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SUSTAINABILITY OF uPVC WINDOWS
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a project in cooperation with Vinyl Plus
Recyclable material instead of waste: PVC window recycling as part of the circular economy
PVC windows as a resource
PVC windows are highly durable, with many reaching the end of their 50-year lifespan. This creates an opportunity to recycle high-quality plastics and conserve resources.
For years, window manufacturers have been using recycled materials in new profiles and advancing closed material cycles, lower CO₂ emissions, and sustainable product design. Certifications, life cycle assessments, and collaborative projects highlight the industry’s commitment to eco-friendly and innovative solutions.
Recycling as part of European strategies
Sustainable construction has made window recycling increasingly important. PVC windows are a key part of the circular economy, as they can be recycled multiple times without quality loss.
Whether a few windows from a renovation or thousands from a large project, they belong in the material cycle, not in thermal disposal. Across Europe, collection points and recycling systems ensure old PVC windows are reintegrated into new profiles. In 2024, over 396,000 tonnes of PVC profiles were recycled, with 295,000 tonnes reused in new production (VinylPlus 2024).
Germany: Coordination via Rewindo
Since 2002, Rewindo has led the collection and recycling of PVC windows, doors, and roller shutters in Germany, supported by manufacturers and VinylPlus. The network covers around 90% of the PVC profile market and includes nationwide collection, over 1,300 disposal companies, 16 audited recyclers, 100 collection points, 700 housing partners, and 650 demolition firms. Around 90% of the German PVC profile market is organized through Rewindo. The operational network comprises:
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a nationwide collection system,
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more than 1,300 waste disposal companies,
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16 audited recycling partners (four of which are abroad),
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around 100 stationary collection points, including for very small quantities,
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700 cooperating housing companies,
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around 650 demolition and dismantling companies.
This network enables the flexible collection of old windows regardless of project size or regional location.
In 2024, 130,981 tonnes of PVC were recycled—44,109 tonnes post-consumer and 86,873 tonnes pre-consumer material.
Example project: In Offenburg, 360 old PVC windows in three high-rises were replaced with energy-efficient profiles. Hilzinger GmbH handled collection and transport, and VEKA Umwelttechnik processed the old windows into high-quality recyclate, closing the material loop.
Technical recycling and economic aspects
Recycled PVC is processed into new window profiles, often using innovative multi-chamber designs with a recycled core for both ecological and functional performance.
Collection and disposal are typically the responsibility of the waste owner. Recycling companies offer transparent, tailored services covering dismantling, transport, and processing. In some cases, delivered windows can even generate a financial return, making recycling economically attractive.
Legal framework and European dynamics
The EU’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) makes producers responsible for the full life cycle of their products. France has a mandatory take-back system, while Germany relies on voluntary industry initiatives that are widely recognized for supporting resource conservation.
PVC cannot be landfilled in Germany, though incineration remains allowed. Upcoming CO₂ regulations on thermal recycling (BEHG) may further encourage higher recycling rates.
Ecological relevance
The ecological significance of PVC recycling has been proven many times over by calculations of greenhouse gas emissions.
The CO2 footprint of a window element is not only determined by the raw materials used and the manufacturing process, as stated in a fact sheet recently published by the German Bundesverband ProHolzfenster e.V., but also by a standard-compliant life cycle analysis and the disposal phase at the end of its life. PVC scores highly here thanks to its low waste generation and the possibility of reuse in new profiles, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. The usage phase, including heat loss, air conditioning, repairs and maintenance, is also included in the life cycle analysis.
Every kilogram of recycled material used avoids around two kilograms of CO₂ emissions compared to the production of new material (source: EPPA ivzw). In addition, recycling reduces dependence on primary raw materials, thereby promoting raw material security within Germany and the EU and saving landfill volume. The extended retention time of raw materials in the economic cycle strengthens the industry's resilience to global bottlenecks.
© GKFP e.V.
A proven system with development potential
Rewindo is a tried-and-tested system that has established itself in German construction and renovation practice. It involves all relevant players – from profile manufacturers and glass and hardware suppliers to waste disposal companies and plant operators. The goal remains to further close the material cycle while combining technical feasibility, ecological responsibility, and economic efficiency.
Participation in the Rewindo system also brings concrete advantages for window manufacturers:
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Easy disposal: Depending on the project volume, old windows can be handed over via container services, mobile pick-ups, or stationary collection points.
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Cost transparency: Waste owners receive customized offers from recycling partners. In many cases, a refund for the delivered windows is also possible.
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Visible commitment: By participating, specialist companies show customers and clients that they are acting responsibly towards the environment.
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Future-proof: Recycling will increasingly be required by law in the coming years – with Rewindo, you are prepared.
With the increasing dismantling rate of PVC windows from previous decades, the importance of recycling will continue to grow. With Rewindo, the industry is demonstrating how established systems work in practice and can contribute to the implementation of political and economic sustainability goals.
European practical examples: PVC window recycling in practice
In many European countries, collection and recycling systems have been set up to recover valuable PVC raw materials from dismantled windows. These systems contribute to the implementation of the circular economy in the construction industry. The following provides an overview of exemplary initiatives in various countries.
