Sustainability at Kömmerling
The sustainable cycle for high-quality window systems.
For Kömmerling, sustainability is neither a passing trend nor an after-the-fact marketing promise.
Sustainability is part of our brand identity – and has been a driving force behind our product development, materials expertise and system strategy for many years.
Our aim is clear: we want to develop high-quality window systems that impress today, function reliably for many years and, at the end of their life cycle, can become part of a new material cycle. That is why we do not view sustainability in isolation, but always in conjunction with quality, innovation and trust.
For Kömmerling, sustainability means, above all: circular material cycles, durable products, energy-efficient buildings, resource-conserving system design, responsibly sourced raw materials and verifiable progress throughout the entire value chain.
What sustainability means to us
As a window systems supplier, we have a particularly strong influence: our systems are processed into windows, doors and sliding solutions that form part of a building’s envelope for decades. They protect buildings, save energy, provide comfort and safeguard value. At the same time, they are made from materials that can be used responsibly, have a long service life and can ultimately be recycled.
For Kömmerling, therefore, sustainability means: durable window systems, reduced material usage, increasing recycling rates, closed-loop material cycles, alternative raw materials, energy-efficient buildings and robust evidence. This is what sustainability looks like in practice: it begins with the formulation, continues through design and production, remains effective throughout the product’s long service life in the building, and does not end when the product reaches the end of its life, but instead returns to the cycle.
Targeted energy management
At Kömmerling, sustainability begins right at the production stage. With our certified energy management system, we systematically record, analyse and optimise energy consumption, thereby laying the foundations for continuous efficiency improvements.
We have been operating in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001 since 2013. Today, the system is established at eleven international sites and supports the ongoing improvement of all energy-related processes.
In 2024, for the first time, energy consumption at more than 30 sites worldwide was assessed in accordance with recognised standards. In doing so, we take into account both direct emissions from combustion processes and indirect emissions from purchased energy.
Modern technologies and our employees’ expertise make this energy management measurable in day-to-day operations. Using digital energy meters and smart monitoring systems, we analyse consumption in real time and identify opportunities for optimisation at an early stage.
At a glance
- Energy management in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001
- Introduced as early as 2013
- Established at eleven international sites
- Digital energy meters with real-time visualisation
- Automated energy monitoring
- Heat recovery from compressors
- Smart lighting systems
- Continuous improvement in energy efficiency
Taking responsibility early on: greenline
Kömmerling did not wait until sustainability became a market issue to take it seriously. A particularly strong example is greenline. We stopped using lead-based stabilisers in our plastic profiles at an early stage and switched to a calcium-zinc base. What was decisive here was not just the change in material itself, but the consistency with which we applied it: This solution was not viewed as a niche offering, but was widely implemented across production and the market.
In doing so, Kömmerling demonstrated early on what sustainability means to us: responsibility begins at the very heart of the product. It starts with the formulation, the choice of materials and the question of which solutions are better in the long term for people, the environment and the market.
Water treatment
Keeping water in the cycle
At Kömmerling, water is mainly used for cooling processes – and is almost entirely recycled. In this way, we make an important contribution to the responsible use of this valuable resource.
The water treatment plant in Pirmasens is the largest within the group. Even the rinse water from the filter system is collected, purified and reused. This enables us to save around 8,500 cubic metres of water annually.
At a glance
- Closed-loop water systems in production
- Savings of around 8.500 m³ of water per year
- Equivalent to the monthly fresh water consumption of around 185 households
- Continuous optimisation of water use
Waste management
Making sensible use of resources
Responsible waste management is an integral part of our environmental strategy. Our aim is to reduce material losses, keep recyclable materials in circulation and dispose of unavoidable waste in a professional manner.
Through optimised processes, we reduce production waste and continuously improve our material flows.
