58 BUILDING FABRIC


refi ning  is also energyintensive, producing higher levels of CO2


.


The polymer recycling process separates old frames into different materials, creating ‘clean’ PVCu pellets for manufacturing new windows. Because the process is less energy-intensive than aluminium recycling, its carbon footprint is roughly onefi fth smaller. hile new polymer production has relatively high embodied carbon, it is less than half that of aluminium.


THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY


Millions of new windows are installed in the UK annually, meaning many old frames are scrapped. To reduce the amount of polymer going to landfi ll, suppliers must commit to the circular economy. Part of REHAU, PVCR collects and separates polymer windows and door frames, directing recyclable materials back into window manufacturing processes. This reduces polymer going to landfi ll, enabling a more sustainable business model and products.


RECYCLING PROCESS


Before recycling processes improved, polymer window profi les were primarily manufactured using mono-extrusion methods. Multi-layer co-extrusion instead combines recycled and virgin polymer using two dies concurrently,


TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF POLYMER GOING TO LANDFILL, SUPPLIERS MUST COMMIT TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY


with window cores being 100% recycled polymer and outer skins made from virgin materials. This enables suppliers to keep valuable raw materials within the circular economy. Importantly, using recycled


polymer in frame cores does not impact window performance. Instead, the aesthetic appeal of virgin polymer is retained alongside durability and thermal effi ciency levels.


Currently 55% of salvaged polymer frames are converted into material used in our products. e aim to increase the amount of good-quality polymer being reused to 70% through further enhancing PVCR’s processes.


GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS Housebuilders and developers are mainly familiar with polymer’s green credentials, but suppliers must foster greater awareness and educational opportunities to make recycling the material more commonplace.


The overall aim must be to ensure homebuilders and developers use more recycled polymer windows, and that supply chains provide scrap windows materials, including whole frames and off-cuts, to facilitate this. Partnerships with homebuilders, developers, fabricators and installers to arrange local delivery of scrap polymer for recycling are therefore required.


GREATER TRANSPARENCY, GREATER SUSTAINABILITY Attitudes to sustainability are shifting, with homebuilders, developers and consumers concerned about the eco-friendliness of windows, including their use of recycled materials. Traceability can prove a useful tool for housebuilders and developers looking to allay these concerns.


In conclusion, advancing polymer window technology, alongside its ability to realistically mimic aluminium at a more cost-effective price point, has long made PVCu an appealing choice for housebuilders and developers. This, combined with its signifi cantly lower embodied carbon level and reduced recycling footprint means the material is likely to grow in prominence as sustainability becomes a bigger priority for everyone.


Steve Tonkiss is head of sales (south) at REHAU


WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92