Facts about PVC-U
PVC-U has a reputation for being harmful to the environment, unsustainable and sometimes plain unattractive. We hope that you will consider Bygone Collection sash windows to be authentic in appearance and beautiful too. With regards to the environmental factors it is difficult to know who or what to believe as everyone has their own agenda. As a material neutral company, offering both PVC-U and timber products, you can trust that our advise on material choice will be entirely impartial.
Is PVC-U harmful to my family and the environment?
“ … independent evidence, such as that from Professor Rappe, the independent scientific advisor to the EU and the World Health Organisation, demonstrates that PVC is a safe material in use, and emissions from its manufacture and disposal are controlled by the Environment Agency” John Battle MP, Minister of State for scientific Energy (1997)
By far the largest single ingredient in PVC-U is salt, a harmless and plentiful natural resource. Other concerns around PVC-U relate to the fumes given off when PVC-U is burnt and the lead content of the PVC-U profiles.In truth PVC-U has a relatively high burning point and will self extinguish if the source of ignition is not maintained. In regards to the lead content, it is true that many PVC-U products do still contain lead stabilizers but…
Calcium Organic
Bygone Collection PVC-U sash windows are virtually lead free. Calcium Organic Stabilisers are used in place of the lead content and the only trace elements of lead found in our products are from the recycled PVC-U which is incorporated into the new extrusions.
Offcuts (wastage) have been returned for recycling for a number of years. Offcuts are used to create regrind pellets which are then incorporated into new PVC-U profiles.
Recycling
Recycling waste has always been an important part of The Bygone Collection manufacturing process, even before it became fashionable. For years, productions off cuts have been returned for reuse, which avoids contributing to the growing land fill problem. Post consumer waste”, basically 1980’s “mistakes” where inappropriate PVC-U windows were installed are now being removed, recycled and reused, once again avoiding land fill and reducing the demand on precious natural resources. Again you installer should be able to provide any answers you have, on how the recycle the materials.
Longevity
PVC-U also has a reputation for not being very durable and being prone to discolouration. We can assure you that our profiles are guaranteed against discolouration for 10 years and that we have many products in the field, supplied as far back as 1988, which have not experienced any discolouration.
The Building Research Establishment have also published the Green Guide which classifies PVC windows as an A rated product (please note this is not the same as a Window Energy Rating) with a lifespan of over 35 years. This means that you can be confident that choosing PVC-U is safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Responsible sourcing
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Energy saving
Our sash windows are proven to reduce heat loss by 74%, so you can save money & do your bit.