At a glance
- Reduction of production waste at all sites
- Reuse and recycling of packaging
- Separate and legally compliant disposal of non-recyclable materials
- Collaboration with certified waste management specialists
- Continuous optimisation of material flows
Circularity at the heart of our sustainability strategy
The key driver of our sustainability strategy is the circular economy. Plastic windows are ideally suited to closed-loop material cycles. Old windows, production offcuts and other suitable PVC materials can be collected, processed and reused in new profiles. In this way, an old window becomes the basis for a new, high-quality window system.
For Kömmerling, recycling is therefore not a peripheral issue, but a central component of system development. We consider the entire product life cycle: raw materials, formulation, design, processing, use, dismantling, recycling and reuse.
ReFrame: the circular economy made visible
A particularly striking example of this approach is Kömmerling ReFrame. ReFrame refers to window profiles with profile bodies made from 100 per cent recycled plastic. Old plastic windows are fed into the material cycle, processed and reused as raw material for new profiles. Combined with the high-quality proCoverTec surface finish, this results in profiles that combine sustainability, design and technical performance.
ReFrame thus demonstrates that the circular economy need not remain an abstract concept in window manufacturing. It can be visible, marketable and of high quality. The product combines sustainability through recycled material, innovation through a new product concept and quality through high technical standards.
ReFrame – circular economy without compromising on quality:
100 % recycled material in the profile body, finished with a high-quality proCoverTec surface.
Kömmerling ReFrame brings the circular economy to life. The profile body is made from 100% recycled plastic. Old plastic windows are processed and used as raw material for new window and door profiles. Combined with the high-quality proCoverTec surface, this creates a profile system that brings together recycling, design and technical quality. In this way, ReFrame demonstrates that the circular economy in window manufacturing is not only possible, but also high-quality and marketable.
Systematic recycling
Kömmerling has been committed to the return and recycling of plastic windows for many years. As a founding member of the industry initiative Rewindo, we support the recycling of old plastic windows within a closed-loop system. Furthermore, profine is continuing to expand its own recycling activities. The aim is to specifically reclaim suitable materials for use in high-quality profiles and to further increase the internal recycling rate.
This is a key difference: sustainability does not arise simply from claiming that a product is recyclable. Sustainability only comes about when take-back structures, processing capacities, material testing and product development work together.
Recycling at Kömmerling
Closed-loop recycling cycle
Kömmerling is one of the pioneers of PVC window recycling and a founding member of the industry initiative Rewindo. Together with partners, we have been establishing a closed-loop material cycle for many years.
Production offcuts, profile cuttings and material from end-of-life windows are collected, processed and reintroduced into new window profiles as high-quality recycled material.
At a glance
- Objective: a closed-loop recycling system
- Take-back of old windows and production waste
- Processing into high-quality regranulate
- Use in the co-extrusion process
- Recycling rate across the group: approx. 25–30%
- Over 44.500 tonnes of recycled material processed in 2025
- Around 89.000 tonnes of CO₂ saved as a result
- International partner networks
- Two in-house recycling sites
- State-of-the-art recycling plant in Pirmasens
- Target: around 35 per cent recycled content by 2030
Durability: Sustainability begins with quality
A sustainable window is not just a recyclable window. Above all, it is a durable window. Kömmerling’s PVC-U windows are designed for a long service life. The longer a window functions reliably, the better the raw material used is utilised. Durability reduces the need for replacement, conserves resources and safeguards the value of the building.
That is why, for Kömmerling, quality is a central component of sustainability. Our formulations, systems and finishes are developed to remain stable, functional and of high quality for many years. Sustainability without quality would not be sufficient at Kömmerling.
Energy efficiency: Reducing CO₂ emissions throughout the building’s lifespan
Windows are a crucial component of the building envelope. Modern, highly insulating window systems can help to reduce heat loss, save on heating and cooling energy, and lower a building’s CO₂ emissions. This effect is particularly important because windows must not be considered solely in terms of their manufacture. They have their greatest impact during their long service life within the building.
