INNOVATION | PVC
used in new profiles. In future production waste and scrap from partnering window manufacturers will be reprocessed. Salamander has been awarded the Sustainabil-
Above: The recycling process of uPVC windows and doors at Veka Recycling
Ultradur is used in numerous industrial applica- tions for high-grade and heavy-duty technical components. This special development of an Ultradur blend reinforced with 55% glass fibres benefits profile manufacturers and window manufacturers in a number of ways. Firstly, the melt temperature has been lowered significantly, which simplifies the co-extrusion process with polymers such as PVC, as the melting point is close to the processing temperature of PVC. “Our new, im- proved Ultradur grade offers profile manufacturers and window producers clear-cut advantages in production. Our product and the manufacturing process are amenable to trouble-free integration into existing production lines,” says Dr. Kay Brock- müller, Project Manager Construction at BASF. The newly developed material also exhibits
existing core properties. Ultradur possesses high stiffness and binds with PVC. Suitably positioned, it can replace a conventional steel stiffener in the profile. The co-extruded profile is weldable and can be machined on existing equipment. For window makers, this reduces the production effort, as it eliminates all steel-related activities. In addition, handling is easier during production and installa- tion in the building, because the profile reinforced with Ultradur is much lighter. A further positive feature for the customer, in addition to improved insulation performance, is that the profile exhibits high dimensional stability when installed and shows virtually no post-shrinkage after installation. There are fixed recycling rates for PVC window
profiles in many countries. Hybrid profiles of PVC and BASF’s new Ultradur can be separated and recovered at standard recycling facilities. The German window manufacturer Profine is currently modifying its recycling facilities so that the two materials can be separated and concentrated and
32 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | November/December 2020
ity Prize 2020 by ‘Deutschland Test’ and ‘Focus Money’. One of its products contributing to the award is the Greta eco-friendly window system. The company says that the Greta profile system is produced in line with the highest sustainability standards. All the PVC used comes from old windows and production waste. Recycled PVC cannot give fully smooth surfaces using modern production methods. So the company has used special, open-pored surface textures to create a profile with a concrete look. Insulation values are comparable. Different architectural styles can have different kinds of windows. Greta profiles are part of the GreenEvolution flexible modular system and can be individually tailored to a project. The slim line design enables the construction of large glass surfaces for maximum light to enhance living space quality in renovated old and modern new buildings. UK company Veka Recycling has recycled over 10 million uPVC installations since it was estab- lished in 2007. The company says that it operates a closed loop recycling process and that its recycled products can be fitted for another 30-40 year lifespan. Window profiles made from uPVC can be re-used for over 300 years before becoming unsuit- able for complete recycling. The Veka uPVC waste recycling process is carried out in four steps. Window profiles and doors are first collected and taken to its recycling centre. The uPVC waste is then mechanically shredded. Any metal and magnetic materials are then removed. Pieces of materials are then sepa- rated into different colours and reduced in size. The final stage of the process is compression, followed by filtration and the pelletising process. Recycled uPVC pellets are then manufactured into new door and window profiles.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.vinylplus.eu �
www.recomed.co.uk �
www.axiongroup.co.uk �
www.bpf.co.uk �
www.grundon.com �
www.pvc4cables.org �
www.redel.it �
www.unical.it �
www.enea.it �
www.basf.com �
www.salamander-windows.com �
www.veka-recycling.co.uk
www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com
IMAGE: VEKA
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