PVC-U and its role in sustainable solutions

As part of this year’s FIT Show Main Stage programme, Material IQ: Separating Fact from Fiction and Supercharging Your Sales, the industry’s leading voices
gathered to cut through the noise around building materials, sustainability and customer engagement.

Phil Parry, Technical Director at Epwin Window Systems, represented the PVC-U systems sector, discussing how the company is driving innovation and helping customers turn sustainability into sales. He explains more below.

As an industry, we’re at a critical point. Regulatory tightening, net zero targets and initiatives like Recovinyl are accelerating the need for sustainable solutions. At Epwin Window Systems, we’ve been preparing for this shift for many years.

Our 2022 acquisition of PVC-U re-processor Poly-Pure has given us full control of the recycling supply chain. Alongside major investment in advanced co-extruders and Greiner Red Line tools, we’ve expanded our production of co-extruded profiles containing high levels of post-consumer recycled content, all with a demonstrable chain of custody that aligns with emerging legislation.

Our system profiles meet and exceed PAS 24:2022 security standards and are Part L compliant by design, while incorporating sustainable practices.

While PVC is currently derived in part from Ethylene, a by-product of petroleum manufacturing, interesting new material developments are reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. The shift towards sustainably produced PVC resin means the long-term future of PVC-U windows is strong. This is welcome news for more than 75% of consumers who choose PVC-U as their material of choice when it comes to new windows.

We’ve also launched a nationwide PVC-U collection programme, making recycling more accessible to fabricators and installers. The programme allows large volumes of PVC-U waste and post-consumer frames to be stored for efficient distribution and supports local recycling hub collection.

Gone are the days when offering 100% virgin PVC-U was a key selling point. Today’s consumers expect sustainability, circularity and carbon reduction. We encourage our fabricators and installers to showcase these practices. Many homeowners remain unaware that modern PVC-U delivers both high performance and sustainability. By highlighting recycled content, security standards and energy efficiency, installers can convert environmental awareness into sales.

As the Future Homes Standard approaches, positioning sustainability as a key sales driver is not just smart — it’s essential. The PVC-U market is evolving, and we all have a role to play in making sustainable practices the new norm. Join us on the journey to a greener future.

Phil Parry
Technical Director, Epwin Window Systems

Epwin Window Systems – Epwin Window Systems | PVC- U Windows Doors Profile Systems