Fit for 55 with PVC Windows & Pipes: MEPs, Commission and industry discuss the relevance of the sector in delivering the EU Green Deal.
Member of the European Parliament Jens Gieseke (EPP) hosted a roundtable discussion on how PVC window profiles proactively support to deliver the Fit-for-55 goals, as PVC is a material used in products that are already contributing to the EU's circular economy. EPPA and its members have a clear commitment and ambitions to grow their contribution to this over the coming decades.
Representatives of the European Commission’s DG Grow and DG Env, gave a presentation on chemical legislation and how it shall continue to enable and increase recycling of old windows in the upcoming years. Window Profiles can be recycled up to 10 times, which supports the EU's targets on reducing CO2 emissions.
Member of the the European Parliament Tiemo Wölken from the S&D group, who also participated to the discussion, stated: Waste must be recycled wherever possible. European legislation should support successful (closed-loop) recycling systems, such as for PVC profiles.
The window profiles industry contributes to jobs and growth in Europe, with a strong manufacturing base in the region. The industry is driving R&D efforts to develop new technologies to help increase the volume of PVC products that can be recycled.
EPPA President Carsten Heuer stated: I’m proud of our industry and its products. PVC windows profiles are a highly energy-efficient and circular product. The Green Deal, the resulting renovation wave and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (currently under revision) strongly -and rightfully -require that energy-efficient refurbishment accelerates. The single most efficient measure to increase energy efficiency in buildings is to replace windows. Our sector is striving to ensure more and more PVC profiles are collected and recycled, as part of an urban mining commitment rather than ending up in landfills or incinerated.
To realize the potential, improvements to ensure citizens are aware that public money is available for stimulating investment in renovating of buildings need to be made.
