On the way to becoming a climate-neutral company
For us, sustainability means more than just environmental protection: we use resources responsibly, focus on long-term employee retention and balanced growth.
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More than just sustainability - we act with foresight
Sustainability has always been a top priority at Salamander: Words become deeds in a tradition that goes back over 100 years. From the very beginning, our resource-conserving production and the reuse of sustainable materials have always been of fundamental importance.
Our current Salamander strategy "S500" also places particular emphasis on sustainability and the associated goals of reducing energy consumption and cutting emissions. To achieve this, we are building on new and modern technologies.
The most sustainable material for windows is PVC
Compared to the window materials wood and aluminum, PVC is the most sustainable material for windows.
From production to recycling, a PVC window profile runs through a closed cycle. PVC can also be processed with low energy consumption and is therefore ideal for recycling: PVC windows can therefore be completely recycled without any harmful substances and formed into new profiles.
Longevity
PVC windows require hardly any care and maintenance - with a long service life thanks to optimized formulation and resistant surfaces
Stability
PVC remains permanently stable and functional thanks to the chemical and physical corner joints of the profiles
Recyclability
PVC enables a closed material cycle, as the material is almost completely recyclable
Energy-saving processing
PVC can be formed and processed at low temperatures - this saves primary energy during mixing and extrusion
Insulation value
The shaping and thermal conductivity of PVC lead to the best insulation values of up to 0.8 Uf
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Wood
Longevity
- Wood must be painted annually
Stability
- Glued joints tend to fatigue
Recyclability
- Impregnated wood cannot be recycled
Insulation value
+ 1.2 - 1.5 Uf
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Aluminum
Energy-saving processing
- Processing temperatures between 600 - 660°C
Stability
- Bonding joints tend to fatigue
Recyclability
- Surface treatment leads to the formation of pollutants in the recycling process
Insulation value
- 6.1 Uf*
*For aluminum windows, the insulation value is ultimately created by the PVC in the core
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PVC
Energy-saving processing
+ Processing temperatures approx. 200°C
Stability
+ Permanently stable and functional
Recyclability
+ PVC can be fully recycled up to seven times
+ up to 50% of the material we use already consists of recycled PVC
+ only recycled PVC is used in the Greta® window
Insulation value
+ 0.8 Uf*
Four ways to Sustainability at Salamander
Compared to the window materials wood and aluminum, PVC is the most sustainable material for windows.
From production to recycling, a PVC window profile runs through a closed cycle. PVC can also be processed with low energy consumption and is therefore ideal for recycling: PVC windows can therefore be completely recycled without any harmful substances and formed into new profiles.
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Environmental protection
8% share of electricity from our own hydroelectric power plants
Company-owned sewage treatment plant
Investment in other ecological technologies, such as photovoltaic systems
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Saving resources
Development of a modular system to reduce complexity & material savings
Reusability of materials
Cross-system use of accessories and tools
Development & production of climate-neutral products
Responsibility
Investment in education - offering a wide range of apprenticeships
Support programs for employees such as health days and further training opportunities
Promoting young talent at schools and sports clubs
Diversity and inclusion - advocacy for cultural diversity (currently 34 different nations)
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Growth
Family-run and family-friendly company
Resilient alignment of the group of companies against economic fluctuations
Europe-wide involvement in various plastics industry associations
Sustainable strengthening of partners through needs-oriented innovations
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Recyclate vs. Virgin material: Crucial for energy and climate protection
PVC profiles can be recycled up to seven times
Sensible return of old windows to a closed recycling system
Resource efficiency: reduction in the consumption of raw materials
Saving of primary energy for the production of PVC
Reduction of CO2 emissions
Combines environmental protection with high quality & design standards
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Award - CO2 savings thanks to PVC recycling
Our main site in Türkheim was awarded by Dekura for the purchase of 1481 tons of PVC regranulate in 2021. This contributes to a saving of 2745 tons of CO2.
Download certificateGoing one step further with commitment
Salamander is a founding member of Rewindo, the window recycling initiative, and an active member of EPPA and VinylPlus, the European PVC industry's voluntary commitment to sustainable development
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Since 2002, Salamander has been a partner in the Rewindo recycling initiative, which is made up of members of leading German plastic profile manufacturers.
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EPPA, the "European PVC Window Profile and Related Building Products Association" is the political lobby of European PVC window profile manufacturers, of which Salamander is an active member.
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VinylPlus® is the European PVC industry's voluntary commitment to sustainable development, of which Salamander is an active member.
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