Challenge
PVC-U based products, like windows and doors, often end up in landfills when they aren’t recycled, contributing to environmental damage, increasing carbon emissions, and wasting raw materials.
As a leader in PVC-U recycling, Eurocell recognised the need to offer its trade customers a comprehensive recycling solution that would not only reduce waste but also enhance their own sustainability efforts.
With a long-standing commitment to sustainable practices, Eurocell aims to create a closed-loop recycling process that collects used PVC-U directly from customers, recycling it into new products for the construction and fenestration industries.
To achieve this, Eurocell sought a partner with extensive waste management experience and the infrastructure to provide a reliable, scalable solution. There was no better choice than Biffa, which offered the expertise and logistical support to implement a PVC-U collection service tailored for Eurocell’s trade customers, including fabricators and installers.
Solution
In February 2023, Eurocell and Biffa launched a trial of a domestic PVC-U collection service within a 30-mile radius of NE28 – this covers a large part of the North East.
An innovative model was introduced, where Eurocell worked with smaller traders and collections could be booked alongside new product orders. Collected PVC-U was then consolidated at hubs and transferred to Eurocell’s recycling facility, ensuring that materials were repurposed into new products through a closed-loop process.
Samantha Wood, Corporate Account Manager at Biffa said:
“We’re proud to deliver comprehensive waste management solutions that support our partners in achieving their sustainability goals. Our collaboration with Eurocell is a prime example of how we can support a closed-loop recycling system that keeps valuable materials out of landfills and contributes to a greener future.”
Result
Since the trial began, the Eurocell and Biffa partnership has achieved significant milestones:
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195 collections were completed, with zero failed collections—a 100% success rate.
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A total of 2,568 PVC-U frames were collected and recycled, which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. This equates to over 25 tonnes of PVC-U.
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Eurocell has enhanced its feeder stock with recycled PVC-U, reinforcing its position as a market leader in sustainable recycling for the construction and fenestration industries.
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The closed-loop recycling process is actively reducing carbon emissions and supporting a circular economy by reclaiming valuable raw materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling, at Eurocell said:
“Our partnership with Biffa has had a tremendous impact on our sustainability efforts, allowing us to recycle over 2,500 PVC-U frames, keeping our precious plastic feedstock out of landfill. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to a closed-loop recycling process, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future for both our customers and the environment.”
The trial has been so successful that Eurocell and Biffa plan to expand the PVC-U collection service further by January 2025, extending the reach to more customers and locations. This expansion will provide even more trade customers with a sustainable, easy-to-use waste management solution.
About Biffa
With over 100 years of expertise, Biffa is an established leader of sustainable waste management in the UK.
Our purpose is to change the way people think about waste and our team of more than 10,000 key workers provide unrivalled end-to-end waste and recycling solutions for thousands of businesses and millions of households each day.
Underpinned by our low carbon collection network, we’re at the forefront of enabling the UK circular economy by continuing to build our plastic recycling capacity, investing in energy recovery and growing the amount of surplus produce we redistribute through Company Shop.
Since 2002 we’ve cut our carbon emissions by 70% and aim to be net zero by 2050. Our long-standing Biffa Award programme and our proud partnership with WasteAid also contribute to major environmental benefits for the UK and beyond.
Visit biffa.co.uk or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
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