98 per cent recycled PVC-U window installation – a first for the window industry.
Profile 22 has become the first PVC-U window systems company to extrude profile manufactured from 100 per cent recycled content for use in a commercial installation.
Foiled with a thin virgin skin (two per cent), the installed product achieves a total recycled content of 98 per cent – a first for the window industry and the social housing sector.
Managing and maintaining almost 13,000 properties in North Manchester, the pioneering 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.
Andrew Reid, commercial director, Profile 22, said: “For the moment, while it remains a pilot project, what has been achieved is representative of a new offer to the social housing sector and leading innovation in PVC-U technology.
“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.
The thin wood grain effect virgin foil was added to ensure colour consistency, weather performance and to deliver improved aesthetics.
Andrew said: “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.”
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.
