Sustainable and circular construction with plastic frame profiles

The requirements surrounding sustainable and energy-efficient construction are becoming increasingly stringent. In addition to sophisticated insulation of roofs, floors and facades, the careful sealing of seams and cracks is essential to guarantee optimal airtightness. Manufacturer and supplier RecyStel contributes to this with a range of frame profiles for plastic, wooden and aluminum frames, which also excel in circularity, processability and stability. Together with director Theo van Gorkom, we list the most important advantages.

Manufactured from recycled PVC

Over 95%, the RecyStel frame profiles consist of recycled materials, mostly from old, dismantled
window frames, scraps and saw waste. 

"Our 'donor material' involves high-quality PVC, which is completely free of plasticizers," Van Gorkom says. "For production, all PVC is broken into small pieces and granulated into plastic granules, which are then heated. This creates a liquid mass that is pressed through our dies under high pressure. This process is also called extrusion with a fancy word." 

In RecyStel's assortment you will find a wide variety of frame profiles with a face width of 18 to 21 mm, which can be ordered both in individual lengths and in large quantities.

During the extrusion process, a special gas is added to the frame profiles, causing them to foam up. "The result is a 'recycled foamed PVC' with outstanding thermal insulation. With a U-value of 0.38 W/m²K, our thermal insulation performance is even up to 40% better than standard plastic! This also makes our frame profiles ideally suited for passive house constructions, Zero-Meter homes and (B)ENG projects." 

Cold bridges are not an issue, he says. "Moreover, the material can be recycled up to ten times. This makes our frame profiles many times more durable than wood."

Easy to saw, mill, drill, screw and staple

Because the RecyStel frame profiles are foamed up, they acquire the same properties as wood, Van Gorkom says. "Processors can easily saw, mill, drill, screw and staple the frame profiles without risk of cracking. This also makes the frame profiles suitable for timber frame construction projects. Because the profiles are extruded to the hundredth millimeter, there are no variables in width and thickness. The frame profiles can also be cut to exactly the right length."

Stable performance 

The biggest advantage of plastic, however, is its stable quality. "Plastic is insensitive to weather influences, does not absorb moisture, does not rot or mold, and warping or twisting (twisting) is not an issue either. Our plastic frame profiles therefore have a significantly longer life than their wooden equivalents," Van Gorkom said. "In addition, our frame profiles require no painting and no protective and moisture-resistant DPC films are required. With this, we are fully responding to the current conditions in the construction industry, in which lead times are under considerable pressure."

Wide range of frame profiles

In RecyStel's assortment you will find a wide variety of frame profiles with a face width of 18 to 21 mm, which can be ordered both in individual lengths and in large quantities. The frame profiles are suitable for plastic, wooden and aluminum frames and can be assembled very easily and quickly. 

Thanks to a trade length of 6 meters, seams in the frame profile are not an issue even with large frame sizes, according to Van Gorkom. "Frame frames based on RecyStel frame profiles have a long service life of about 50 to 75 years, after which they can be completely and as many as ten times recycled. Without sacrificing the performance mentioned above! This makes our frame profiles a very sustainable and environmentally conscious choice."

Recystel became a partner of VKG Keurmerk in early 2023; the trade association for manufacturers, suppliers and processors of plastic window frames. All RecyStel frame profiles are available from stock through the webshop. Ordered today, will be delivered in three working days! Wondering what RecyStel can do for your projects? Or would you like to receive a sample piece? Please contact us at info@recystel.nl.