Environmental, Resource and Circular Economy Characteristics of PVC Windows

Issues 10 and 11 of Bauelemente Bau will feature a joint article by VinylPlus®, EPPA ivzw and GKFP in October (Part 1) and November (Part 2).

In cooperation with EPPA ivzw and VinylPlus®, GKFP has prepared a feature article for the trade journal Bauelemente Bau. The article focuses on the characteristics of PVC windows in the context of circular economy approaches and resource use. It examines recycling pathways, presents Europe-wide initiatives and collection schemes for end-of-life windows, and refers to the fact sheet published by the German association ProHolzfenster e.V.

The article explains that the assessment of the CO₂ footprint of window elements may take multiple life-cycle stages into account. In addition to raw material extraction and production, the use phase, dismantling, recovery and recycling at the end of the service life may also be relevant factors.

Furthermore, the article describes how PVC materials can be processed and reintroduced into manufacturing processes within appropriate recycling systems. It also outlines the potential contribution of recycling processes to resource efficiency and the reduction of primary raw material consumption.

 The full article will be published in Bauelemente Bau (Part 1 in Issue 10, Part 2 in Issue 11) and online (German onyl). A summary is also available on the website of EPPA Brussels and by us.