Karol Pięta, Project Manager of EPPA Poland, discusses the role of the European PVC Window Profile and related Building Products Association (EPPA), challenges related to energy efficiency and the circular economy, material innovations, and evolving market expectations. Interview by Marcin Kozłowski, content editor of the monthly magazine Świat Szkła (World of Glass).
Marcin Kozłowski: What are the main goals and tasks of the European PVC Window Profile and related Building Products Association?
Karol Pięta: The European PVC Window Profile and related Building Products Association (EPPA) represents manufacturers of plastic window profiles – mainly PVC – on the European market. It supports the industry in legislative, technological, and environmental matters. EPPA represents the sector in dealings with EU institutions and international organizations, and it participates in the development of regulations – particularly in the fields of the environment, energy, and construction. It promotes the circular economy, supports initiatives like VinylPlus®, and fosters the development of PVC recycling.
The association co-develops technical standards for profiles, promotes high quality and technological innovation, runs educational activities, organizes conferences and awareness campaigns, and supports research and development in the PVC window joinery sector.
MK: What are the biggest challenges currently facing PVC window system manufacturers?
KP: Manufacturers of PVC window systems are currently facing numerous challenges due to rapidly changing regulations and shifting market expectations. The main challenges relate to technology, the environment, and economics. Building energy efficiency requirements – such as those arising from the EPBD directive – necessitate the design of advanced window profiles with multiple chambers, thermal inserts, and new materials. Sustainability has become a top priority – manufacturers must use recyclates and ensure their products are recyclable.
Customers also expect information about carbon footprints, which directly impacts competitiveness. Smart solutions are becoming more important – smart home windows with sensors, blinds, or integrated ventilation require collaboration with the IT sector. Rising raw material and energy prices are squeezing margins, forcing companies to optimize processes and improve energy efficiency. At the same time, the market remains highly competitive and price-sensitive, making innovation implementation more difficult. Personnel shortages – such as a lack of technologists, engineers, and machine operators – may further hamper development and production quality.
MK: Have you observed changes in the expectations of investors and consumers – toward ecology or aesthetics, for example?
KP: The window industry is undergoing rapid transformation due to rising expectations from investors and consumers – especially in terms of ecology, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. There is growing interest in environmentally friendly, recyclable materials – such as recycled PVC, secondary aluminum, or certified wood.
Companies are investing in solutions that reduce energy use and CO₂ emissions, and customers are opting for products with high thermal insulation. Energy-efficient and passive buildings are gaining popularity, which forces the use of modern technologies. At the same time, demand is rising for large glazing, slim profiles, and sliding systems that match contemporary architectural trends. Aesthetics are becoming increasingly important – customers want personalized options, a wide color palette, and custom designs. Smart technologies are also on the rise: windows with sensors, blinds, or integrated photovoltaics. These changes stem from growing environmental awareness, new regulations, and consumer trends that combine functionality, appearance, and environmental responsibility.
MK: What technological innovations in PVC systems are currently most important from the perspective of manufacturers and users?
KP: Today’s innovations in PVC systems focus on energy efficiency, durability, sustainability, and aesthetics. Both manufacturers and users seek solutions that combine technical excellence, low environmental impact, and visual appeal. Key innovations include multi-chamber profiles that improve thermal insulation and modern TPE elastomer gaskets that ensure airtightness and weather resistance.
Thermal inserts – such as PUR foams – are increasingly used, as well as recycled content – for instance, in EcoPowerCore technology, which utilizes recycled material in the profile core. Aesthetics have improved through modern lamination and coating technologies, which provide durable, UV-resistant finishes that mimic wood, aluminum, or concrete. Dark colors and industrial textures are especially popular. A breakthrough innovation is the use of composite-reinforced profiles, such as ThermoFibra, which embeds glass fibers in PVC. This enhances insulation, strength, and offers new design possibilities.
MK: How is the industry responding to increasingly strict energy efficiency requirements for buildings?
KP: The window industry is responding dynamically to tightening energy efficiency requirements by introducing innovative technological and material solutions. Manufacturers are modernizing products through design improvements and investing in advanced production lines. One key approach is the use of low-emissivity (low-E) glazing with selective coatings that reduce heat loss in winter and overheating in summer. Insulating glass units are filled with noble gases like argon or krypton to improve thermal performance. PVC window frames now use multi-chamber profiles with thermal inserts (e.g., PUR foam) and glass fiber reinforcements to achieve very low thermal transmittance values. More and more products now meet passive house standards and certification requirements (Passive House, BREEAM, LEED), confirming their quality and alignment with sustainability principles. Manufacturers are also increasing R&D activities and collaborating with designers to develop solutions that consider the entire product life cycle and the window’s contribution to the building’s energy balance.
MK: Can PVC windows today be considered environmentally friendly? What does their recycling and life cycle look like?
KP: Modern PVC windows are much more environmentally friendly than they were a decade or two ago – thanks to technological advancements, higher recycled content, and longer product lifespans. Contemporary PVC windows can last 30 to 50 years without losing functionality, which reduces replacement frequency and lowers the CO₂ emissions associated with manufacturing. With their multi-chamber profiles and high-performance insulating glass units, they significantly reduce heat loss and energy consumption. PVC is fully recyclable – old windows can be shredded and remelted into new profiles. Europe has a well-developed recycling system, such as Recovinyl. In Poland, there’s the Oknorec program supported by EPPA, which promotes recycling among manufacturers, contractors, and consumers.
MK: What actions is the association taking regarding cooperation with EU institutions and influencing regulations?
KP: EPPA represents the PVC industry before EU institutions, working to develop realistic and scientifically grounded regulations that support innovation and sustainable development.
The association participates in European Commission consultations – particularly in the fields of the environment, construction, and the circular economy. It maintains a dialogue with bodies like DG GROW and DG ENV and contributes to the development of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and sustainable finance taxonomy.
EPPA’s efforts influence standards for window energy efficiency, environmental requirements for PVC, and classification rules for construction products. It also collaborates with the VinylPlus initiative, promoting recycling, phasing out hazardous substances, and increasing the use of secondary materials. Additionally, EPPA educates both policymakers and industry stakeholders, combating stereotypes about PVC and explaining EU regulations. As a result, the association plays a key role in developing innovative, compliant, and eco-friendly window solutions.
MK: What trends and changes do you foresee in the industry in the coming years – both technological and market-related?
KP: The window industry is entering a new phase of transformation, driven by digitalization, stricter energy efficiency demands, and the development of the circular economy. In the coming years, we can expect both technological and market shifts. A major trend will be the continued enhancement of thermal performance – with passive windows using triple glazing, low-E coatings, and electrochromic or thermochromic technologies that react to light and temperature.
Profiles will increasingly use new composites that combine PVC with glass fiber or thermal foams, while windows will be fully integrated into smart building management systems, offering remote control of blinds, ventilation, and insulation. Environmental transparency will become more important – manufacturers will present Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), cradle-to-cradle certifications, and carbon footprint data. Climate-neutral windows will be a key component of sustainable construction. Another major driver will be the EU’s Renovation Wave program – mass thermal retrofitting of buildings – which will be especially relevant for manufacturers implementing BIM-based solutions.
MK: Thank you very much for the conversation.
