24 April 2015
European Industry First for Wicona for Sustainable Façade Systems
Wicona has become the first aluminium façade systems supplier in Europe to use recycled polyamide for thermal breaks. This innovative development is part of Wicona's ongoing commitment to sustainability and to reducing the impact of its products on the environment.
Wicona window and door systems will now use thermal insulation strips made from 100 per cent recycled material to separate the aluminium profiles. This will improve the life cycle costing of these products but with no compromise on the quality, finish or performance, and without any additional cost.
This pioneering glazing solution will reduce fossil fuel consumption by 89 per cent compared to conventional polyamide 6.6. Water consumption will be reduced by 32 per cent and carbon emissions by 84 per cent - which is equivalent to an annual saving in CO2 emissions of 12,000 tonnes, exceeding the weight of the Eiffel Tower.
The unmixed, high quality recycled polyamide is processed to ensure its properties are the same as new polyamide and strict control procedures are in place to maintain quality and to avoid the use of polymer blends or mixed recycled materials which are deemed to be sub-standard.
Commenting on this pioneering innovation, Jon Palethorpe, Director for Wicona said, "We are now using recycled polyamide for around 50 per cent of the door and window systems we supply and we are targeting its use for 100 per cent as more high quality recycled material becomes available. This is further evidence of our market-leading position for innovation and sustainability in the façade systems sector."
"The new thermal breaks will be available as standard and at no additional cost. This means the more sustainable profiles do not have to be specified separately and fabrication is no different in terms of materials handling or logistics. We want our customers to use this ground-breaking innovation as soon as possible so we can contribute to minimising impact on the environment."
Building owners and specifiers will also benefit from an independently-accredited Environmental Product Declaration, which can be issued with the façade products to assist with the building's rating for energy efficiency and whole life costing.
The Wicona product warranties apply in full to the recycled material and its manufacture is tested in accordance with EN 14024 to maintain the same performance properties as thermal breaks produced from new polyamide.
Wicona offers both bespoke façade solutions and a range of technically-advanced aluminium curtain walling, high performance windows, heavy-duty door systems, and safety and security options for fire protection, and burglar and bullet resistance for complex and challenging projects. Engineered in Germany, Wicona's standardised suite of systems has been widely used across the globe to realise some of the world's most ambitious building designs.
Wicona systems are installed by its national network of highly trained and approved fabricators and installers.
For more information about Wicona's façade solutions for complex and challenging projects and its standardised range of glazing products, visit www.wicona.co.uk, email info.wiconauk@wicona.com or call 0845 602 8799.
Editor's Note
Wicona has more than five decades of experience in façade design and engineering, and offers a complete service from design concepts and BIM components for its product portfolio, to guidance with fabrication, installation, testing and handover. Wicona and its partners will manage the full façade project, ensuring a seamless approach and complete peace of mind for architects, contractors and developers.
