Apply for ICP accreditation now!
Learn how to apply for accreditation and a licence to use the ICP accreditation mark by downloading the Information for Applicants guide and Application Form.
For more information, please contact the Vinyl Council at [email protected]
About the ICP:
Australia has the highest solar radiation per square metre of land of any continent. It is therefore important that products used in Australian buildings are formulated and designed for this country’s climate.
The uPVC Window Alliance has developed an Industry Code of Practice (ICP) and accreditation scheme for the manufacture of uPVC, or vinyl, profiles to be used in windows and doors in Australia.
Although the average total amount of solar irradiation Melbourne experiences annually is similar to that of the south of France (about 5,500 MJ/m2), the intensity per hour of sunshine Melbourne receives (3.33 MJ/m2) is 85% higher than that of southern France (1.8 MJ/m2).
The ICP therefore sets specific composition, weathering resistance, colour and strength requirements for extruded uPVC profiles for use in windows and doors in Australian buildings. It aims to give specifiers, builders and consumers confidence in the durability of uPVC profiles under Australian climatic conditions and to reduce the concern that uPVC profiles will discolour.
The ICP for uPVC window and door profiles indicates that accredited profiles have been physically tested for a minimum of two years to withstand Australia’s higher UV conditions. It goes beyond the weathering standards typically applied to profiles for other regions such as northern or southern Europe, the US or China.
For example, under the European standard EN12608, the typical radiation exposure used to test profiles is 8000 MJ/m2. This is suitable for windows being used in northern Europe. EN 12608 also has a ‘Severe’ climate test for warmer parts of Europe which exposes profiles to 12,000 MJ/m2. The new Australian ICP requires testing to a minimum of 15,000 MJ/m2.
Stringent requirements for accreditation:
To achieve accreditation under the ICP, suppliers must have their profiles independently tested at Australia’s only natural outdoor weather resistance testing laboratory at a high irradiation site near Townsville, Queensland. Stringent maximum colour change parameters must be met by exposed profiles as well as impact strength tests.
The ICP also includes provisions related to the polymer quality and restrictions on the use of legacy additive compounds containing lead or cadmium. The use of recycled PVC in profiles is permitted providing the ICP requirements are still met.
Look for the mark!
Manufacturers of profiles that have been independently verified as meeting the ICP performance requirements may apply for use of a licenced ICP accreditation mark in relation to the compliant profiles. This mark provides a simple way for specifiers, builders and customers to identify accredited uPVC profiles, tested for Australia’s extreme climate.
Check the register to see the companies and profiles that have received ICP accreditation and are licensed to carry the mark.
Learn how to apply for accreditation and a licence to use the ICP accreditation mark by downloading the Information for Applicants guide and Application Form.
For more information, please contact the Vinyl Council at [email protected]
About the ICP:
Australia has the highest solar radiation per square metre of land of any continent. It is therefore important that products used in Australian buildings are formulated and designed for this country’s climate.
The uPVC Window Alliance has developed an Industry Code of Practice (ICP) and accreditation scheme for the manufacture of uPVC, or vinyl, profiles to be used in windows and doors in Australia.
Although the average total amount of solar irradiation Melbourne experiences annually is similar to that of the south of France (about 5,500 MJ/m2), the intensity per hour of sunshine Melbourne receives (3.33 MJ/m2) is 85% higher than that of southern France (1.8 MJ/m2).
The ICP therefore sets specific composition, weathering resistance, colour and strength requirements for extruded uPVC profiles for use in windows and doors in Australian buildings. It aims to give specifiers, builders and consumers confidence in the durability of uPVC profiles under Australian climatic conditions and to reduce the concern that uPVC profiles will discolour.
The ICP for uPVC window and door profiles indicates that accredited profiles have been physically tested for a minimum of two years to withstand Australia’s higher UV conditions. It goes beyond the weathering standards typically applied to profiles for other regions such as northern or southern Europe, the US or China.
For example, under the European standard EN12608, the typical radiation exposure used to test profiles is 8000 MJ/m2. This is suitable for windows being used in northern Europe. EN 12608 also has a ‘Severe’ climate test for warmer parts of Europe which exposes profiles to 12,000 MJ/m2. The new Australian ICP requires testing to a minimum of 15,000 MJ/m2.
Stringent requirements for accreditation:
To achieve accreditation under the ICP, suppliers must have their profiles independently tested at Australia’s only natural outdoor weather resistance testing laboratory at a high irradiation site near Townsville, Queensland. Stringent maximum colour change parameters must be met by exposed profiles as well as impact strength tests.
The ICP also includes provisions related to the polymer quality and restrictions on the use of legacy additive compounds containing lead or cadmium. The use of recycled PVC in profiles is permitted providing the ICP requirements are still met.
Look for the mark!
Manufacturers of profiles that have been independently verified as meeting the ICP performance requirements may apply for use of a licenced ICP accreditation mark in relation to the compliant profiles. This mark provides a simple way for specifiers, builders and customers to identify accredited uPVC profiles, tested for Australia’s extreme climate.
Check the register to see the companies and profiles that have received ICP accreditation and are licensed to carry the mark.
Background:
The ICP was developed over two years in consultation with stakeholders in the sector and overseen by the ICP Working Group, which comprised representatives of suppliers and fabricators of uPVC profile extrusions used for windows and doors in Australian buildings, as well as representatives of the Australian Windows Association and the Vinyl Council of Australia.
The intention is for the ICP to be implemented in addition to window manufacturers meeting the requirements of the Australian Window Standard AS2047 for the whole window unit.
Find out more and apply for ICP accreditation:
To review the full details of the ICP, download a copy of the ICP guidelines here.
Find out how profile extruders/suppliers achieve accreditation and what it means for uPVC window manufacturers.
Apply for ICP accreditation now!
Learn how to apply for accreditation and a licence to use the ICP accreditation mark by downloading the Information for Applicants guide and Application Form.
For more information, please contact the Vinyl Council at [email protected]
The ICP was developed over two years in consultation with stakeholders in the sector and overseen by the ICP Working Group, which comprised representatives of suppliers and fabricators of uPVC profile extrusions used for windows and doors in Australian buildings, as well as representatives of the Australian Windows Association and the Vinyl Council of Australia.
The intention is for the ICP to be implemented in addition to window manufacturers meeting the requirements of the Australian Window Standard AS2047 for the whole window unit.
Find out more and apply for ICP accreditation:
To review the full details of the ICP, download a copy of the ICP guidelines here.
Find out how profile extruders/suppliers achieve accreditation and what it means for uPVC window manufacturers.
Apply for ICP accreditation now!
Learn how to apply for accreditation and a licence to use the ICP accreditation mark by downloading the Information for Applicants guide and Application Form.
For more information, please contact the Vinyl Council at [email protected]
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