When you replace your uPVC doors and windows, they normally end up in landfill; however, they can be recycled into new products, helping both the environment and your conscience. Let’s look at this in more detail.
More recycling
In the last few years, as the UK has tried to mitigate against climate change, options for recycling have greatly widened. With more products than ever now able to be taken to recycling points to be given a new lease of life, thousands of tonnes of post-consumer waste are diverted from landfills and taken to recycling management sites; what’s more, some household waste recovery centres are now accepting uPVC doors, window frames, and guttering, helping to reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill.
What is uPVC made of?
uPVC is an engineered plastic – unplasticized polyvinyl chloride – made from sodium chloride with natural gas or petroleum. It was invented after PVC manufacturers realised they could make a stronger product by not adding plasticisers, which make the material flexible. Removing the plasticisers results in a more rigid plastic that is both highly durable and lightweight.
uPVC has been used since the 1980s for door and window frames and also in the construction industry, as it can be easily moulded into any shape. Its popularity is due to its cost-effectiveness, good insulating properties, and low maintenance. It also doesn’t warp or rot and is therefore used in popular products such as bifold doors.
Those looking for bifold doors Cardiff can see a wide selection at suppliers such as //choicetradeframes.co.uk/bifold-doors/cardiff/ These are made from uPVC powder, to which stabilisers are added before being melted into a liquid that is put through a mould and cooled. Pieces are then cut before additional materials, such as glass panels and steel reinforcements, are added.
Why recycle uPVC?
More than 80% of uPVC waste currently goes to landfill, which is shocking considering that it can be recycled several times and doesn’t lose its structural integrity. It simply has to be processed and put back into a manufacturing line to make new products.
