Recycling - the smart choice
Pioneering recycling
Recycling of production waste: Sika has been recycling production waste and roll edge trimmings since the 1960’s.
Recycling of post-consumer waste (end-of-life): Sika was a pioneer in the development of recycling for used roofing membranes and actively participates in the end-of-life recycling program ROOFCOLLECT, the European collection and recycling initiative for roofing and other waterproofing membranes. In the US, Sika has successfully introduced a recycling program for commercial roofing membranes.
Innovative products made from recycled materials: production waste and post-consumer membranes are recycled into new products, such as protection sheets and walkway pads.
Case study for three end-of-life scenarios
Three end-of-life scenarios were modelled for a mechanically fastened Sika thermoplastic PVC membrane: recycling (through shredding and regranulation), incineration and landfill. The results show that recycling is clearly the best solution, giving credits for avoiding additional raw materials that are almost as high as the original costs for production and installation of the membrane. Incineration generates additional CO2, even if there are credits to be gained from using the incineration as a source of energy.
Global Warming Potential (GWP) of three end-of-life scenarios for a Sika thermoplastic PVC membrane [kg CO2-eq./m2]Case study for three end-of-life scenarios: three end-of-life scenarios were modelled for a mechanically fastened Sika thermoplastic PVC membrane: recycling (through shredding and regranulation), incineration and landfill.
The results show that recycling is clearly the best solution, giving credits for avoiding additional raw materials that are almost as high as the original costs for production and installation of the membrane. Incineration generates additional CO2, even if there are credits to be gained from using the incineration as a source of energy.
