Performance · Sustainability
Sustainability of Schueco uPVC windows
What the frames are made of, how Schueco recycles uPVC, and why a uPVC frame cuts heat flow. Only claims we can source to Schueco's own documents.
The material: Schueco Hot Countries compound
Every profile we use is extruded by Schueco in Germany from its Hot Countries (HC) PVC compound. Schueco formulates HC for extreme climates and strong UV, and keeps it under ongoing weathering tests. For Australian jobs, UV resistance is the property that matters most, especially on west and north elevations.
Schueco stabilises its uPVC with calcium and zinc. The colour foils have a clear acrylic top film that protects them; harsh or abrasive cleaners damage that film, so maintenance is mild soap and water plus Schueco's care products.
Recycling
- VinylPlus. Schueco was the first company certified under VinylPlus, the European PVC industry's sustainability commitment.
- Rewindo. Schueco is a founding member of Rewindo, the German initiative for collecting and recycling old PVC windows, doors and shutters.
- RE:CORE. Schueco's recycling service takes back profile offcuts from window fabrication and old windows for recycling.
- Seven cycles. Schueco states that uPVC can be recycled seven times without loss of quality, and that recycling takes about 20% of the energy of making new uPVC.
These programmes run in Europe. They describe how Schueco makes and recovers profiles, not a take-back service in Australia.
Lower-carbon profile options
Schueco also makes profiles with a recycled or resource-optimised inner core, and a bio-attributed PVC that it says cuts manufacturing CO₂ by up to 90%. Whether these versions are available for the profiles we import depends on Schueco's export programme, so ask us before you specify them.
| Profile material | uPVC, Schueco Hot Countries (HC) compoundFor extreme climate and UV; ongoing weathering tests |
|---|---|
| Stabiliser | Calcium-zincSchueco CT 70 brochure P4119 |
| Extrusion | Schueco, Germany |
| Gaskets | Factory-fitted, 2 continuous levels |
| Reinforcement | Galvanised steel, 1.5–2.5 mm |
| Recyclability | Up to 7 cycles without loss of qualitySchueco EasySlide and LivIngSlide brochures |
| Service life | Average 40 years or moreSchueco figure for uPVC units |
| Schueco memberships | VinylPlus (first certified company), Rewindo (founding member)Schueco FF2026 brochure |
| Schueco uPVC plant | Green electricity since 2012; closed water circuit in extrusionSchueco FF2026 brochure |
In use
Where uPVC saves energy
PVC is a poor conductor of heat, and the CT 70 profile divides the frame into five air chambers, so the frame itself reaches Uf from 1.2 W/(m²K). That keeps the frame from becoming the weak point of a double or triple glazed window, and it lowers the heating and cooling load the energy assessor models.
Airtightness counts too. CT 70 tilt and turn and fixed windows rate 0.03 L/s·m² air infiltration in WERS. Less air leaking past the sash means less conditioned air lost.
uPVC frames don't need painting. Upkeep is cleaning, treating the gaskets twice a year and lubricating the hardware at least once a year, as Schueco recommends.
WERS ratings by product
Writing a sustainability section for a tender? Ask us for the sources.
FAQ
Questions from builders and architects
Is uPVC recyclable?
Yes. Schueco states that uPVC can be recycled seven times without losing quality or material properties, and that recycling uses about 20% of the energy needed to make new uPVC. Schueco runs a recycling service for profile waste and old windows through RE:CORE in Europe.
What is the Schueco Hot Countries compound?
Hot Countries (HC) is the PVC compound Schueco uses for profiles going to markets with extreme climates and high UV, such as Australia. Schueco runs ongoing weathering tests on it. All the profiles we import are extruded from it.
What stabiliser does Schueco use in its PVC?
Calcium-zinc. Schueco describes its uPVC profiles as calcium-zinc stabilised.
Are Schueco windows VinylPlus certified?
Schueco was the first company certified under VinylPlus, the European PVC industry's sustainability programme, and is a founding member of Rewindo, the German initiative for recycling old PVC windows. Some Schueco products, such as LivIngSlide, carry the VinylPlus Vinyl Verified label.
How long do uPVC windows last?
Schueco gives an average service life of 40 years or more for its uPVC units. Actual life depends on exposure, installation and maintenance, such as treating the gaskets and lubricating the hardware at least once a year.