Plastic materials are sustainable!

There used to be very contradictory discussions concerning PVC as a production material. Scientific investigations show, however, that with state-of-the-art production methods and processing standards PVC has become a material that contributes to sustainable development. This applies in particular to windows made from PVC profiles.

Key facts on PVC in the windows sector:

  • Only 4 % of all gas and oil reserves in the world are used for the production of plastics, and of these just 1 % are used for PVC. 40 % of all gas and oil reserves in the world are used for heating and for the energy supply of buildings.
  • The main component of PVC is chlorine that is obtained from rock salt, crude oil accounts for just 43 %.
  • PVC windows top the league in eco-balances and eco-efficiency analyses.
  • New PVC windows offer a service life of over 50 years.
  • PVC manufacturers are committed to environmental issues and an ecological and sustainable production process.
  • Recycling: The PVC content of windows is recycled to produce PVC granules and can be reused to make windows at least seven times.

PVC windows are resource saving and energy efficient

Example: an average detached house requires approximately 100 litres of oil per week during the heating season. The same quantity of crude oil can be used to make PVC windows for the same house. These windows have a service life of decades and produce very good energy savings.

Eco-balances confirm the sustainability of PVC windows!

Thanks to their long period of use (50 years and more), their high level of energy efficiency and 100 % recyclability PVC windows rank at the top of the league in eco-balances and eco-efficiency analyses. PVC windows therefore demonstrate a high level of ecological awareness and sustainable development throughout the entire product life cycle. Compared to other windows PVC windows also attain the best values in terms of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. A study carried out in 2005 by the polytechnical university in Barcelona shows that a PVC window with double glazing and a recyclate share of 30 % has comparatively the lowest energy consumption (1.740 kWh) and causes the lowest CO2 emissions (740 kg). It was followed by PVC windows without a recyclate share and then wooden windows, both also with double glazing. The worst values were to be found in aluminium windows without thermal separation. The study took into account the production process, useful life, recycling as well as disposal of waste materials. (see e.g. Recio, J.M.B., Narváez, R.P. & Guerrero P.J. (2005): Estimate of energy consumption and CO2 emission associated with the production, use and final disposal of PVC, aluminium and wooden windows. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya).

Deceuninck is committed to sustainability

Deceuninck attaches particular importance to environmental friendliness and future-proof products. We proactively support the recycling of plastic and a responsible and sustainable use of PVC. In the production of our profiles we only use lead-free stabilisers. Our solutions excellently demonstrate how intense research and years of experience lead to the development of future-proof PVC systems for windows and doors, wall and roof cladding as well as terrace design and landscaping. Our systems are simple to manufacture, they allow straightforward processing and are extremely easy to care for!

You will find an overview of our very sustainable and energy efficient PVC window systems in our Product Overview.

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