Leading the Way in Recycling and Sustainability
For too long, the fenestration industry has been labelled a“ dirty industry,” burdened by its reliance on raw materials and the waste it generates.
Our sustainability journey is not driven by obligation— it is driven by conviction. At Victorian Sliders, we believe that transforming our industry is the right thing to do, for our customers, for our communities, and for future generations. By embracing innovation and responsibility, we are proving that sustainability and success can go hand in hand.
Recycling for a Greener Future Our journey towards a greener future began in 2015, when Victorian Sliders ® acquired Windowcrem in Ammanford, South Wales. This strategic move gave us the foundation to start recycling in-house, marking the beginning of our long-term commitment to reduce waste and close the loop on materials within our industry.
At our dedicated recycling facility in Ammanford, we are proud to recycle 100 % of our post-industrial waste. But our efforts do not stop there. We also process post-consumer waste from within the industry, ensuring that materials which would otherwise end up in landfill are given a new life. This closed-loop recycling system demonstrates our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of PVC-U window manufacturing.
By reintroducing these recycled materials back into our own profiles— with further increased recycled materials planned in the coming months— we are taking meaningful steps to close the sustainability circle within our operations. Excess granulated material can also be ultimately reintroduced into the production line of other PVC products. This reduces the need for virgin resin, cuts overall carbon footprint, and promotes sustainable practices across the varying industries.
Investment in Technology Our progress has been underpinned by significant investment in advanced recycling machinery. Since 2015, we have continuously invested in state-ofthe-art equipment, including:
• A colour sorter to separate materials with precision.
• A trommel to screen and grade materials.
• A density table to ensure clean, highquality recycled output.
• A pulveriser to grind material into aggregate materials.
This investment allows us to process more efficiently, recover more material, and produce high-grade recyclate that can be confidently used in our products.
Working Towards Net Zero – Further Environmental Initiatives
In 2023, Victorian Sliders ®’ senior management set an ambitious long-term
Partnership in Performance: Pilkington UK and Victorian Sliders
For eight years, Victorian Sliders ® has partnered with Pilkington UK, sourcing a wide range of high-performance glass products that give their windows a clear competitive edge in the market.
By incorporating low emissivity and improved thermal efficiency, solar control, safety and security, and noise insulation, Victorian Sliders ® delivers products that meet and exceed the expectations of homeowners, installers, and specifiers alike.
The partnership is underpinned by shared values – quality, reliability, and innovation – as well as a mutual commitment to environmental responsibility. Under the renew: glass initiative, Pilkington UK and Victorian Sliders ® are working together to increase the amount of flat glass being responsibly recycled and repurposed.
Through the return of cullet from production processes, Victorian Sliders ® has contributed 434 tonnes of end-of-life glass for recycling, helping to save an estimated 304 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This carbon saving is the equivalent of planting enough trees to fill three football pitches. These efforts form part of Pilkington UK’ s wider makechange™ vision, which aims to reduce the use of natural resources, minimise waste, and accelerate the transition to a circular glass economy.
Recycling one tonne of end-of-life glass has the potential to save up to 700 kg of
CO₂ emissions, yet less than 1 % of float glass globally is currently recycled *. By collaborating with partners like Victorian Sliders ®, Pilkington UK is helping to divert valuable material from landfill and cut emissions associated with glass manufacturing.
Kirk Green, Regional Sales Manager for Pilkington UK, says:“ renew: glass is a key pillar within our company vision to makechange™, which focuses on collaborating with the industry to be more sustainable. The programme goes hand in hand with our work to accelerate the industry’ s transition to zero-carbon fuels for glass manufacturing.
“ Working with Victorian Sliders ® is a real privilege. Our close relationship means we can collaborate effectively, ensuring they have the best glass products for their needs while supporting their sustainability goals.”
www. pilkington. com
* World Economic Forum: Circularity in the Built Environment: Maximizing CO₂ Abatement and Business Opportunities, Dec 2023, p. 21.