VEKA and the environment

Global responsibility

For over 30 years, VEKA has led the world in the environmentally responsible use of PVC-U. A commitment nearly as old as the industry itself has seen VEKA leading the way in minimising the environmental impact of PVC-U at every stage of a product’s life, including manufacture, fabrication, energy efficiency in the home and, of course, recycling.

Worldwide, VEKA remains the only PVC-U system supplier ever to invest in a purpose-built recycling plant – the VEKA Umwelttechnik factory at Behringen in Germany. A major feature of the facility is VEKA’s ability to turn an old window into a brand new window, rather than simply recycling into lower grade products such as drain pipes etc.

We believe it is only 'true' recycling when it is a closed loop process, extending a window's life to a theoretical infinity. Recently, the organisation launched VEKA Recycling, the biggest initiative of its kind in the UK, aimed at collecting and pre-processing old frames for recycling at VEKA Umwelttechnik.

Also, in the last few years, VEKA has:

• Supported the design of the UK’s first BFRC ‘A’ Rated window and the first fully reinforced, double-glazed window to gain the ‘A’ Rating*
• Actively encouraged its manufacturers to send all off-cuts for recycling
• Trained all of its personnel in environmental issues
• Gained accreditation to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems Licence No EMS 59308)
• Invested in a modern fleet, so no vehicle is older than five years
• Made a commitment to efficient delivery routes, minimising mileage and therefore emissions
• Developed a Calcium Organic alternative to lead stabilisers
• Invested in some vehicles which run on LPG as opposed to diesel.