Skip to content
BPindex — The Largest Building Products Directory in the UK

PVC-U recycling

EUROCELL LAUNCHES SURESPEC TO SET NEW COMPLIANCE STANDARDS FOR WINDOW AND DOOR SPECIFICATION

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurocell website

Eurocell has become the UK’s first systems house to take full control of the window and door specification process with the launch of SureSpec, a fully audited model designed to eliminate gaps between design intent and final installation.

SureSpec is currently the only fully audited, end-to-end specification system for windows and doors. Its purpose is to ensure that what is specified is exactly what is manufactured, delivered and installed on each project.

The system tackles a well-known challenge in the industry where window and door specifications are often inconsistent, recycled from past projects, and frequently fail to reflect modern compliance requirements.

Its launch comes at a time when the need for clarity and accountability in specification has never been greater and is critical to the progress and overall success of projects. Regulatory expectations have surged following major updates to Parts L, F and Q of the Building Regulations, alongside the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway process.

Since late 2023, fewer than 11% of Gateway 2 applications for higher-risk new-build projects have been approved, with documentation gaps contributing to delays across the sector – indicating the importance of the issue.

Meanwhile, the government’s incoming Home Energy Model (HEM), replacing SAP, will require project teams to use accurate, product-specific performance and carbon data. Generic or inaccurate window and door specifications will not meet compliance thresholds – reinforcing why the launch of SureSpec comes at a pivotal moment.

Gary Doxey, Commercial Manager at Eurocell, says SureSpec answers these challenges and gives everyone across the project supply chain confidence in the full specification and delivery process:

“The industry needs precision, proof and accountability, and Eurocell is taking ownership of the entire fenestration specification process so what’s specified is what gets built.

“The window and door specifications we produce as part of SureSpec contain performance, reinforcement, carbon, hardware and testing data that alternative products can’t match. Changing to a non-equivalent system after specification, would risk non-compliance, delays and potentially significant costs.

“Eurocell is the only system house with the technical infrastructure to deliver this, meaning we can support social housing, student accommodation, BTR, residential and commercial schemes with a level of assurance that, in our view, can’t be matched by other providers.”

SureSpec has been designed to support every stakeholder involved in the window and door journey:

  • Architects receive accurate, performance-led NBS specifications with carbon data already embedded.
  • Surveyors are given a complete Eurocell specification with all reinforcement, loading and integration requirements defined, removing ambiguity at quotation stage.
  • Main contractors benefit from locked specifications and clearer accountability, reducing the risk of costly variations or non-compliant installations.
  • Fabricators receive window-by-window manufacturing drawings that eliminate guesswork.
  • Installers are supported with practical mini-manuals.

All this is underpinned with an on-site audit carried out by Eurocell, which verifies the installation matches the original design intent.

In addition to improving compliance and consistency, SureSpec strengthens sustainability performance by embedding accurate carbon and recycling data, underpinned by Eurocell’s closed-loop PVC-U recycling capabilities, directly within each specification. This ensures project teams can meet future HEM requirements and support broader ESG commitments.

Gary added:

“SureSpec represents a major shift in specification culture. Launching the scheme is just the beginning, we will continue to expand the audit model, integrate additional digital tools and build on our technical capabilities. This is about embedding a ‘do it once, do it right’ approach across the industry.”

For more information about SureSpec, visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/surespec

CLOSING THE LOOP: EUROCELL AND BIFFA SUCCESSFULLY TRIAL NEW PVC-U WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR THE TRADE

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurocell website

The Environmental Challenge: PVC-U Waste and Its Impact

PVC-U based products, like windows and doors, often end up in landfills when they aren’t recycled, contributing to environmental damage, increasing carbon emissions, and wasting raw materials.

As a leader in PVC-U recycling, Eurocell recognised the need to offer its trade customers a comprehensive recycling solution that would not only reduce waste but also enhance their own sustainability efforts.

