The UK and Ireland collected and recycled a total of 143,428 tonnes of waste PVC across all PVC recycling formats in 2019. Within this total, PVC window profiles accounted for 86,057 tonnes, according to latest industry figures.

Second only to Germany, the UK’s achievement represents 18.6% of the 771,313 tonnes of waste PVC recycled throughout Europe in 2019 – a new record high and 4.3% up on the previous year. Window profiles and related building products account for 47% of the total PVC recycled across Europe.

Recovinyl®, the PVC industry’s recycling scheme, was the largest contributor to this total and registered a total of 769,233 tonnes of PVC waste entirely recycled in Europe in 2019, says the company.

Three new guides have been published to make those involved with specifying architectural ironmongery aware of the additional hardware considerations that are needed for projects with additional hygiene, sustainability and connectivity requirements.

The new guides have been launched by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) to ensure that anyone involved in the specification of architectural ironmongery has access to the latest best practice advice and is working in line with current standards.

Based on the RIBA-approved CPD presentations created by the GAI, each guide contains comprehensive product information, diagrams and detail on the relevant building regulations and industry standards. 

The new AW CT 72 window system from aluminium specialist Schüco combines the timeless design and intelligent technology that are reflected across its product portfolio. Designed for cost-efficient and simple fabrication, the system can be used in both residential and commercial settings.

The level of prefabrication of Schüco AW CT 72 can be increased through profile processing leading to faster production and improved reliability. Profiles can be supplied to be customer-rolled, pre-rolled or rolled by Schüco and a dual colour option is also available. Polyamide and polythermid insulating bars are available. The glazing bead does not require a glazing bead clip but can be clipped into the vent profile direct.

Force 8 will be manufacturing as normal through the new lockdown but have once again come up with a unique idea: if you can’t come to the factory or showroom to take a look at their products, they will bring it to you.

The company says that with the present pandemic and a host of ever changing restrictions, visiting showrooms to view new products for your company was difficult; now with the new lockdown it’s a bigger challenge. Without a visit it makes it difficult to get a hands-on feel for new products, and ordering online or from a brochure before you have even tried the product can be daunting.

The Framepoint® sales and quoting app helped Shropshire installer GoldStar Windows Ltd secure a £50,000 order for windows and doors. Noel Preece, owner of Goldstar Windows used the platform to present to the developer and buyers of two new build plots, thanks to its stunning, detailed visuals. He was told his presentation was by far the best, and says Framepoint® played a major part in helping him win the order.

The Framepoint® platform, from TommyTrinder.com, was developed by installers for installers to help them simplify quoting,

GM Fundraising is offering framed prints of a beautifully designed rainbow – the symbol of 2020 – to raise funds for Hope House Children’s Hospices this Christmas. Each print is framed to order, featuring the company’s logo and will make a superb corporate 2020 Christmas gift and help support the charity too.

Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising, said: “Like all charities, Hope House has been very hard hit this year. Rather than giving the usual corporate gifts this Christmas, I’d urge everyone to consider making charitable donations. These framed prints are a great way to support Hope House and show you care. The rainbow is probably the symbol of 2020 and this one has been designed by the special children at Hope House Children’s Hospices.

Flooding rooms with natural light is the most sought after feature in what UK residents want in the ‘perfect home’ – pointing towards an opportunity for the glass and glazing sector to support home improvement projects, according to new research by Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group.

In the manufacturer’s poll of more than 2,000 UK adults, two thirds (66%) of respondents agreed that lots of natural light was key to meeting their vision of the ‘perfect home’. Meanwhile, three in five (60%) wanted a spacious garden, with half wanting spare bedrooms (53%) and lots of open space (48%), in their dream property.

The ongoing product development programme at Endurance Doors continues to realise stand out offerings and this includes new door knockers from cult hardware manufacturer, Brass Bee.

For some consumers, the knocker on a new front door makes a statement, much in the same way as the style and finish chosen. The Door Designer from Endurance Doors already adopts several contemporary and traditional knockers, but these latest additions add a feel of both luxury and exclusivity.

This unique range of knockers is inspiring and includes the designs of bumble bee, dragonfly, dog/cat paw and sea shell in a range of

Despite the challenges that came with lockdown, marketing agency Purplex has flourished over the past few months and welcomed five new members to its team.

Former luxury car marketing executive Paige Sharman joins as a new Content Creator, while digital marketer Kate Hitchens has joined the Organic Search SEO team. And with a BSc Hons in Applied Computing, Benjamin Debreceni is the latest recruit to join the web department team as a Software Application Developer.

With a passion for IT, Martyn East joins Purplex as a Client Services Executive, while former news reporter and magazine journalist Laea Marshall joins the company as a PR Copywriter.

VetroScreen, the new clamped and free-standing desktop sneeze and cough guard from Bohle, has been supplied to the London Stock Exchange by Abbey Glass.

The South Wales glass processor was appointed by the world’s sixth largest stock exchange earlier this year to provide a solution for its central lobby.

Angela Worgan, Managing Director, Abbey Glass, said: “We’ve seen significant demand from a broad range of businesses who are trying to balance the return to work with the safety of their employees and customers.

Two members of staff at HOPPE (UK) have achieved their 25 years’ service award.

The HOPPE (UK) team are celebrating Tony Firth, warehouse manager, and Jo-anne Neale, stock controller, as they mark their silver jubilee. Both Tony and Jo-anne worked for Charter Hardware when it was acquired by HOPPE (UK) in 1997.

Tony joined HOPPE (UK) as a picker in the warehouse and has since held many other roles including goods inwards supervisor and stock controller before becoming warehouse manager in 2007.

CWG Choices, trade supplier of windows and doors, is standardising on Ultion premium locks as “Ultion is synonymous with security”.

CWG Choices Managing Director, Chris Powell, explains why they have decided to use Ultion as standard: “As the leading trade manufacturer of windows and doors in the UK one of the reasons we switched to Ultion was the brand awareness for both our consumer and trade customers. We know Ultion gives comfort and credibility to consumers, and our partnership is at the forefront of security. Ultion has all the security accreditations and provides a guarantee for any break-ins as a result of lock failure. To date we have not had a claim.”