![angled view of glass corner façade in modern office building](/sites/default/files/public/styles/page_header_medium/public/2026-03/RA_shoot_23_april_2025-7.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=5Fx5L8ug) # Circular & Sustainable Value Chain Our goal together with you, our partners in the value chain, is to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible, and to ensure they are responsibly sourced from the start. To achieve our goals, we support a circular and sustainable value chain, which is a closed-loop system focused on ethical sourcing, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. *How to achieve true circularity in the value chain* ## Some key principles to guide us ![Architect examining aluminum window profile cross-section](/sites/default/files/public/styles/tabbed_block/public/2026-03/Reynaers_aluminium_shoot_March_2025-124_0.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=ozKFPoJO) ![Beige high-rise building with lots of windows in city centre.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/tabbed_block/public/2025-05/reynaers-aluminium-project-doktoren-1.jpg?h=1a55c57c&itok=qaWG_XJZ) ![Two hands holding bauxite ore in sandy field.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/tabbed_block/public/2026-03/AdobeStock_521729604_extra.jpg?h=1524bc67&itok=MHWN6E8A) ![aluminium profile scrap in blue container](/sites/default/files/public/styles/tabbed_block/public/2026-03/154608F0002-REYN.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=cOaIm0-e) ### Designing out waste Products that minimise material use and can be easily disassembled, repaired, or recycled at end-of-life help to reduce buildings’ carbon footprint. ### Creating modular, adaptable products Systems should be able to evolve with changing building needs rather than requiring complete replacement. ### Sourcing materials responsibly We ensure that the aluminium we use is produced with respect for human rights and the environment, and that its supply chains can be tracked in a transparent way. ### Using low-carbon building elements We prioritise low carbon primary aluminium produced with clean energy and take our fair share of recycled content to create low-carbon aluminium. Low-carbon thermal breaks are also part of our portfolio. ## How can Reynaers Aluminium help you? A circular philosophy is one thing, but you need trusted partners with hands-on solutions to make the dream a reality. At every stage of the lifecycle of a building, it is important to consider the relevant circular solutions that can help reduce the impact of your project. **Reynaers Aluminium is that futureproof partner for you.** ![shadow of insulated aluminium profile black and white](/sites/default/files/public/styles/cta_block_left/public/2026-03/RA_shoot_23_april_2025-87.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=XQqs2qHb) Our approach to low-carbon sourcing across the value chain. ## Low-carbon building elements In Europe, the Green Deal demands the construction sector to cut buildings' "embodied" carbon by 50% by 2030, with at least 50% of low-carbon materials. If you are an architect or contractor, it makes sense to tackle the biggest impact areas first: steel and concrete. We do the same at Reynaers Aluminium, focusing on our key materials: aluminium and thermal breaks. ![Man holding corner sample of black aluminium window](/sites/default/files/public/styles/cta_block_right/public/2026-03/RA_shoot_23_april_2025-98.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=fCTAm8ZF) Our approach to low-carbon sourcing across the value chain. ![urban renovation white brick brown aluminium profiles](/sites/default/files/public/styles/grid_teaser_small_366_x_200/public/2026-03/evenbeeld-boldArchitecten-deDams-II-15.jpg?h=d56b97c7&itok=v1behRCg) ### Low-carbon aluminium At Reynaers Aluminium, we believe in the “optimal blend”: we take our fair share of recycled content and mix it with new aluminium produced with clean energy. This combination is called low-carbon aluminium. We can also simulate the embodied carbon footprint for your specific project based on the design choices and selected materials. If you need even lower carbon levels, we can optimize our offer through targeted sourcing and configuration. Read more Read more [Read more](/inspiration/stories/sustainability/all-about-our-low-carbon-offer) ![Black thermal strips stacked in iron chassis in warehouse.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/grid_teaser_small_366_x_200/public/2025-05/reynaers-aluminium-thermal-break-1_0.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=Hdoez19j) ### Low-carbon thermal breaks At Reynaers Aluminium, our standard thermal break offer mainly consists of polyamide (75%), reinforced with glass fibre (25%). For our low-carbon thermal breaks, we use the same materials, but the polyamide is 100% recycled. Thermal breaks only make up a smaller part of our windows and doors, yet every detail counts. Read more Read more [Read more](/inspiration/stories/sustainability/low-carbon-thermal-breaks) ![ASI logo in front of modern villa in a forest.