Kömmerling systems such as Kömmerling 76, Kömmerling 88 or Passive House solutions demonstrate how technical advancements can contribute to better insulation values and a better carbon footprint. For window manufacturers, this provides strong selling points in both refurbishment and new-build projects; for end customers, it means greater comfort, lower energy losses and long-term value retention.
The sustainability of windows becomes particularly apparent during their long service life.
The better a window system insulates, the lower the heat loss through the building envelope and the less energy is required for heating and cooling. The continuous development of Kömmerling systems – from earlier profile systems with Uf values of 2.2 W/(m²K) to modern solutions such as Kömmerling 88 and Passive House systems – demonstrates how energy efficiency has improved over generations, thereby also having a positive impact on the carbon footprint of buildings.
The most sustainable energy is that which is not lost over decades.
Smart Design: less material, greater system performance
Sustainability is not achieved through recycling alone. It begins right at the design stage. Kömmerling develops systems in such a way that they meet high technical requirements whilst being designed to conserve resources as much as possible. Smart Design means: material is used where it is necessary for stability, insulation, function and quality – but is not wasted unnecessarily.
One example is the platform strategy. Thanks to a leaner system architecture, high compatibility of secondary profiles and accessories, and a wide range of combination and upgrade options, market requirements can be met without unnecessarily increasing complexity. This reduces warehousing costs, simplifies processes and helps to use resources more economically.
Less complexity, greater sustainability: a leaner system architecture combined with high technical performance.
The high level of compatibility between profiles, secondary profiles and fittings enables the efficient use of resources whilst simplifying planning, stock management and installation. In this way, Smart Design combines resource-efficient design with high technical performance, creating sustainable system solutions for window manufacturers.
Alternative raw materials: bio-attributed PVC
In addition to recycling, the raw material base is also a key lever. With bio-attributed PVC, Kömmerling demonstrates how fossil-based raw materials can be replaced by alternative sources. In this process, fossil-based ethylene is replaced by tall oil-based ethylene. Tall oil is a by-product of the pulp industry and is sourced from sustainable forestry.
The advantage is that bio-attributed PVC possesses the same technical properties as conventional PVC. This means that durability, processability, stability and recyclability are maintained. At the same time, the carbon footprint during production is significantly reduced.
Bio-attributed PVC
A sustainable raw materials base. Proven quality.
With bio-attributed PVC, Kömmerling extends its commitment to sustainability right back to the raw material stage. Ethylene derived from tall oil – a by-product of the pulp industry – is used in production instead of fossil-based raw materials. As the material is chemically identical to conventional PVC, its tried-and-tested technical properties, processability and full recyclability are retained. At the same time, CO₂ emissions during the manufacturing process are reduced by over 90% compared with PVC made from fossil raw materials by the same manufacturer. This enables a saving of around 1.5 kg of CO₂ per kilogram of material during production. In this way, Kömmerling combines alternative raw materials with proven quality and a more sustainable material base.
CO₂ footprint
Using energy and resources efficiently
The efficient use of energy and raw materials is a central component of our sustainability strategy. In particular, the use of recycled material offers great potential for reducing emissions.
Recycled material saves up to 90 % in energy and CO₂ compared with newly produced material. Put simply: one kilogramme of recycled material can save around two kilogrammes of CO₂.
Source: EPPA https://de.eppa-profiles.eu/infographics
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The industrial foundation behind the brand
Sustainability does not end with the product. It must also be effectively implemented in production, energy supply, waste management, water management, packaging and logistics. The profine Sustainability Report highlights that behind the Kömmerling brand lies an industrial structure that systematically advances sustainability. This includes energy and resource efficiency, certified energy management, photovoltaic projects, closed-loop water systems, recycling activities, waste management and the increasing integration of renewable energy.
Renewable Energy
Expanding solar energy
The expansion of renewable energy is a key component of our climate strategy. Since 2022, we have been investing in photovoltaic systems worldwide to continuously increase the proportion of energy we generate ourselves.
