Schüco has introduced PVC-U profiles with recycled material and plant-based biomass content into its standard range. Currently, about 36% of the profiles in the Schüco LivIng system contain 25 to 75% recycled material, and these values will be gradually increased. In addition, a new Recycelt grade with guaranteed recycled content has been made available for environmentally certified buildings.
Starting as early as 2027, the CO2 content of a building is to be shown in energy certificates in the form of a GWP factor calculated as CO₂e/kg equivalent. Schüco PVC-U windows manufactured with recycled and renewable raw materials in mind are an important step toward decarbonizing the primarily residential construction sector, which is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, fossil fuel use and waste generation. The sourcing of recycled material has been made possible through cooperation with Schüco's subsidiary RE:CORE, which collects PVC-U profiles from building demolitions and post-production waste and processes them into a new, full-value material for window and door profiles. The new grades of sustainable PVC-U expand Schüco 's extensive portfolio of materials, solutions and services offered as part of its comprehensive Carbon Control program to manage a building's carbon footprint throughout its life cycle.
Eco-friendly windows made from recycled plastic
With sustainable building projects in mind, Schüco provides window manufacturers with a choice of different grades of PVC-U material. Some profiles in the Schüco LivIng system may already contain recycled raw material in their standard offerings, which can be identified by their distinctive "colored" core. The outer surface, on the other hand, can have a classic color, such as white, and be finished with a film of your choice from the UnlimitedFinish palette of more than 300 colors. A special Recycelt version with a guaranteed recycled content, which can range from 25 to 75%, depending on the profile geometry, is also available on request. In addition, there is an option to order profiles without recycled content. For the future, the company plans to gradually increase the proportion of recycled raw material in its systems. However, since the best way to avoid the emissions associated with the production of new joinery components is to extend their lifespan, Schüco provides tools that make it easier to maintain, upgrade and reuse valuable materials. Schüco has been offering essential replacement parts for many years, even for older systems. With a practical stick-on label for IoF ID (Internet of Facades) joinery, the maintenance history and all information about the component is recorded and stored digitally. This facilitates operation, possible repairs and the proper assignment of recyclable materials at the end of use.
New PVC-U grades with renewable and recycled material content reduce windows' embedded CO2 content
© Schüco
Schüco windows with natural oil
Schüco PVC-U windows with renewable content are an ideal choice especially for sustainable buildings undergoing environmental certification in programs such as LEED, BREEAM or DGNB. The new material replaces petroleum with talcum oil, which is a byproduct of paper production from pine wood. PVC-U production technology with renewable raw material is associated with a reduction inCO2 emissions of up to 90% compared to the traditional one, while maintaining the same quality. "Renewable" PVC-U has identical parameters and properties to standard plastic, with the difference that its polymer matrix consists of 100% plant-based raw materials. The new grade is already being used in all Schüco PVC-U systems and can be used to produce both standard and Recycelt profiles. The entire process has received RSB and ISCC PLUS certification, which means that the origin of the biomass and its content in Schüco profiles are subject to regular inspection. The effect of different PVC-U grades on a window's GWP coefficient can be checked using the GWP assistant app. Already today, depending on the selected raw material option, values ranging from as little as 0.76 to 2.3 kgCO2eper ton of material can be achieved. The app takes into account factors such as thermal insulation, profile dimensions, surface finish, type of hardware or reinforcement material, among others. Schüco partners receive a certificate with each delivery confirming the thallium oil content of PVC-U and the correspondingCO2 savings.
New PVC-U grades with recycled and renewable material content reduce embedded CO2 content in windows
© Schüco
Schüco - System solutions for windows, doors and facades
The Bielefeld-based Schüco Group develops and sells systemic building envelope solutions in aluminum, steel and PVC-U. The product portfolio includes window, door, facade, ventilation, security and sun protection systems, as well as intelligent networked solutions for residential and facility construction. Schüco also provides consulting and digital solutions at every stage of the construction process - from initial concept, design, production and installation to after-sales service including maintenance and service. The portfolio is complemented by production machinery and customized services. As one of the leading companies in the construction industry, Schüco aims to be a pioneer in holistic sustainability and actively contribute to achieving climate neutrality and creating a closed-loop economy in the construction industry with its products and services. Founded in 1951, Schüco now operates in more than 80 countries and has 6750 employees. In 2022, the company's annual turnover was €2.28 billion. For more information, visit www.schueco.pl
