Windows are one of the key features that define the quality and visual appeal of a building. Potential buyers or tenants will often judge a space by the aspect, the amount of natural light flooding the interior, and the acoustics, all of which are directly related to the dimensions, location, orientation and performance of the glazing and window system.
What they may not be aware of however, is how the window system is also critical in terms of thermal performance, security and condensation management – or how the manufacturing material impacts on all of these factors and more.
In designing their range of uPVC window assemblies and sliding doors, aluplast consider all the performance and material requirements. Integrating the excellence of European design within a local aesthetic, the door and window systems feature thermally efficient frames that drastically reduce the transference of heat or cold, double or triple glazing for improved thermal performance and acoustic insulation, sealing techniques that prevent condensation or air leaks, and a flush frame finish that enhances security.
One of the most important properties of uPVC window and door profiles is their recyclability. With an average lifespan globally of 40 years, aluplast systems are 100 per cent recyclable and profiles can be recycled up to seven times without losing any of their performance characteristics.
These products meet the emerging trends around net zero building performance as well as minimising lifecycle environmental impacts.
Since the 1980s, uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) has been widely used by window and door manufacturers to make frames, and in the wider construction industry for a variety of other applications including pipework. It can be moulded to fit any shape, making it highly versatile whatever the building in question. The material is hugely popular because it is cost-effective to purchase, low maintenance, and has good insulating properties. More than that, it does not rot or warp and is highly robust.
In the wider Australian window and door industry, predominantly being aluminium windows, aluminium offcuts have been easily recyclable for years and now with uPVC windows increasing in market share, aluplast are making additional investments to ‘walk the walk’ and ensure we are taking any back waste material from the fabrication process.
Speaking of the initiative, aluplast Managing Director Ben Webster said aluplast is the first and only uPVC system provider in Australia to provide an in-house recycling programme to their network, with multistage processing at our modern Dandenong South facility.
“We have more than 150 recycling crates throughout all states that are collected from customers on a weekly basis and returned to the facility to be shredded and then granulated before blowing into 1T sacks.
“Adding value within our business to this otherwise ‘waste’ material, ensures we keep it out of Australian landfills and give the product a future life. By reducing it down to a 5-8mm granule means the product is ready for a multitude of uses.”
For customers outside of Victoria, aluplast have invested in mini shredders to take the volume out of the product and reduce the freight costs involved in transporting it back to the plant.
Speaking of the environmental impact of plastics in landfill, Qamar Schuyler, Research Scientist CSIRO said, “An estimated two and a half garbage trucks worth of plastic enter our lakes, rivers and oceans every minute of every hour, of every day of the year – our current relationship with plastic is not sustainable.”
“Ensuring offcuts from the manufacturing process are diverted from landfill is of the utmost importance to aluplast and starting this programme in Australia means uPVC is not wasted, effectively remaining in the material cycle, which protects the environment,” added Webster.
“As the uPVC window sector rapidly expands in Australia, aluplast are committed to ensuring and growing the opportunities to recycle products in a responsible way. We are working with our Australian fabricators and companies in our industry to reduce waste throughout the fabrication process and ensure waste uPVC, such as material offcuts in the fabrication process are gathered and recycled for use in new products wherever possible.”