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/landscape_small/public/2026-03/asi-banner%20%281%29.png?h=08a656c4&itok=mRgyN18i) ## Responsible sourcing More than a decade ago, the aluminium sector acknowledged that, looking at the material’s journey from bauxite mines to the end user, changes were needed for the planet and for the people. To foster this shift and to foster collaboration towards this goal, the **Aluminium Stewardship Initiative** framework was created. It is important for you, it is important for us. This is why Reynaers Aluminium is a member since 2024. [ Read more ](/inspiration/stories/sustainability/asi "Read more") ## Closed-loop systems Join our ReTurn program In a true circular economy, we need closed-loop initiatives to make sure material scrap is collected, processed and brought back into the supply chain for re-use or recycling. That is why we have launched a new circular framework, called ReTurn, in a select number of markets. One part of the framework is a close-the-loop sourcing initiative where we collect aluminium scrap from our fabricators’ workshop and the building site and use it to create new low-carbon aluminium profiles. We also have a return system in place for packaging materials, focusing on maximum reuse and minimal waste. [ Discover more ](/inspiration/stories/sustainability/closed-loop-systems "Discover more") ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is a circular and sustainable value chain? A **circular and sustainable value chain** is a closed-loop system focused on ethical sourcing, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. We focus on **low-carbon building elements, responsible sourcing practices and material take-back schemes** to involve our partners across the value chain and make a positive impact on the carbon impact of our processes and buildings alike. By **integrating sustainability into the design stage**, we ensure lasting, future-ready solutions. We call this 'value engineering'. To empower our partners even more, we offer **reliable tools and credible insights** as an expert partner. Traceability of information, support in achieving green building certifications, and EU Green Deal compliance are key concerns. ### What is low-carbon aluminium? While "low-carbon" primary aluminium is not formally defined, it encompasses all virgin material with a carbon footprint equal to or lower than 4.38 kgCO2/kg aluminium (billet + extrusion). In practice, low-carbon aluminium is **a mix of recycled aluminium and low-carbon primary aluminium produced with clean energy.** For a full analysis of the topic, you can visit the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) website for more details. [ For more information, click here ](https://www.reynaers.co.uk/inspiration/stories/sustainability/all-about-our-low-carbon-offer "For more information, click here") ### What are low-carbon thermal breaks? A standard thermal break in Reynaers Aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall is made of polyamide - a high-performance polymer - reinforced with glass fibre. That's roughly 75% polyamide and 20% glass fibre. Low-carbon thermal breaks use the same materials, but with one key difference: the polyamide is 100% recycled. **So, low-carbon thermal break = 75% polyamide (100% recycled) + 25% glass fibre.** This is what is expected by the EU Green Deal to decarbonise the building sector. ### What is ReTurn by Reynaers Aluminium? ReTurn is a Reynaers Aluminium **close-the-loop framework**, launched in 2025. Our goal, together with our partners, is to create a local recycling system, in full transparency and traceability, extending the lifetime of valuable resources. The system is currently active in a handful of countries and focuses on **return schemes for cardboard packaging and aluminium scrap material**, originating from fabricator workshops and building sites. ## Discover more dimensions - ![Man with glasses looking closely to aluminium corner sample.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/teaser_small/public/2025-05/reynaers-aluminium-eco-design-1.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=XYus9O9g) Eco Design [ Eco Design ](/sustainability-every-angle/eco-design "Eco Design") - ![Woman drinking coffee behind glass window on a rainy day.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/teaser_small/public/2022-06/Reynaers-Aluminium-water-tightness-1.jpg?h=8c1344d8&itok=jDlpLXoV) Extreme Weather Resilience [ Extreme Weather Resilience ](/sustainability-every-angle/extreme-weather-resilience "Extreme Weather Resilience ") - ![Woman looking out of window at nightfall.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/teaser_small/public/2025-05/reynaers_linkeroever2-min.jpg?h=298ea7f7&itok=W0Nk7OIo) Low Energy During Use [ Low Energy During Use ](/sustainability-from-every-angle/low-energy-during-use "Low Energy During Use ") - ![ Modern concrete villa in forest](/sites/default/files/public/styles/teaser_small/public/2025-05/reynaers-resized-8MP.jpg?h=09198c8e&itok=4gOiPRxa) EU Green Deal Compliance [ EU Green Deal Compliance ](/sustainability-from-every-angle/eu-green-deal-compliance "EU Green Deal Compliance") - ![Top view man and woman sitting at table drinking coffee.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/teaser_small/public/2025-05/reynaers-aluminium-certified-data-1_0.jpg?h=f0ab467d&itok=5-ijmyqM) Certified & Traceable Information [ Certified & Traceable Information ](/sustainability-from-every-angle/certified-traceable-information "Certified & Traceable Information ") - ![Modular building panel lifted next to skyscraper.](/sites/default/files/public/styles/teaser_small/public/2025-05/reynaers-aluminium-modularity-1%20%281%29.jpg?h=a51a5cf9&itok=GehWY9uJ) Modularity & Ease of Disassembly [ Modularity & Ease of Disassembly ](/sustainability-from-every-angle/modularity-disassembly "Modularity & Ease of Disassembly ")