With a long-standing commitment to sustainable practices, Eurocell aims to create a closed-loop recycling process that collects used PVC-U directly from customers, recycling it into new products for the construction and fenestration industries.

To achieve this, Eurocell sought a partner with extensive waste management experience and the infrastructure to provide a reliable, scalable solution. There was no better choice than Biffa, which offered the expertise and logistical support to implement a PVC-U collection service tailored for Eurocell’s trade customers, including fabricators and installers.

Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging Biffa’s Expertise

In February 2023, Eurocell and Biffa launched a trial of a domestic PVC-U collection service within a 30-mile radius of NE28 – this covers a large part of the North East.

An innovative model was introduced, where Eurocell worked with smaller traders and collections could be booked alongside new product orders. Collected PVC-U was then consolidated at hubs and transferred to Eurocell’s recycling facility, ensuring that materials were repurposed into new products through a closed-loop process.

Samantha Wood, Corporate Account Manager at Biffa said:

“We’re proud to deliver comprehensive waste management solutions that support our partners in achieving their sustainability goals. Our collaboration with Eurocell is a prime example of how we can support a closed-loop recycling system that keeps valuable materials out of landfills and contributes to a greener future.”

Trial Success: Tangible Impacts on Recycling Efforts

Since the trial began, the Eurocell and Biffa partnership has achieved significant milestones:

  • 195 collections were completed, with zero failed collections—a 100% success rate.
  • A total of 2,568 PVC-U frames were collected and recycled, which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. This equates to over 25 tonnes of PVC-U.
  • Eurocell has enhanced its feeder stock with recycled PVC-U, reinforcing its position as a market leader in sustainable recycling for the construction and fenestration industries.
  • The closed-loop recycling process is actively reducing carbon emissions and supporting a circular economy by reclaiming valuable raw materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling, at Eurocell said:

“Our partnership with Biffa has had a tremendous impact on our sustainability efforts, allowing us to recycle over 2,500 PVC-U frames, keeping our precious plastic feedstock out of landfill. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to a closed-loop recycling process, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future for both our customers and the environment.”

Future Expansion: Scaling Sustainability Solutions

The trial has been so successful that Eurocell and Biffa plan to expand the PVC-U collection service further by January 2025, extending the reach to more customers and locations. This expansion will provide even more trade customers with a sustainable, easy-to-use waste management solution.

Whether you need to discuss your recycling goals or arrange a collection for your PVC-U waste, we’re here to help so contact us, email: recycle@eurocell-recycle.co.uk, phone: 0333 777 3042.

Eurocell Sets Benchmark For Recycled PVCu In Extrusion

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurocell website

Eurocell, which operates the largest PVC-U recycling operation in the UK, achieved 32 per cent recycled PVC-U in extrusion in 2023, up from 27 per cent in 2021 – setting a new bar for recycled materials in the design and manufacture of its PVC-U windows and doors.

Eurocell’s dedication to sustainability is demonstrated through its innovative manufacturing processes, where its profiles division blends raw PVC resin with recycled materials sourced from the company’s cutting-edge recycling plants located in Selby, North Yorkshire, and Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

These facilities are pivotal in transforming factory offcuts and old window frames, which would likely end up in landfill, into reusable raw materials. In 2023 alone, Eurocell’s recycling operations saved the equivalent of approximately 3 million window frames from landfill. The business operates a closed-loop recycling system to ensure that waste PVC-U can be reused, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling at Eurocell, commented: “The increase to 32 per cent in the proportion of recycled materials in our extrusion process, is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how we are leading the way in PVC-U recycling.

“By integrating more recycled content into our products, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also provide our customers with high-quality, sustainable building solutions. We are helping the industry reduce waste and lower its carbon footprint, which is what we want our forward strategy to help deliver as we look to make further inroads in our recycling operation.”

Looking ahead, Eurocell has set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of recycled PVC-U in its products to 40% by 2030. The company’s recycling initiatives also extend beyond its own operations and they are actively working with third-party sites to optimise material recovery and reduce waste, aiming to increase the percentage of waste recycled to 88% by 2025 and to 93% by 2030.

