NEWS +VOX: Rehau session brings stakeholders together to advance plastics circular economy

Rehau Window Solutions hosted the second KARE Network Session at its Erlangen-Eltersdorf site, bringing together representatives from business and research for discussions centered on advancing a circular economy for plastics in Germany. The gathering is part of a continuing series organized by the German Regional Competence Centre KARE, which focuses on supporting the plastics sector as it moves toward resource conservation, CO₂ reduction and closed-loop value creation.

Carsten Heuer, CEO of Rehau Window Solutions, reported on the event, noting that the exchanges across the workshops reflected strong shared interest in practical pathways toward greater circularity. According to the company, the industry has the knowledge and technical footing to advance these goals, supported by growing motivation across participating organizations.

Rehau Window Solutions positions itself as an active proponent of long-term sustainability, referencing decades of internal efforts aimed at environmental progress and customer benefit. Among the measures cited were EcoPuls window profiles, which contain up to 80 percent recycled material, and three company-operated recycling plants designed to support a fully closed circular system. The firm has also stated a target of reaching climate neutrality by 2040.

Regional commitments were also noted, including the installation of a photovoltaic system at the Erlangen-Eltersdorf facility, on-site charging stations and involvement in the Climate Alliance Erlangen. These steps, the company said, reflect an effort to pair operational goals with local engagement.

Participants at the KARE workshops reported that the exchange reinforced confidence in the ability of the sector to make collective progress, pointing to the combination of existing expertise, available technology and a shared drive for forward movement. Rehau Window Solutions expressed appreciation to attendees for what it described as an encouraging demonstration of cooperation.

The session closed with renewed attention on coordinated action across institutions, as the KARE network continues its series of events intended to build momentum for circular practices across the plastics industry.

Why This Matters: Rehau’s push for circular practices signals rising pressure on PVC-U producers to expand recycling capacity and verify material flows. Greater cooperation across supply chains appears key as regulatory scrutiny tightens and customers seek proof of reduced emissions across the sector.