Process information
| Key Data Set Information | |
| Location | IT |
| Geographical representativeness description | Italy. Primary data collected in Italian compounding PVC-U plant and window PVC production plant. Dataset representative of Italian production of PVC-U frame for windows. |
| Reference year | 2021 |
| Name |
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| Technical purpose of product or process | The PVC frame is for the production of windows, used as a transparent vertical closure of buildings. |
| Synonyms | Telaio per finestre in PVC, 1 m, alla produzione |
| Classification |
Class name
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| General comment on data set | Dataset developed within the ARCADIA Project (production chain study regarding PVC frame for windows “PRODUZIONE DI TELAI IN PVC PER INFISSI E SERRAMENTI E PRODUZIONE DI FINESTRE IN PVC CON VETROCAMERA A DOPPIO O TRIPLO VETRO”). The dataset refers to the production of an average PVC frame for windows, including all window’s elements (reinforcement, hardware, gaskets, glazing blocks, screws) and excluding the glass and spacer. Dataset is representative of the Italian average processing technologies commonly used for the production of PVC frame for windows. The data set covers relevant process steps / technologies over the supply chain of the represented cradle to gate inventory with a good overall data quality. The inventory is based on primary data for PVC-U compounding and window assembly, and on secondary data (literature and/or LCI datasets) representative of Italian supply chain. The PVC frame for the production of windows, is completed with reinforcement, hardware, gaskets, glazing blocks, screws. Dimensions: frame depth: 76 mm; frame length: 1 m. |
| Copyright | Yes |
| Owner of data set | |
| Data set LCA report, background info | |
| Quantitative reference | |
| Reference flow(s) | |
| Time representativeness | |
| Data set valid until | 2026 |
| Technological representativeness | |
| Technology description including background system | The production of PVC frame begins with the production of PVC resin (in Europe), from suspension polymerisation and emulsion polymerization processes. The PVC resin is mixed with additives in the compounding process, to obtain PVC-U compound, which is extruded, cooled and cut. The PVCs frame are covered with protection film. Finally, PVC frame and all components (reinforcement, hardware, gaskets, glazing blocks and screws) are assembled to produce windows. Use and end of life of the PVC frame are excluded. Scraps from the extrusion process are recycled back into the system. 20% of recycled PVC is accounted for in the compound mix. Scraps from PVC-U compounding and assembly are recycled externally. Transport of the PVC resin to Italian manufacturing companies is included. Equipment and infrastructures are not included in the foreground but are accounted for in the background datasets. Primary data (from Italian compounding PVC-U plant and window PVC production plant) and secondary data (literature and/or sector data) representative of Italian supply chain for the geographical characteristics and technologies used (machineries, equipment, etc) were collected. Inventory data have been collected as physical quantities of materials used in the different processes. The Dataset includes all window’s elements (reinforcement, hardware, gaskets, glazing blocks, screws), excluding the glass and spacer. The System Boundary of LCA is cradle-to-gate. The system boundary considers A1 “procurement of raw materials”, A2 “transport”, A3 “production”, in compliance with the EN15804:2012+A1:2013 standard. The production of machinery and infrastructure (and related maintenance waste), used for window and door production activities, is excluded from the system boundaries, except for those already contained in the Ecoinvent datasets used to model the background data. In accordance with EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, any electric motors and connected electric devices for opening/closing windows are excluded from the system boundary. The Cradle-to-gate analysis includes the input of raw materials, energy, water and the outputs of solid waste, air emissions, water emissions, and transport related to the considered system boundary. Background data were modelled according to Ecoinvent v. 3.6. |
| Flow diagram(s) or picture(s) | |
Modelling and validation
Administrative information
Inputs and Outputs