Sika celebrates 20 years since the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel re-roof in Boston, Mass.—a milestone showcasing the longevity of Sarnafil PVC membrane and launching an industry-first closed-loop recycling effort. During the project, 95% of materials were recycled, helping set the stage for Sika’s North American PVC Roof Recycling Program.

Already protected by a Sarnafil roof system on the top and each of the step-down side sections, when the time came to install a new system, Marriott selected Sarnafil again as the membrane of choice. This iconic project became more than a testament to product quality and performance; it became the launchpad for Sika Roofing’s membrane recycling program, a pioneering initiative in the commercial roofing industry at that time.

During the re-roof, 95% of the existing roofing system was recycled, which includes the membrane, metal flashing, insulation, and gravel ballast. The Sarnafil PVC membrane was then transformed after a multi-step process back into pellets and integrated into the backside of the new Sika PVC roof membrane. This achievement set a new standard for environmental responsibility in roofing and laid the foundation for a program that has since grown exponentially.

Since that first recycling effort at the Long Wharf Hotel, Sika has expanded its PVC Roof Recycling Program across North America. The program enables building owners, contractors, and architects to reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions by reclaiming and repurposing old roofing materials.

The program has recycled over 100 million pounds of PVC roofing membrane, contributing to LEED certification efforts and helping clients meet their sustainability goals.

“The Marriott Long Wharf project was a turning point,” said Bill Bellico, VP of marketing and inside sales at Sika Corporation-Roofing & Waterproofing. “It proved that high-performance roofing and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Today, our recycling program is a core part of our commitment to building a better, more sustainable future.”