Three companies - Saint-Gobain (Saint-Gobain Glass and Glassolutions), Metal-Plast and PreZero - are jointly launching the RECOBUD project, which aims to comprehensively recycle PVC windows. The initiative responds to the growing needs of the construction sector for sustainable waste management, in line with the European direction of green transformation and the development of a closed-loop economy. RECOBUD is a practical response to environmental challenges, founded on cooperation, responsibility and real action to protect natural resources.
RECOBUD - a joint project between Saint-Gobain, Metal-Plast and PreZero - takes off
© Saint-Gobain Glass
The second life of construction waste
According to statistics, 99% of construction waste ends up in landfills instead of being recycled. These are alarming figures that show the scale of the problem and the need to implement real changes in the approach to managing this type of waste. The construction market, which is growing rapidly and is responsible for a significant portion of emissions and consumption of raw materials, is facing an urgent challenge to reduce its environmental impact.
The project was developed in response to these needs. RECOBUD is a comprehensive solution that supports participants in the construction sector in managing waste in a sustainable manner, simplifies the process and can be successfully implemented on an increasing scale.
The foundation of the project is the circular model - the collection, sorting and recycling of selected waste fractions - PVC windows from disassembly. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, both the plastic from which the individual elements of the window joinery are made and the glazing packages can be processed and reused:
- PVC regranulate as raw material in the production of new window frames,
- cullet as raw material in the production of float glass.
Participation in RECOBUD is more than an industry project for PreZero, it is the realization of our mission to close the raw material cycle and a concrete response to the need for systemic change. We believe that only by working with partners who share our values can we create sustainable solutions in which glass and PVC gain another life, and the construction industry gains real tools for a circular economy
- says Sylwia Chryczynska-Ciężka, Board Member of PreZero Recycling Glass.
RECOBUD is also a practical solution - implementing recycling of building materials from window dismantling, which reduces the carbon footprint, allows companies to make a real commitment to the transformation towards a circular economy.
Collaboration of leaders in sustainable transformation
Behind the RECOBUD project are three companies united by a desire to make a real impact on reducing the consumption of natural resources.
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Saint-Gobain represented by:
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Saint-Gobain Glass Poland - a leader in the production of flat glass, specializing in
in top-quality solutions for residential and office spaces.
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Glassolutions - supplier of top-quality insulating glass units and glass solutions for window manufacturers, facade installers and interior glass installation companies.
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Metal-Plast - an expert in recycling PVC waste from window joinery, offering high-quality PVC regranulate reused in window manufacturing.
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PreZero - an international provider of waste management and environmental services, with facilities for processing, including waste recycling, and providing transportation infrastructure.
With this combination, RECOBUD becomes a unique enterprise on a large scale and with enormous potential to change market standards.
The establishment of the RECOBUD organization is an important step toward real environmental responsibility of the construction industry. Together with our partners - Saint-Gobain Glass Polska, Glassolutions and PreZero - we are creating a systemic model for the collection of used PVC joinery, which will not only improve its management, but above all enable the full closure of the life cycle of raw materials. Our goal is to build an efficient and transparent recycling chain that will become a market standard rather than an exception. I believe that RECOBUD is the beginning of broad cooperation in the spirit of a closed-loop economy - based on transparency, responsibility and shared values
- said Monika Owerko, Board Member of Metal-Plast.
Green light for revolution in window woodwork recycling
Recycling 1 ton of PVC reduces CO₂ emissions by as much as 2 tons, and in the case of glass - by as much as 700 kg. This is not only a real saving, but also a tangible contribution to the fight against climate change.
RECOBUD offers construction companies a simple and legal solution to the waste problem. The process consists of three steps:
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Notification - online via a form on the website or direct contact with a representative.
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Waste collection according to the agreed schedule - according to the agreed schedule.
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Recycling with full documentation support.
Together with partners, we are creating a transparent and responsible model for the management of PVC joinery and glass, where waste gets a real second life. This is the best proof that through cooperation and shared values, waste can be transformed into a valuable resource. A special role in this process is played by cullet - a raw material with infinite processing potential, the recycling of which is completely lossless. Saint-Gobain has been developing technologies to reuse it in the production of construction glass for years. A prime example of this is ORAÉ® base glass - the world's first glass with a reduced carbon footprint, made from 64% cullet and using energy from renewable sources. In the spirit of our overarching goal of 'Making the World a Better Home,' we are building a future where circularity is no longer the exception, but the market standard
- said David Nicolas, General Director of Saint-Gobain Glass & Glassolutions.
Reach for more
Detailed information on the RECOBUD project, including a description of the available cooperation options and the three proposed demolition paths, is now available on the website. We encourage you to visit https://recobud.com/, where you can learn more about the full range of offerings and see how you can easily join the sustainable construction effort.
For more information about the company Saint-Gobain Glass on the A&B portal.
