Victorian Sliders, Europe’s largest specialist manufacturer of PVC‑U vertical sliding sash windows, has increased the recycled PVC‑U content within its ECOSlide sash window system to up to 40%, following a £250,000 investment in advanced co‑extrusion technology.
The latest advancement builds on the company’s earlier co-extrusion developments which saw the recycled content within the ECOSlide profile increase from 30% to 40%.
Through continued investment, process optimisation, and commitment to sustainable manufacturing processes, Victorian Sliders has taken the next step in improving material efficiency while maintaining the quality, performance and durability that is synonymous with the ECOSlide system.
Sustainability and responsible manufacturing are fundamental to how Victorian Sliders® operates. The company remains committed to continually refining its processes to ensure materials and resources are used as efficiently and responsibly as possible.
Their new and improved co-extrusion process forms part of a wider strategy that is focused on reducing environmental impact through efficient use of resources, responsible material sourcing, and ongoing process development.
In August of this year, Victorian Sliders increased the recycled PVC-U content within its complete window from 30% to 40%. This is a phased approach with the increased content being rolled out in the sash profiles from now. From December, this recycled content will increase to 60% as it expands to cover the frames and cill profiles as well.
Encapsulated by a durable 0.8mm layer of virgin material, the advanced co-extrusion process ensures that the finished product delivers the same consistent appearance, quality and long-term performance as always.
Central to Victorian Sliders’ sustainability strategy is their on-site recycling facility which processes both post-industrial waste and 100% of the company’s production offcuts.
Through this integrated approach, materials are recovered, recycled and reintroduced back into the manufacturing cycle, helping to minimise on waste while maximising resource efficiency.
To date, Victorian Sliders® has processed the equivalent of more than 30,000 tonnes of PVC-U through its recycling operations (including post-consumer waste facilitated by Victorian Sliders® to other recycling centres). To put this into context that is more than the weight of the Statue of Liberty which weighs approximately 27,000 tonnes, highlighting the scale of the company’s commitment to material recovery and reuse.
Alongside the company’s sustainability credentials, Victorian Sliders continues to invest in the longevity and durability of their products. While recycled PVC‑U retains the same core properties as virgin PVC‑U, the profiles are encapsulated by a durable outer layer of virgin material, providing complete reassurance in the appearance, integrity and long‑term performance of the finished product.
Additionally, all ECOSlide products undergo rigorous quality testing at the company’s in-house quality testing laboratory. From weld and impact testing to thermal performance validation and weather resistance assessments, Victorian Sliders® ensures their windows are made to the highest quality.
Operating from a single 240,000ft2 facility, Victorian Sliders maintains full control over every stage of its process, from recycling and extrusion to fabrication, testing, and final assembly.
This “under one roof” approach enables the company to deliver:
- Consistent product quality
- Greater manufacturing efficiency
- Reliable lead times
- Enhanced quality assurance
The increase to 40% recycled PVC‑U marks another milestone in Victorian Sliders®’ ongoing sustainability journey. By combining advanced co‑extrusion technology, an integrated recycling facility and rigorous quality testing, the company continues to demonstrate that improved material efficiency can be achieved without compromising product quality, performance or reliability.
For installers, specifiers, developers and homeowners alike, ECOSlide® delivers a more sustainable sash window solution that delivers the same trusted quality and performance standards Victorian Sliders® is known for.
