Plastic window frames: a beautiful, safe and responsible choice

Extremely sleek shapes, extremely slim profiles and particularly large glass dimensions. But also: excellent air, sound and water tightness and a wide range of (color) finishes. In their designs, architects and clients like to push the boundaries of what is technically and aesthetically possible. For Profine, the company behind the plastic window frame brand K-VISION, this is no problem at all. 

"With the K-VISION series Classic, Trend, Cube and Cube-City, we offer a suitable and very high-quality window frame solution for every architectural style," says Remco van Overdijk, technical account manager at profine Netherlands. "In doing so, customers benefit from all the advantages of plastic. But also from more than half a century of experience, innovation, quality
and reliability."

Plastic window frames are hugely popular among architects and residents alike. And that is not surprising, according to Van Overdijk. After all, plastic window frames have an enormously favorable Total Cost of Ownership, as various studies have shown. 

"In purchase, the window frames may be similar to wood, but in the years that follow, considerable savings can be made in maintenance and upkeep costs. Periodic cleaning of the frames with household detergent and maintenance of hardware and hinges are sufficient. It is also important to note that - compared to wood and aluminum - plastic window frames guarantee the highest insulation values. Even if thermal bridge breaks are added in the aluminum window frames. Because plastic window frames keep heat in and cold out, residents can save significantly on their energy costs. In addition, they benefit from a pleasant indoor climate."

Long service life, high durability

Also unique is the long life of plastic window frames, emphasizes Jelmer Bijlsma, Manager of Sustainability & Innovation at profine Netherlands. "With K-VISION, at 75 years, this lifespan is even equal to the buildings in which they are fitted! The result is a very low MKI score, which means that our window frame products guarantee a very low environmental impact and very high sustainability scores. Our plastic window frames contain no lead, cadmium or other harmful substances. Moreover, our entire product range is now manufactured with recycled granulate to a greater or lesser extent. To collect sufficient content, we have clear customer agreements in place. For example, sawing waste and leftover parts from plastic window frame production are actively collected by us and processed into granulate, which we reuse as a raw material. The same applies to old window frames from demolition or renovation projects. At Profine, no plastic fiber is thrown away or downgraded; a true closed loop, in other words." 

Recycled raw materials are used at an equivalent level in our production, without sacrificing quality and properties."

In recent years, the frame profiles and intermediate posts were still produced from 100% virgin material, Van Overdijk says. "Before the end of this year, we will change this. Then both profiles will also be available with a recycled core, which means that more than 50% of the profile will consist of recycled content. That's how we keep going one step further in sustainability."

Extensive range of form designs

Distinctive about K-VISION window frames is the wide range of designs, says Van Overdijk, citing as an example the clean lines and flat aluminum look of K-VISION Classic and depth effect (15° bevel) of K-VISION Trend. "Very popular is also K-VISION Cube; the only plastic window frame in the Netherlands with a 90° angle on the sides as well as on the top. In combination with a 15° chamfered lower sill, this window frame is aesthetically indistinguishable from wood, while at the same time, occupants benefit from all the advantages of plastic. The straight joint in the corners completes the wood look." 

K-VISION Cube-City offers exactly the same features as K-VISION Cube, but in combination with the typical old Dutch sash windows you frequently see in Amsterdam canal houses and rustic country houses. 

Bijlsma: "What is unique about this is that the historic appearance of the sliding window is combined with the technology and comfort of a modern pivot system. With this we perfectly match the wishes of the Dutch user." 

Van Overdijk: "As an organization, we do not sit still. We innovate continuously, based on wishes, questions and developments in the market. For example, we now have a profile for sash-covering front doors and a special click frame, with which combined inward and outward-turning elements can be fitted even more easily. And these are just a few examples of innovations that we have already done and are still in the pipeline."

Each building a unique, individual face

To give each building its own unique look, K-VISION offers UV-resistant films in a variety of colors and textures. From extremely smooth foils to (wood) grain textures or metallic foils. 

"With the revolutionary color system proCoverTec, a chic matte finish is added to this," Bijlsma said. proCoverTec is available in 26 colors, including four new metallic trend colors (Bronze, Silver, Iron and Titanium). 

"The color can be applied both on the outside and in the frame rebate (360°), with many color combinations possible." 

In addition, K-VISION window frames bear the SKG seal of approval and comply with the Politie Keurmerk Veilig Wonen. In addition, the frames (up to 3 meters wide and high) can be fire-resistant for 30 minutes. "With all these products, shapes and finishes, we can safely say that K-VISION has the most comprehensive plastic window frame program available," Bijlsma and Van Overdijk conclude. "With this, we offer a suitable solution for every aesthetic and technical wish."