Eurocell facilitates efficient PVC-U recycling for installers and fabricators through its closed-loop recycling system. By offering reliable and timely collections from any UK site, Eurocell ensures that PVC-U waste is managed responsibly. The service includes all aspects of waste management, from collection and transport to documentation, with waste transfer notes provided to demonstrate responsible handling – a testament to why the home improvement specialist won “Best PVC-U Manufacturer & Recycler 2023 – UK” at the Design and Build Awards 2023.

With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, Eurocell is leading the way in PVC-U recycling within the industry, providing sustainable, low-carbon products, to meet the growing demand for sustainable building products.

Sustainable Solutions

Eurocell’s Logik 70mm window system, delivers an energy performance specification of 1.2 U-value. Thisinnovative and sustainable window solution, features over 40% recycled PVC-U in the central core of the profile with virgin PVC-U on visible faces to ensure the same aesthetics and technical performance, but with more environmentally responsible credentials.

Exceeding Energy Efficiency Specifications

Eurocell has been pivotal in product design that not only keeps ahead of legislation changes but alsoenables design flexibility to meet any challenge, with an example being the Modus 75mm window system, with the ability to achieve 0.8 U-Value, offering slim sightlines that replicate those of an aluminium system, while supported with the manufacture process of more than >50% recycled content it drives the dedication to sustainability.

For more information on how Eurocell can assist you in delivering your next project, please contact the team commercialsales.profiles@eurocell.co.uk

Eurocell – Committed to Sustainability

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

Visit the eurocell website

These days, the word “sustainability” seems to crop up everywhere. But is it just another business buzzword, or are we genuinely making a shift in the way we think and act, to protect and preserve the world we live in for future generations?

Pix: Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography.com COPYRIGHT PICTURE>>SHAUN FLANNERY>01302-570814>>07778315553>> 31st January 2017 Merritt Plastics Ltd Manners Avenue Manners Industrial Estate Ilkeston DE7 8EF

While “Green Issues” like recycling and sustainability were on the fringe 20 years ago, these days they’re right at the heart of business with sustainability having a huge influence on every aspect of industry, especially at Eurocell.

PVC-U is a highly sustainable product, robust enough to be recycled and repurposed up to 10 times without its quality or performance deteriorating, giving it a lifespan in the construction industry of 350 years.

At our recycling plants, we process up to 70,000 old PVC-U window frames per week, or around 39,000 tonnes per year. Once recycled, it is used to create a variety of new products, from thermal inserts to our revolutionary Modus window system. By doing this we can reuse almost 100% of our production waste.

Wherever possible, we offer a ‘closed loop’ service, reengineering the PVC-U taken from old frames to make new windows, doors and building products for the same supplier.

The process uses less energy and gives customers a high performance, more efficient product. Working in commercial, refurbishment sectors and social housing, we have the capability to collect nationwide and reprocess old window frames that may otherwise go to landfill, converting them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products.

Preventing post-consumer windows and doors going to landfill is not only environmentally beneficial but has a direct impact on project delivery and cost effectiveness. Under current government commitments landfill tax is set to continue.

By adopting and implementing sustainable practices companies can manage resources, build their environmental reputation, and ultimately reduce costs.

Products manufactured from recycled PVC-U are actually stronger than those made with virgin plastic because of the chemical transformation of the polymers it contains when it goes through the recycling process.

At our consolidated operations in Ilkeston and Selby, Eurocell Recycle now offers the largest and most complete closed-loop process in the UK.

Recycling plays a significant role in making industry sustainable. That’s why Eurocell is so heavily committed to recycling every single piece of UPVC waste we create. We aim to bring as many post-consumers window frames, doors, conservatories and building items as possible back into the production process, keeping tonnes of UPVC out of landfill.

To find out more about our sustainability, or to arrange a collection of PVC-U frames visit: www.eurocell.co.uk/eurocell-recycle