives in Switzerland and speaks English, French, German and Swedish.

Over the past 10 years PVC has become of the Chemical Industry scapegoats. Some environmentalists in particular Greenpeace attack the product. (Chlorine the devil’s element)

PVC, as well as all man-made products, leaves a footprint on the environment but the disadvantages are by fare outweighed by the advantages.

In what has become a very emotional and political and less rational debate the PVC industry has not been very good at making their points.

The problem is that very often allegations are based upon assumptions or biased information, presented in an emotional way

In such a debate “sound science” is boring, dry and not effective.

Health and Environmental issues, decisions and have to be based upon scientific facts (Risk Assessments, Life Cycle Analysis etc.) – if not there will be errors in judgment and decision. In addition the impact of erroneous decisions could be very counterproductive and irrevocable.

Unfortunately however it is often the one that shouts the loudest that is believed.

The Chemical Industry ranks low in “whom do you believe …”

Very often, public perception is that industry never accepts problems, tries to distort the facts (for profit) – this is totally incorrect.

The PVC industry, and many other industries for that matter, is “learning” to listen to allegations, be more open with facts and to communicate.

This is absolutely necessary to safeguard important applications such as the PVC used in Medical Devices.