PVC building profiles have reached more than 2 million tonnes market globally. The European region almost consumed almost 1 million tonnes of PVC building profiles. There is however an increasing development of anti-PVC sentiments an account of environmental issues.

Several types of alternatives either from PP or styrenics have been gaining some inroads. The leading PP producer Borealis feels very strongly that PP profile is a viable alternate to PVC. Infact, technically, PP profiles meet all the relevant standards. PP profiles are already commercialized by Internorm Fenser and Titta in Austria and HT Troplas in Germany. PP profiles have been found to be more expensive (15-20% more) on account of higher processing cost. The extrusion speed of PP is much lower compared to PVC and is so far developed on single screw extrusion. The welding of PP profiles also is more sensitive and therefore increases cost. The government subsidies provided by Austria & Germany would help increasing market of RP.

Dark coloured PVC profiles do not provide good performance in tropical countries. PVC profiles have to be used as acrylic top coating/extrusion. ABS/ASA profiles have been developed by BASF as well as GE. These styrenic profiles can be painted easily compared to PP & therefore offer advantages for renovation.

PVC, however, is likely to remain firmly in this application. PP or styrenics could only complement PVC in some markets and therefore could attain a small market share.