Recycling Old Windows & Doors
At KJM Group, we are committed to ensuring that old windows and doors removed from customers’ homes are responsibly recycled wherever possible. Through our partnerships with industry-leading recycling organisations including VEKA Recycling and Emplas Window Systems, we support advanced closed-loop recycling programmes that reduce landfill waste and allow materials to be reused in future window systems.
Recycling PVC-U Window Frames
KJM Group works with VEKA Recycling Ltd to ensure that the PVC-U frames removed during installations are recycled responsibly. The entire window frame can be processed, including handles, gearing and reinforcement components.
PVC-U windows typically last between 30 and 40 years and can be recycled up to ten times without losing performance quality. In practical terms, this creates a potential material lifespan of several centuries through repeated reuse in new window systems.
Supporting Circular Manufacturing with VEKA Recycling
Established in 2007, VEKA Recycling is one of the largest PVC-U recycling initiatives in the UK and forms part of the wider VEKA Recycling Group, which includes specialist facilities in Germany and France.
The scheme accepts post-consumer frames removed from homes and buildings as well as post-industrial PVC-U from window manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. Importantly, it accepts material regardless of the original manufacturer, ensuring that almost all removed frames can be processed within the system.
Material collected in the UK is prepared at the primary processing facility in Kent before being transferred to specialist recycling plants. This staged approach improves transport efficiency and helps reduce the environmental impact of the recycling process itself.
Advanced Recycling at VEKA Umwelttechnik
VEKA Umwelttechnik GmbH operates Europe’s most advanced PVC-U recycling plant in Behringen, Germany. The facility has been running for more than 20 years and processes discarded windows, doors and roller shutters through a fully closed-loop recycling system.
Up to 50,000 tonnes of PVC-U material can be recycled each year at this facility. The process produces exceptionally high-purity recycled material that can be used directly in the manufacture of new window profiles without affecting performance, durability or appearance.
Veka Infinity Profile System
KJM Group can also supply the Veka Infinity window and door system, which incorporates up to 80% recycled material within the internal core of the profile. A virgin PVC outer surface is retained to ensure long-term durability and visual quality.
This system delivers the same expected service life as conventional profiles, typically around 35 years, and is supported by a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty. It represents an important step forward in combining performance with responsible material use.
Emplas Closed Loop Recycling Scheme
Alongside VEKA Recycling, KJM Group also works with Emplas Window Systems, in association with the Epwin Group and Poly-Pure, to support a UK-based closed-loop recycling programme.
Closed-loop recycling means that the material removed from old windows is recovered, refined and reused to manufacture new window frames within the same product category. Every stage of this process, from recovery through to remanufacture, takes place within the UK.
When your existing windows are removed, the frames, glazing and hardware are separated and transported to specialist processing facilities. There, materials such as metals and rubber are recovered, and the PVC-U is refined to extremely high purity levels before being remade into new profile sections. These sections are then fabricated into replacement frames ready for installation.
Replacement PVC-U window frames can contain up to 45% recycled material while maintaining the same strength, durability and long-term performance as frames made entirely from virgin material. Because PVC-U can be recycled repeatedly, this process supports a potential cumulative material lifespan of up to 400 years
Profile 22 Recycled Composite Reinforcement (RCM)
Profile 22 reinforcement systems make use of recycled composite material produced from first-generation post-consumer PVC-U windows. This innovation helps close the recycling loop by bringing previously used window material back into service as part of a new generation of products.
As well as reducing reliance on newly manufactured raw materials, this reinforcement contributes to improved thermal efficiency while maintaining the strength required within modern window systems.
Supporting Our Wider Environmental Commitment
Recycling PVC-U frames forms part of KJM Group’s wider environmental approach. By working with established recycling partners and supporting closed-loop manufacturing systems in both the UK and Europe, we help ensure that as much installation material as possible is recovered and reused rather than sent to landfill.
If you would like to learn more about our broader sustainability initiatives, please visit our Environmental page.
Our Accreditations
Throughout our business history, we have been delighted to receive several accreditations, awards and partnerships in our fields. We have installed many large projects for clients such as Winchester City Council, Peverel, RLHA, Grainger PLC and The Diocese of Winchester.
We have also become Which?, Checkatrade and FENSA approved for our services as we continue to provide our customers with high quality home improvement services and products.
Contact Us
We proudly offer various products and services for our customers and homeowners around Andover and Hampshire. If you want more information on our services or a quote, contact us today using our contact form, and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.