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New PVC windows Window replacement

New profiles Collecting PVC
with recyclate windows

Recycling Logistics
Recycling Cycle. Pictures: ©Rewindo | rewindo.de
RECYCLING
PVC WINDOWS DO HAVE SEVERAL LIVES

Imagine that you are having new windows fitted and may be wondering what will happen to your old windows. They are
much too valuable to throw away therefore they are recycled. New profiles are made out of the small pieces of PVC which are
formed in the recycling process. A plastic profile can be recycled and reused at least seven times in this way – and the same
high quality standard can be achieved every time.

If you have opted for modern PVC windows again, you will find the aim of increasing the amount of recycling, thereby pre-
that today they are made using recycled PVC, metal and glass. serving both the environment and resources. Many countries
collect used PVC windows and feed specific recycling plants in
ADVANTAGES OF RECYCLED WINDOWS France, Germany and United Kingdom, which then supply PVC
Windows containing recycled PVC boast the customary dura- window profile manufacturers and hence close the controlled
bility and strength while requiring a very low amount of main- loop. In 2017, for example, around 60,000 tonnes of PVC were
tenance. This is also confirmed by independent tests carried out reclaimed from old windows and reused. This corresponds to
by certifying body like RAL Gütegemeinschaft Kunststoff-Fen- about 3.6 million window units, which have a new life to look
sterprofilsysteme. The scope for design in terms of finish and forward to.
colour remains virtually unlimited. And if the windows need re-
placing again after 30 to 40 years, the old windows can simply
be recycled again.
HOW YOUR OLD WINDOWS ARE RECYCLED
In addition to the quality of the windows, the profiles contain-
ing a percentage of recycled material offer even more advan- 1. Old PVC windows are shredded and ground into
tages, such as the avoidance of harmful greenhouse gases (e.g. even smaller pieces.
a saving of almost two tonnes of CO is made on every tonne of 2. Then metal, rubber, glass splinters and plastic are
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recycled PVC which is used for new profiles in comparison with separated from each other.
primary PVC). 3. The plastic is then heated and filtered.
4. The resulting PVC is used as a pure source material
NEW LIFE FOR OLD WINDOWS for new plastic windows with a recycled core.
The leading European manufacturers of profiles have joined 5. Glass and metal are recycled separately in special
forces to tackle the issue of window recycling. In Germany, for processing plants.
example, they started up the Rewindo initiative in 2002 with

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