At several international sites, solar power is already being used directly for production. Further projects are in the planning stage.
At a glance
- Photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of 3,484 kWp
- Sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, India, Austria, Spain and Italy
- Tailored energy concepts for each plant
- Plans to expand further rooftop installations worldwide
- Long-term goal: a climate-friendly and independent energy supply
Sustainable logistics
Reducing emissions along the supply chain
We are continuously optimising our transport and logistics processes to reduce emissions and conserve resources. Efficient route planning, the avoidance of empty runs and the use of electric industrial trucks make a significant contribution to this.
At the Pirmasens site, 25 diesel-powered side-loader forklifts have been replaced by electric forklifts. This saves around 600.000 litres of diesel and approximately 700 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
We are also increasingly focusing on sustainable solutions for packaging materials.
At a glance
- Savings of around 600.000 litres of diesel per year
- Reduction of approximately 700 tonnes of CO₂ annually
- Use of electric industrial trucks
- Optimised transport routes
- Packaging films made from 80 % post-consumer recycled material
- Awarded the ‘Blue Angel’ eco-label
- 588 tonnes of CO₂ saved through the use of films by 2024
Sustainability for window manufacturers
For window manufacturers, sustainability is increasingly becoming a key competitive factor. Building owners, architects, investors, the housing sector and public sector clients are placing higher demands on energy efficiency, recyclability, carbon footprint, product certification and responsible supply chains.
Kömmerling supports window manufacturers in meeting these requirements convincingly. Our systems provide technical arguments, evidence of sustainability and strong product examples. ReFrame, bio-attributed PVC, energy-efficient system platforms, recycling concepts and environmental certificates help our partners not only to claim sustainability, but to demonstrate it concretely in their sales.
Sustainability for end customers
For end customers, sustainability becomes relevant when it is tangibly noticeable. A good window saves energy. It protects against the cold, heat, noise and the elements. It improves living comfort. It remains functional and retains its value for a long time. And at the end of its life cycle, it can be returned to the material cycle.
This makes a Kömmerling window a long-term investment: in one’s own home, in the value of the property, in lower energy losses and in better use of resources.
Governance
Accountability with clear rules
Integrity, transparency and responsible conduct are the cornerstones of our corporate governance. These principles apply to our employees as well as to our partners throughout the supply chain.
Binding regulations and clear processes help us to comply with legal requirements and embed sustainable business practices in the long term.
Key governance tools
- Code of Conduct for employees and business partners
- Supplier Code of Conduct
- Policy statement in accordance with the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
- Rules of procedure for complaints procedures and the whistleblowing system
Social responsibility
Putting people first
For us, sustainability also means taking responsibility for our employees. That is why we invest in secure jobs, training, further education and long-term career prospects.
At a glance
- More than 3.700 employees worldwide
- Focus on safe and modern workplaces
- Health and health and safety programmes
- Apprenticeships and dual study programmes
- International talent and career programmes
Social Commitment
Making a bigger difference together
Through the Kömmerling Better World Foundation, we support social and environmental projects worldwide. The focus is on education, integration and environmental initiatives.
Since its foundation in 2020, the foundation has already funded numerous projects and implemented relief measures in crisis situations.
At a glance
- Foundation established in 2020
- Already provided more than half a million euros in funding
- Supported over 50 projects
- Key areas: education, integration and the environment
- International aid and support projects
- Involvement of employees worldwide
Verified sustainability: certificates and evidence
At Kömmerling, sustainability is not a stand-alone value. It only works in conjunction with innovation, quality and trust. Innovation enables new solutions for recycling, alternative raw materials and energy efficiency. Quality ensures that these solutions function for decades. Sustainability provides the direction for these solutions.
This is precisely what Kömmerling stands for: high-quality window systems for a sustainable built environment.
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Kömmerling stands for lasting quality that window fabricators and end users can rely on.
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Kömmerling develops practical innovations that provide genuine added value for window fabricators and buildings.
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Sustainability provides direction
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