WHAT IS PVCU?

With a vast reduction in deterioration, colour fading and dry rot, PVCu improves durability and lowers long-term maintenance; a perfect solution for construction in Scotland’s climate.

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is a form of thermoplastic that is incredibly versatile and durable. The material composition of PVC means that it can be used for many different applications with proven benefits of its use in healthcare and in food packaging.

In the instance of construction, the light, tough, long-lasting nature of PVC profiles has been successfully used for window and door sets for over 40 years with those manufactured in accordance with the British Standard (BS 7412: Part B: 2.1) expected to last in excess of this same timeframe.

PVC is created using 57% common salt, taking less non-renewable fossil fuel to make the material as well as less primary energy in its production than any other commodity plastic. Furthermore, extensive Full Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) demonstrate that the long-term carbon footprint of PVC is lower versus alternative materials given its third-life recycling applications.

The cost-to-performance ratio through the use of PVCu is significant as the product can be provided at a lower cost when compared with alternative window and door profiles (such as timber) whilst achieving the same levels of performance. For example – typical savings over 25 years are more than 20% against hardwood and 50% against aluminium alternatives whilst over 75% of PVC profiles manufactured in Europe are ‘A’ Rated for energy efficiency.

CCG Manufacturing and Rehau’s window profiles are accredited with VinylPlus, a prestigious product mark based upon a Voluntary Commitment to sustainable development by the company and the European PVC industry that supports responsible carbon management.