Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Making practical steps towards circular economy
Leading polymer manufacturer REHAU has published its 2021 Sustainability Report , with key focuses on the continued steps taken to progress towards closed loop recycling management and reinvent how people work in a post-COVID age .
While the effects of the pandemic were felt by all in 2021 , the circular economy remained at the top of REHAU ’ s priorities . The PVCu supplier has continued to advance its sustainable recycling methods , increasing the proportion of recyclates in new products . This has meant that the company is well ahead of its 2025 target of 15.0 %, which was achieved using polymer processing facilities such as PVCR on Runcorn , Cheshire - which turns discarded PVC into high-quality granulate for use in new window profiles .
Recyclate targets are set to be revised starting this year , with the recently developed REHAU circular economy scorecard providing the framework for the evaluation and implementation of the closed loop approach . The aim is to continuously improve REHAU ’ s products and services in multiple areas of sustainability .
“ Despite the challenges we and many others faced as a result of the pandemic , we ’ ve stayed committed to further developing our recycling methods , increasing the amount of material we reuse to prevent it ending up in landfill ,” says Martin Hitchin , CEO at REHAU UK . “ We are especially pleased that last year we accomplished further crucial steps based on our sustainability strategy looking beyond the original lifecycle of a window . The publication of this latest Sustainability Report demonstrates our dedication to practicing what we preach and presenting full transparency around the necessary steps that we have taken to do this .”
Further assisting with product traceability within the entire supply chain , REHAU plans to introduce Window . ID to the market as its sustainable flagship project . The digital ID makes it possible to track a window throughout its entire product life cycle , from production to recycling , supporting prominent shifts towards eco-friendly practises .
Martin concludes : “ The sustainability of polymer continues to be a talking point for the fenestration industry and our goal is to continually invest in initiatives such as recycling production waste in our own or external recycling facilities . Sustainability has become even more of a key consideration over the past year and homeowners are becoming more concerned with how environmentally friendly their property is . We would encourage installers to source out more ecological solutions and it ’ s the job of suppliers to support them in their choice .”
To download the complete REHAU Sustainability Report 2021 , go to www . rehau . com
40 MAY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM