Window Films are becoming more and more well-known as the perfect solution to all manner of issues with glass windows, from improvements to building security to solar control.
And whilst the installation of Window Films is likely to reduce the energy bills and therefore, the carbon footprint of a building, concerns still arise around the sustainability of Window Films given that they are made of plastic.
Across the world, the human race is looking to reduce its use of damaging plastics which deplete fossil fuels and pollute our environment and with the UK Government declaring in recent years that we are now in a climate emergency, it is right that we act to limit our negative impact on our world.
At Sureguard Window Films® we are confident that our Window Films are a sensible choice for your property and for the planet – read on to find out why.
The composition of Sureguard Window Films®
PET, not PVC
One of the most common forms of plastic is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and its reputation for being environmentally damaging has been established for some time. The decision by IKEA in the 1990s to phase out the use of PVC in their products was pivotal in society’s awareness of how the production and use of plastics in everyday life can damage our world.
Twenty years on, many of us want to know the eco-credentials of the products we purchase for our homes, so you will be relieved to know that Sureguard Window Films® are NOT made of PVC.
Our Window Films are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a much more sustainable alternative to PVC.
As well as being much stronger, more durable, and visually clearer than PVC – making it perfectly suited to usage in Window Films – PET is 100% recyclable. You can rest assured in the knowledge that every part of the plastic will go on to be made into something new in the future.
Recycled materials
As well as being fully recyclable, Sureguard Window Films® are made, in part, from recycled content, so we know that they have a life both before and after their use on your windows.
We are also committed to using only recycled materials for the packaging of our Window Films to reduce our impact on the environment.
The drive to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics is rooted in discomfort with the high resource and energy cost of creating plastic, only for it to be used just once – very briefly – before being thrown away.
In contrast, it’s great to know that our Window Films, made from recycled products, stay in use for decades and can then be recycled into something new again, reducing the use of new resources and making them more sustainable.
The alternative to Window Films
With so much media attention on the negative effects of plastic on the environment, it is easy to assume that any option which involves plastic is automatically the least sensible decision.
However, for the problems which are resolved by Window Film installation, the alternative is usually to replace the entire window instead, which is not ideal for a number of reasons.
Economic cost
You may be considering replacing your windows or other glazed areas with similar, but improved, glass panels.
Perhaps you wish to substitute your existing windows for ones which are reinforced for security reasons, or which have a tint to reduce the impacts of UV rays from solar transmission.
However, the same results can be achieved using Window Films for a fraction of the cost, and as many of us are feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, replacing entire window panels is just not an economically viable option.
Eco-friendly credentials
While newer windows are able to manage solar transmission, reducing the energy needed for cooling and lighting, a much more expensive window panel is required to achieve the same levels of energy efficiency as a (much more cost-effective) Window Film.
It must also be considered that the energy and resource cost of producing an entirely new window panel will far outweigh that of Window Film – especially when you consider how wafer-thin the plastic used in Sureguard Window Films® is, compared to how much plastic is needed to create the average window frame.
As well as reducing supply costs, upgrading your existing windows with Window Films, rather than replacing them, also lowers the amount of unnecessary waste sent to landfill, which will again reduce your environmental impact on the planet.
Convenience
Whether in a residential or a business property, we all know how disruptive it can be to have a building project going on in your premises.
In contrast to a large-scale window replacement project, Sureguard Window Films® are well-known for our quality quick and smooth installations.
Depending on the scale of the project, our Team could carry out Window Film applications in under a day, letting you get on with your life with minimal mess and hassle.
At Sureguard Window Films® we have unrivalled experience in the Window Film industry so we can complete the job as efficiently as possible, with minimal ‘down-time’, which we know is especially important for business premises.
The bottom line
There are legitimate reasons to choose to replace your windows rather than upgrading them; if your current glazed units are damaged, for example with cracks to the glass or rotting frames, then it is the right choice to replace your windows.
However, if you’re looking to increase the security, aesthetic, or eco-credentials of your property and windows, we hope that we’ve helped you to see that Window Films are the logical choice to make an environmentally friendly decision which benefits both the planet and your wallet.
If you have any more queries or concerns, Sureguard Window Films® would love to help you to decide the best option for your property. Visit our contact us page to get in touch and talk to one of our experienced team about your project today – we can’t wait to hear from you.
