Sears to trim use of PVC

Sears Holdings Corp., the largest U.S. department store chain, said it was working to phase out polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, in its packaging and merchandise.

Sears will work with suppliers to eliminate the plastic, which can contain harmful chemicals and metals, and to use more recyclable materials, the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company said.

Other retailers including Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have agreed to reduce use of the material, according to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice in New York. California and the European Union have banned some phthalates, a component of PVC used to keep plastic flexible, over concerns that they could interfere with normal hormone functions.