98 per cent recycled PVC-U window installation – a first for the social housing sector
As a low maintenance and energy efficient product, PVC-U is one of the most sustainable materials used in modern methods of construction. Systems giant Profile 22 is at the forefront of this innovation in PVC-U building technology, developing a range of secure, energy efficient, low maintenance and now, advanced performance products manufactured solely from or with, an exceptionally high recycled content.
The first window systems company to manufacture a prototype PVC-U window from 100 per cent recycled material, the social housing specialist has supported the delivery of a pioneering commercial installation of PVC-U windows manufactured from 98 per cent recycled material.
Managing and maintaining almost 13,000 properties in North Manchester, the project was commissioned by three star ALMO, Northwards Housing as part of its commitment to drive sustainable practices throughout its operation.
Delivered by preferred partner and principal contractor Manchester Working, Wrekin Windows (Manchester Working supply chain partner), PVC-U recycler and Profile 22 sister company, Dekura, the windows were installed in 18 selected properties managed by Northwards Housing in Higher Blackley, North Manchester.
In doing so Northwards Housing has become the first social housing provider in the UK to specify and complete a PVC-U window replacement program installing windows manufactured almost solely from recycled material.
“A sizeable percentage of RSLs are still unaware that PVC-U windows and doors can be recycled – something that in the longer term could have substantial cost implications on maintenance budgets”, says Andrew Reid, commercial director, Profile 22.
He continues: “PVC-U is in fact totally recyclable, we made a prototype fully recycled window last year, a year-on we are using recycled PVC-U in our windows and component window parts as standard and now through Northwards Housing, Manchester Working, Wrekin Windows and Dekura we have completed a pioneering full installation of recycled windows.
“For the moment, while it remains a pilot project, what has been achieved is representative of a new offer to the social housing sector. As an industry we are bringing thousands of tonnes of old PVC-U back into use - material that might otherwise have gone to landfill – in a new generation of not only sustainable but also advanced, secure and energy efficient windows and doors.”
Profile 22′s recycling programme is delivered through the system’s company’s sister operation Dekura. The UK’s leading PVC-U recycler and a fully accredited member of Recovinly, Dekura has developed a comprehensive recycling service with the aim of driving forward not only industry innovation but to support the social housing and more widely the construction industry comply with Government legislation and targets for waste minimisation and re-use.
As a commercial trial, Profile 22 re-extruded material recovered by Dekura and Wrekin from an earlier PVC-U window replacement programme. This new profile manufactured from re-processed material was used by Wrekin in the manufacture of secure, low maintenance and energy efficient PVC-U windows for the Northwards Housing trial.
To ensure colour consistency, weather performance and to deliver improved aesthetics, the window profile supplied by Profile 22 also featured a thin wood grain effect virgin material foiled skin (two per cent of total).
“The performance of the re-extruded and recycled material is exactly the same as virgin material – it’s as strong, low maintenance and as thermally efficient. Securing consistency of colour is slightly more challenging, which is why a decision was made to apply an exceptionally thin skin”, explains Andrew.
Awarded an ‘A’ and ‘A plus’ Green Guide rating from the Building Research Establishment PVC-U has been recognised as one of the most sustainable building materials.
Profile 22 offers an extensive range of future generation fully recyclable and energy efficient product ranges, including a unique green new build window system. This features a cavity closer manufactured from 98 per cent recycled ‘waste’ PVC-U and a sill system with 92 per cent recycled content, co-extruded with a virgin skin to deliver superb weather performance.
Combined with an energy efficient and advanced performance PVC-U window and the system can achieve a recycled content of up to 60 per cent.
And while fully recyclable, advanced performance energy efficient windows from Profile 22 can also achieve top energy efficiency ratings. Available as part of Profile 22′s new build eco system, these energy efficient products also feature Profile 22′s patented thermally efficient recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcement – manufactured solely from recycled PVC-U.
Andrew concludes: “Profile 22 and Dekura are intercepting thousands of tonnes of old post-consumer frames otherwise destined for landfill, to recover and reprocess this material for use in a new generation advanced products – closing the loop on the recycling process.
“But there is still material slipping through the net. The social housing sector can play a critical role in helping us to capture this material by making sure that as part of their refurbishment programmes that the supply partners they select have the capacity to recycle post-consumer waste and are committed to doing so as part of project delivery.
“The Northwards Housing project demonstrates exactly what can be achieved if the social housing sector, contractors and its supply chain partners adopt a collaborative approach to project delivery.”
Wrekin Windows later went on to win the “Best Recycled Product” in the National Recycling Awards 2009, for the Northwards project, for which Profile 22 supplied profile.
