Recycled PVC-U sets the trend

The use of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) for windows started way back in the 1960s. To date, about 85% of new and replacement window projects use PVC-U to replace timber framed windows. The basic material properties of PVC-U render it ideal for windows and even doors as it does not rot or decompose fast and is resistant to changing weather condition. PVC-U is lightweight and tough on impact, while retaining its shape. It can also be reshaped at high temperature and can be recycled. PVC-U is based on the polyvinyl chloride polymer. To make the material suitable for use as a window, a number of stabilisers and additives are used. These special heat and UV stabiliser additives are an essential part of any PVC formulations destined for the manufacture of PVC-U for windows. Windows for the world British company Epwin Group, which specialises in low maintenance building materials, will showcase its award winning range of advanced sustainable and energy efficient PVC-U products at ecobuild 2010. These products include its pioneering new window manufactured from PVC-U profile made entirely from recycled material and installed commercially in social housing in Manchester. At the forefront of sustainable development in PVC-U building technology, other innovations from the group on show include the low car bonra in water system from Swish Building Products. Manufactured from 84% recycled material the rainwater pipe and gutter range produce 70% less CO2 than would be created in the manufacture from virgin material. The Epwin Group's window systems company, Profile 22, has also launched a 'green' new build window system. This features the very latest in advanced performance energy efficient window technology combined with a cavity closer manufactured from 98% and a sill system with a 92% recycled content. The innovation has made a significant contribution in PVC-U's 'A' and 'A plus' Green Guide rating from the Building Research Establishment, which recognises PVC-U as one of the most sustainable building materials. Manufactured from window profile made from 100% recycled PVC-U, the pioneering energy efficient windows were installed in a pilot project, completed for Manchester social housing provider, Northwards Housing in March. Pioneering in recycled profile The recycled profile, a first for the sector, was extruded by Epwin Group systems business, Profile 22, which along with its sister recycling company Dekura, has long been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in PVC-U window and building technology. The product won the Best Recycled Product Award at the National Recycling Awards 2009. " The new 'green' window building system features the very latest in advanced performance energy efficient technology combined with a cavity closer manufactured from 98% and a sill system with a 92% recycled content" Manufactured by Wrekin Windows and foiled with a thin virgin skin (2%) by Foilex, both Epwin Group businesses, the product achieves a total recycled content of 98%, while also delivering an advanced thermal performance. "To win the Best Recycled Product Award 2009 against some very stiff competition from a wide range of sectors, is a fantastic achievement and shows just how far we, not only as a Group but as an industry, have moved forward," said Jim Rawson, Chairman of the Epwin Group. "PVC-U is an exceptionally flexible material that is low maintenance and thermally efficient in life and can be effectively recycled and re-extruded at end of life. It simply makes sense to recycled and to use recycled product, both environmentally but as part of an effective business or estate management strategy." Profile 22's thermally efficient RCM (recycled composite material) reinforcement ranges, for example, is already in extensive use. It also offers a range of future generation fuOriginals Prophere