Sika has established a pioneering take-back concept for end-of-life roofing membranes – initially in the US, and now also in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The goal: instead of disposing of old plastic waterproofing membranes from building renovation, return them to production as recyclable material – for new roofs with a recycled core.
How does recycling work?
Demolished roofing membranes are cut to size, processed into portable rolls, and collected at the construction site. They are transported to the recycling partner on pallets.
The membranes are shredded. An optional washing cycle removes dust and dirt, important for the quality of the recycled material.
The material is ground. Modern cyclone or air separation processes help to reduce fibers such as glass fleece or polyester. These can make subsequent processing more difficult, for example by clogging melt filters.
If necessary, the ground material is compacted to make transport and further processing more efficient.
The compacted material is extruded, cleaned through melt filters, and used as high-quality granulate for new roofing membranes.
What happens to the recycled material?
Sika takes all the recycled material and reprocesses it into new products - specifically, among other things, into the backing of new roofing membranes. In this way, the material flows back into the cycle, in line with the principles of circular construction.
Example: A large volume of new roofing membranes was produced with an adaquate content of recyclate in the bottom layer–CO₂-reduced, quality-assured, ready for use.
Why recycling is worthwhile – ecologically and economically
- Save CO₂: Recyclates replace primary plastics and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conserve resources: Plastic remains a valuable material – not waste.
- Promote circular economy: dismantling, recycling, reuse – all from a single source.
- Proven sustainability: With the Sika system, builders, planners, and fabricators meet clear ESG criteria.
Become part of the solution now Sika supports builders, planners, and contractors
- Provision of returnable containers
- Organization of logistics - Complete recycling and reuse
Together, we close the material cycle—for greater sustainability on the roof.
Learn more or arrange return directly: