Author by: Lyndsay Suchanek

Reynaers Aluminium develops and markets innovative and sustainable aluminum used in windows, doors, curtain walls, and sliding doors for both commercial and residential buildings. Reynaers is headquartered in Duffel, Belgium, with a U.S. location in Phoenix. Driven by energy, efficiency, and a willingness to take responsibility for the environment, we have selected the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Themes most relevant to our business: material use, energy, and health and safety. 

Reducing our impact on the environment and improving the legacy that we create is an essential part of our business strategy. Aluminum is a strong, light, and highly durable material that is 100 percent recyclable without loss of characteristics. Recycling consumes 95 percent less energy compared to producing primary aluminum; each ton of recycled aluminum avoids 9 tons of CO2 emissions. By working closely with our suppliers, Reynaers Aluminium can offer window and door frames with an average of 54 percent recycled aluminum, saving 58,000 tons of CO2. 

Reynaers Aluminium analyzes the processes used in order to minimize waste. The most prevalent is the cut optimization in Reynapro, our software used to automate production. This means that our materials are cut to the exact length needed every time without any human error. Reynaers is involved in two packaging improvement projects: one for incoming aluminum profiles (started in 2019) and one for hardware (planned for 2021). Furthermore, the Reynaers facility in the U.S. reuses the packaging from Belgium that the materials arrive in when shipping the finished products.  

Reynaers also invests in the certification of our systems. A Cradle2Cradle certificate is available for our most popular systems, signifying our products are designed with a positive impact on people and planet. Additionally, an increasing number of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are available. The EPDs cover the environmental impacts throughout the product life cycle and allow for efficiency during the design process. As of 2021, fourteen EPDs have been developed for our various windows, doors, curtain walls, and sliding systems. 

Energy is a large component of sustainable solutions. Reynaers Aluminium combats global warming with our energy-efficient products and systems that make buildings more energy efficient. Our products increase insulation and airtightness to reduce heat loss. The Passive House component is a widely-known certificate to prove the energy efficiency of windows and doors, and we have multiple products that meet those high requirements. Also, all of the products that we offer in the U.S. are tested and certified per NFRC requirements.

Globally, buildings are responsible for a large share of energy, electricity, water, and materials consumption. The building sector has the greatest potential to deliver significant cuts in emissions at little or no cost. Existing buildings are responsible for more than 40 percent of the total primary energy consumption and 24 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. We help buildings achieve various sustainable building certifications such as the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method or BREEAM, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED, and the International Well Building Institute’s WELL. Our products are specifically designed for a long lifespan with low maintenance; aluminum is not affected by UV rays or moisture and doesn’t corrode or rot. Moreover, we use high-quality surface treatment on our profiles: powder coat or anodization. Powder coating is preferable over wet painting because there are no solvents or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – meaning there is no damage to the environment. Ultimately, powder coat is not hazardous to its surroundings or the health of people who work with it. Also, it can be gathered and reused, which increases its eco-friendliness. 

Along with the material and energy, Reynaers also focuses on the safety and health of people. We guarantee a maximum safety level of buildings and promote safe working conditions for our employees. Reynaers continues to develop safety solutions for our products: earthquake resistance, bomb blast, and hurricane proof. For our employees, we focus on accident-free days, an ergonomic work environment, safety training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. 

Reynaers Aluminium’s mission is to “increase the value of buildings and to enhance the living and working environment of people worldwide. We achieve this together with our partners by providing innovative and sustainable aluminum solutions for the building envelope.” In short, sustainability is at the core of our company. We look at sustainability wholistically, combining the focus on material use, safety and health, and energy, while also sharing our knowledge and supporting other’s sustainable building projects.