The Ukrainian Association of Transparent Construction Manufacturers gathered specialists to discuss the Ukrainian window market in light of new challenges.
The exchange of ideas involved: the PVC profile manufacturer for windows and doors PROFINE, the window and door hardware manufacturer Winkhaus, the aluminum systems developer Reynaers Aluminium, MKS Facade, which provides a complete glazing cycle for windows and facades, and the transparent construction supplier and installer Vikna-Star.
During the discussion, issues related to reconstruction, market trends, security, and challenges for the window industry were raised.
Previously, the Ukrainian government announced that the principle of "Build Back Better" should be the foundation for post-war reconstruction projects, meaning to rebuild better than before. However, discussion participants noted that this principle has remained merely a declaration. The Commercial Director of Profine Ukraine, Oleksandr Siriatchenko, emphasized that the main criterion for tenders conducted by the state with budget or grant funds remains price in the majority of cases. Until the state formulates clear rules for the "Build Back Better" principle, it will remain just a statement.
As noted by the General Director of Reynaers Aluminium in Ukraine, Andriy Dudarev, large-scale country reconstruction has not yet begun.
The new edition of DBN V.2.6-31:2021 "Thermal insulation and energy efficiency of buildings," which came into effect in September 2022, has contributed more to improving the performance of window structures by tightening energy efficiency requirements.
Alongside energy efficiency, trends of digitalization and increased security are gaining momentum in the Ukrainian market.
Sales Department Head Daryna Skrypnyk shared that, according to "Vikna-Star," every second owner of a city house wants to see the condition of their home on their smartphone.
The situation in the construction sector was commented on by the CEO of "MKS Facade Group," Yurii Senyuk. After the full-scale invasion, a new generation of developers emerged—young companies that are willing to take risks. They are trying to implement new technologies in buildings, including digitalization, but these are still isolated cases.
According to the Director of Winkhaus Ukraine, Ivan Bohdan, the number of requests for burglar-resistant hardware has increased, primarily due to the growing export of Ukrainian windows and doors. In Western markets, the presence of security systems in windows and doors is the norm or a request from end consumers and developers.
In the Ukrainian market, perimeter security is mistakenly entrusted only to sensors. Unfortunately, over 50% of windows (some estimates suggest up to 70%) produced and sold in Ukraine can be broken open with a screwdriver in five seconds. By the time the security team arrives, intruders may have already robbed the house and escaped.
The new challenges posed by military actions have also prompted Ukrainian companies to manufacture and test security windows — explosion-resistant. However, demand is limited due to insufficient market awareness. Their implementation requires a comprehensive approach and possibly the involvement of the state.
As for the Ukrainian window market overall, discussion participants noted that despite the difficult economic situation and reduced investment, the biggest problem is the lack of skilled workers. The shortage of skilled workers will also be a key issue in the post-war recovery of the market.