Germany: Rewindo as an industry solution
Rewindo has been coordinating the recycling of old PVC windows nationwide since 2002. The network comprises more than 1,300 waste disposal companies and over 100 collection points. In 2024, around 131,000 tonnes of PVC were recycled, of which almost 44,000 tonnes were post-consumer material. The initiative is supported by leading profile manufacturers and is considered a reference model for the industry.
RE:CORE – Closing cycles – creating added value
Schüco has been involved in the Rewindo initiative for over 20 years. In 2022, the company founded the RE:CORE joint venture with REMONDIS to create a closed loop. RE:CORE offers a reliable recycling service for partner companies. The combination of market knowledge and waste disposal expertise creates a sustainable infrastructure.
VEKA: Pioneering work since 1993
VEKA Umwelttechnik GmbH operates the largest PVC window recycling plant in Europe. Windows, doors and roller shutters have been completely recycled there since 1993. In addition to its location in Germany, VEKA also has plants in France and the United Kingdom. The regranulates produced are characterised by their high purity and recyclability and are used in profile production at VEKA AG and its subsidiary GEALAN Fenster-Systeme GmbH.
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profine: Closed loop with a European dimension
profine operates its own take-back system in several countries and processed over 36,000 tonnes of recycled material across the group in 2024. A modern recycling plant was commissioned at the Pirmasens site at the beginning of last year. As a member of the Rewindo partner network, profine is thus strengthening its commitment to the closed material cycle.
Rehau Window Solutions and Dekura GmbH take responsibility for a circular economy in practice
Dekura has been recycling PVC windows and production residues for over 30 years. The Europe-wide collection system offers containers ranging from 1.1 to 40 cubic metres. At the Höxter plant, this is turned into high-quality regranulate, which saves up to 90 per cent CO₂ compared to primary PVC. As a REHAU subsidiary, Dekura is part of a long-term recycling strategy.
aluplast GmbH bundles its recycling activities in ap-cycle
apcycle promotes the sustainable handling of dismantled PVC windows, roller shutters and doors. The initiative involves all players along the value chain. aluplast operates the system proactively and is constantly increasing the use of recycled materials. The growing quantities of secondary material demonstrate the success of the concept.
Salamander: Powerhouse for sustainable window solutions with design appeal
Salamander has been committed to recycling for many years and is a founding member of Rewindo. In 2024, 22,000 tonnes of recycled material were processed, with an average of 21 per cent recycled content in the profiles. This is set to rise to over 30 per cent. The award-winning Greta® window loop combines recycling, CO₂ savings and design in one product.
VKG (Netherlands): Industry solution with clear standards
The VKG recycling system has been in place since 1994 and is based on the return of old components by window manufacturers. The materials are sorted by type and recycled to a high standard. The aim is to achieve a closed loop with a recycling rate of over 95%. Cooperation with recycling companies is regulated by contract.
OKNOREC (Poland): Establishment of a national take-back system
EPPA Polska initiated the voluntary OKNOREC system in 2023. It brings together manufacturers, recyclers and waste disposal companies under a common recycling concept. Collection is carried out by installers and through municipal collection points. The aim is to establish a functioning cycle for PVC windows in Poland.
RECOBUD (Poland): Cooperation between industrial companies
RECOBUD is an industry-led model project for the material recycling of old windows. Participants include Metal-Plast, Saint-Gobain and PreZero. In addition to PVC, glass components are also recycled. The project meets environmental requirements and supports companies in achieving ESG goals.
France: EPR regulation and comprehensive take-back structure
The Loi AGEC introduced an EPR system for construction products in France. Manufacturers pay an environmental contribution, and recycling and collection are carried out by accredited organisations. The maximum distance to collection points is regulated by law. The system is supported by associations such as UFME and companies such as VEKA Recyclage.
PVC window recycling in Italy: first steps towards a circular economy
The recycling of PVC windows in Italy is still in its infancy. In 2024, 64,000 tonnes of rigid PVC were recycled. Old windows often end up in construction waste, making separate recycling difficult. However, Recovinyl has been tracking and certifying PVC recycling throughout the country since 2006. With the WREP pilot project and increasing political pressure, the potential for structured collection and recycling systems is growing.
Deceuninck: Certified recycling across Europe
Deceuninck operates one of Europe's largest PVC recycling plants in Belgium. RecyClass certification ensures process reliability and material quality. The Go-Bag system allows window components to be collected directly on construction sites, making return easy. The system complements the Deceuninck recycling structure and offers practical solutions for decentralised take-back processes.
Conclusion: Creating structures for more recycling – we need old windows for this
The initiatives described above demonstrate the diversity of functioning collection and recycling systems in Europe. They differ in detail but they all have a common goal: to keep PVC from old windows in circulation and to produce high-quality recyclates. In this way, they contribute to resource conservation, CO₂ reduction and greater material autonomy in the construction industry. The message to the PVC window industry is clear: "collect old windows, because waste is a new raw material".