PVC (vinyl) roofing membrane manufacturers, which already recycle 99.5% of their production scrap, are tackling a bigger challenge: post-consumer recycling. Industry association, the Coated Fabrics & Film Association, has made post-consumer recycling the focus of its new Pathway to Circularity program.

This shift is key to meeting sustainability goals, reducing waste, and supporting circular construction practices. Scaling post-consumer recycling requires collaboration from specifiers as well as contractors and building owners.

Recycling a roof aligns with certain green building certifications. Even without certifications, recycling a roof can be reported as a sustainability initiative under corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures. The International Sustainability Standards Board includes ESG financial reporting guidelines.

Recycled PVC roofing contributes to both closed-loop and open-loop processes. In closed loop, it is recycled into new PVC roofing membranes, roof walkways, and accessories. In open-loop, PVC roofing is recycled into products other than roofing, like flooring and expansion joints for concrete. Both types avoid landfilling and contribute to carbon reduction.

See the process in action—watch CFFA’s short video on how simple PVC roof recycling can be: https://vinylroofs.org/sustainability/post-consumer-recycling/#roof-recycling-video