PVC | MARKETS
up to ten times which can potentially give them a 150-year lifespan.” The company last year collected and recycled almost 15,000 tonnes of uPVC from old window frames. Once collected, the frames from windows (and
doors), as well as offcuts from fabrication of new frames, are re-processed, separating the PVC from the metal reinforcements to eventually produce a recycled compound pellet for re-use. Ward says that as a result of the increase in
demand, CNC Recycling made several “significant” investments throughout 2021 in plant and machin- ery. He says householders are changing their windows either to upgrade the thermal efficiency of their properties or in response to changes in fashion (with new colours for example). In the UK at least, almost 85% of old windows
are being replaced with uPVC, he says. “As mem- bers of the Recovinyl scheme this allows us to report volumes of recycling, meaning the industry can accurately track how much material is being processed and reused in new products. This allows for effective lobby and engagement with govern- ment to help safeguard the future of the very successful PVC recycling industry.” There have been significant investments made by the large profile houses into uPVC recycling facilities and infrastructure within the UK, Ward says. He also points out that two years ago, the UK’s Glass & Glazing Federation partnered with CNC Recycling to launch a new uPVC recycling scheme for installers and manufacturers. Rehau is one of the world’s largest extruders of
uPVC window profiles. With its UK base in Runcorn, its subsidiary PVCR is the largest uPVC recycler in North West England, processing over 13,200 tonnes of post-consumer window and door frames every year. General Manager Ceri Davies says: “The Recovinyl scheme has been hugely influential in inspiring best practice across the European PVC value chain. Specifically, the quantifiable data it
provides on PVC waste and PVC recyclate uptake is an invaluable barometer for our operations. The information we receive through the Recovinyl scheme has definitely informed our future ambi- tions. This includes our objective to recycle 100% more waste by 2024 – the equivalent of salvaging and processing 24,000 metric tonnes of old window frames every year.” Rehau is also looking to increase the amount of the highest graded PVC material to be reintroduced to new product lines. Rehau’s colour demands for recycled PVC are unequivocal, says Davies, in order to ensure no further colouring inorganic chemicals are used. It is extremely important that PVCR ensures all recycled frames re-entering the com- pany’s supply chain meet this requirement. “That is why we are looking to further improve
our filtration processes – currently, around 50% of salvaged frames are recovered as the highest-grade PVC, with 35% of the by-product created through shredding and granulation being sold to other businesses. We are looking to improve this to 70%.” Since its 2009 inception, another UK scheme,
Above: PVC window frames are increas- ingly recycled in the UK
GREY FOR GREEN
COL LECT , REGENERATE, REFORMULATE -
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IMAGE: CNC RECYCLING
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