Why We Choose Salamander: High-Performance uPVC Windows That Support a Greener Future

At Net Zero Plus, every decision we make is guided by our commitment to performance, sustainability, and future-focused building practices. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Salamander, a European leader in premium uPVC window technology and one of the few manufacturers walking the talk when it comes to meaningful climate action.
Salamander’s windows aren’t just high-performing — they’re designed with sustainability at their core, from materials and manufacturing to recycling and reuse. Their company-wide mission? To become a climate-neutral business, and to lead the industry in responsible production, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
More Than Just Sustainability
“For us, sustainability means more than just environmental protection: we use resources responsibly, focus on long-term employee retention and balanced growth.”
– Götz Schmiedeknecht, Co-CEO, Salamander
Salamander’s approach to sustainability spans four pillars: environmental protection, resource conservation, social responsibility, and smart growth. These aren’t empty promises — they’re embedded in everything the company does, from hydroelectric-powered facilities to their closed-loop PVC recycling systems and award-winning carbon reduction initiatives.
Why PVC? Why Now?
In the context of window manufacturing, uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is widely regarded as the most sustainable choice. Compared to timber or aluminium, PVC:
- Requires far less energy to produce and process
- Has one of the longest service lives of any window material
- Offers exceptional insulation values (up to 0.8 Uf)
- Can be recycled up to seven times without losing performance
What makes Salamander’s offering unique is how they’ve refined and optimised every stage of this process. Up to 50% of the PVC they use is already recycled, and their premium Greta® window line uses 100% recycled PVC — turning old windows into new, with zero compromise on quality or performance.
Resource-Efficient Manufacturing
PVC’s low processing temperature (~200°C) means it consumes significantly less primary energy compared to other materials. Salamander builds on this advantage by:
- Investing in modular, material-saving product designs
- Using hydroelectric power to reduce their grid reliance
- Implementing their own on-site sewage treatment and waste systems
- Designing window systems that are easier to disassemble and recycle
In 2021, their main site in Türkheim alone purchased 1,481 tonnes of recycled PVC, preventing an estimated 2,745 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. That’s equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road for a year.
A Long-Term, Values-Aligned Partner
Salamander’s environmental leadership goes hand-in-hand with their social and economic values. As a family-owned business with over 100 years of history, they take a holistic view of sustainability that includes:
- Employee wellbeing and education initiatives
- Advocacy for diversity and inclusion (with staff from 34+ nationalities)
- Resilience through thoughtful, sustainable growth
- Collaboration with industry bodies such as Rewindo, EPPA, and VinylPlus
This long-term thinking mirrors our own approach at Net Zero Plus. We’re not interested in building faster at the expense of the planet — we’re here to build better, smarter, and more sustainably. Salamander’s windows are a perfect fit for our high-performance, low-impact homes — and they’re part of the reason we can offer triple-glazed systems that meet Passive House standards and help cut energy use by up to 70%.
The Bottom Line
The windows you choose matter. And when they come from a company that’s actively working “on the way to becoming a climate neutral company,” you know you’re making a decision that supports both people and planet.
Interested in our high-performance, sustainable window systems?
Let’s chat — we’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your future-ready home.