When the new president and CEO of the Vinyl Institute, Ned Monroe, addressed members of an industry association recently, he broke down the threats that continue to plague the vinyl industry. In the process, Monroe also outlined what we, as a whole, can do to combat misinformation—including suggestions that those working in the vinyl window industries may take to heart.

Ned Monroe, new president and CEO of the Vinyl Institute addresses industry members

Monroe, who joined the association in October 2018, presented the latest issues facing the vinyl industry, including attacks from what he describes as “Junk Science,” as well as legislative and political threats.

He said that over the next three years the industry should focus on image, presence and advocacy—all of which officials for the Vinyl Institute said their organization place high on their list of priorities. To this end, the association is very involved in trade and regulatory reform. The same goes for housing, as the Vinyl Institute works very closely with the National Association of Homebuilders.

“Advocacy is one of the most important things we do,” said Monroe, as is regulatory reform.

Monroe said companies must be very tuned in to what happens with the U.S. Mexico and Canada Agreement (formerly NAFTA), as, “There is no telling how this will shake out,” he added. “This is going to be one of the biggest and most extensive battles going on right now.”

Among many coming challenges, image is also a tough animal for the industry to tackle, he suggested. “How do you protect the reputation of PVC and resin?” he asked the audience. “We have to be proactive and reactive. We need to start telling the good stories of what we are doing,” he said, adding that this provides good business opportunities.

“We need to position companies, and the vinyl industry, to be a sustainability champion and a leading materials supplier in meeting society’s growing needs and expectations,” said Monroe.

This could include participation in groups such as the Vinyl Sustainability Council, which involves companies like PlyGem, Lowes, AAMA, Chelsea Building Products and more.

“How do we do it?” asked Monroe. “We do it together.”