Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated PVC, is a widely-used plastic. In terms of revenue generated, it is one of the most valuable products of the chemical industry. Globally, over 50% of PVC manufactured is used in construction. As a building material, PVC is cheap and easy to assemble. In recent years, PVC has been replacing traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas. Despite appearing to be an ideal building material, concerns have been raised about the costs of PVC to the natural environment and human health.

There are many uses for PVC including vinyl siding, magnetic stripe cards, window profiles, gramophone records, which is the source of the name for vinyl records, pipe, plumbing and conduit fixtures, bean bags; and, in its soft form, for clothing, upholstery, flooring, roofing membranes, electrical cables, and lightweight hobby artillery. The material is often used for pipelines in the water and sewer industries because of its inexpensive nature and flexibility.