The Association of European PVC Window Manufacturers (Asoven) has recently published a study that identifies and argues for sustainable growth opportunities in the European PVC window market.

Undeniable Qualities

Asoven's experts warn that the development of the PVC window profile manufacturers' business will increasingly depend on their commitment to contributing to the development of quality standards in relation to sustainability and the principles of the circular economy. They also stress the importance of promoting certifications and quality guarantees by relevant bodies.

In the report, Asoven states that PVC window products have undeniable qualities, including:

• Maximum thermal and acoustic energy savings, providing comfort, insulation, and airtightness.
• Environmental friendliness and sustainability.
• Long-lasting properties, with PVC windows remaining unchanged over time.

Furthermore, they highlight other characteristics of PVC:

• High thermal insulation.
• High sound insulation.
• Low weight.
• Durability.
• Resistance to abrasion.
• Resistance to chemical agents.
• Ease of processing.
• High marketability.
• Waterproofness.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Easy to clean.
• Weather resistance.
• Fire resistance.
• Self-extinguishing properties.

Marketing Recommendations

Asoven recommends that PVC window and profile manufacturers highlight the following qualities in their marketing efforts:

• Air permeability.
• Water impermeability.
• Wind resistance.
• Minimal maintenance.
• Thermal insulation.
• Sound insulation.

For exceptional building equipment quality, the emphasis should be on thermal insulation, as it significantly reduces heat transfer between environments. PVC windows offer the highest energy efficiency, which can reduce a building's energy consumption by over 50%.

Additionally, the following advantages should be mentioned:

• Enhanced security for new building structures.
• Increased fire safety in buildings.
• Reduced risk of household accidents.
• Improved hygiene and environmental protection.
• Installation of solar panels.
• Increased energy efficiency.
• Improved sound insulation for renovated buildings.

Reducing Energy Consumption

The use of PVC windows reduces energy consumption in homes by 45%, making them a key element in meeting the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol and the recent Paris Agreement on the environment.

Therefore, using PVC windows is the most suitable way to achieve a high energy rating for a building, offering the most efficient, profitable, and sustainable solution.

Alongside energy cost reductions, the high acoustic performance provided by PVC windows, even when equipped with blinds and ventilators, should also be considered. In other words, the acoustic performance of the assembly must meet mandatory requirements.

Ecological Arguments

The PVC joinery industry is fully committed to meeting sustainability goals, and compliance with these goals can guarantee business growth. Here are the main arguments that the industry addresses, as identified by Asoven:

• Raw material extraction and resource consumption: All PVC producers as raw material have ISO 14001 environmental certification. The ecological balance is favorable.
• Production and transportation: PVC joinery manufacturing is highly efficient and does not produce any emissions or pollution of any kind. All rejected PVC profiles during the manufacturing process are 100% recycled.
• Lifespan: PVC joinery has a lifespan of 50 years, according to ISO 14000 standards.
• Demolition: In this case, selective recovery and separation of materials are possible. In a demolition process, recycling the obtained residue can reach 100%.
• Waste recovery: Currently, the post-consumption quantity of PVC joinery in the European Union is very low because it has not reached its lifespan.
• Energy savings for pollution reduction: One of the most important benefits of PVC joinery is its very high thermal and acoustic insulation capacity, using energy rationally and reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. PVC windows reduce CO2 emissions by 161% compared to aluminum windows and by 52% compared to wooden windows.

Asoven's research focused on energy efficiency, with a comparative life cycle study of the most common materials used in window manufacturing (aluminum, wood, and PVC) in the European Union.

Final Recommendations

According to the report, all of the above are solid arguments for PVC raw material manufacturers, PVC joinery, and PVC window manufacturers to develop their business volumes by emphasizing the industry's outstanding performance and compliance with environmental and circular economy requirements.

Additionally, using data provided by Eurostat, Asoven's experts recommend that builders, as a way to increase sales, further develop the renovation sector. The European Union has a great need for this, especially in Central and Eastern European countries.