PVC strip curtains are widely used in industrial and commercial applications. Their affordability, versatility and simplicity mean that although not quite at the cutting edge of technology, their usefulness cannot be played down.


What Are PVC Strip Curtains?

PVC is short for Polyvinyl chloride, which is a thermoplastic polymer derived from hydrogen and chlorine. As the final product is 57% chlorine, the manufacture of PVC uses less petroleum than that of most plastics. PVC in it’s rawest state is relatively stiff and brittle, as such, when used in such items as strip curtains; which demand flexibility; plasticizers are added. In addition to plasticizers, other additives such as UV barriers, pigments and flame retardants can be used to grant the material further beneficial properties. Even without specific additives, PVC is biologically and chemically resistant. As such, PVC strip curtains are ideal in environments in which they may come into contact with substances which are damaging to other plastics and metals.

In terms of the curtains themselves, they simply consist of strips of PVC material attached to a rugged rail. Strips are available in varying widths and lengths to suit different applications and can be used over small or large apertures.

Where Are PVC Strip Curtains Commonly Used?

PVC strip curtains are most prevalent in environments which feature high levels of pedestrian or motor traffic. Whilst they allow easy thoroughfare they also prevent excessive heat from being lost. They are equally useful in conjunction with chilled display cabinets or catering refrigeration units as they prevent temperature changes whilst allowing full visibility due to their transparency. Aside from the insulation benefits, PVC curtains also lower the risk of contamination of produce due to airborne pathogens and contain fumes and toxic particles in situations which necessitate their creation.

Major Benefits

As well as allowing easy passage, insulating and preventing contamination, PVC strip curtains also aid in energy efficiency. By minimising heat loss or temperature rises, they drastically impact upon excessive electricity consumption in temperature regulated areas. As a consequence of this, they help reduce a company or individual’s carbon footprint when appropriately implemented whilst also lowering fuel bills and improving energy efficiency.

To summarise, despite their simplicity, PVC strip curtains facilitate not only more efficient use of resources, but also provide solutions to problems which would otherwise have been addressed using more costly means. Their multitudinous benefits and applications make them an incredibly versatile tool in a wide-ranging array of situations and environments.

Environmental responsibility is something of a buzzword at present and rightly so, as the extent to which our activity has impacted upon the earth has only relatively recently come to light. With individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint and government initiatives established to attempt to reduce motor vehicle usage, it has affected all aspects of life. Businesses, particularly those involved with the manufacturing sector have by no means escaped this concerted push to lower emissions and minimise energy consumption.

In order to meet specific regulations relating to emissions, many companies have had to change their practices and invest in new technology. The laws surrounding energy efficiency however are not as strict and given the cost of replacing all older equipment with new, more efficient machinery, many companies opt to stick with what they have and continue to pay higher fuel bills: as this is cheaper in the short-term than a complete equipment upgrade. Although this is the case in a sizeable percentage of manufacturing industries, some businesses are able to drastically reduce their energy consumption with the implementation of simple and eminently affordable solutions.

A prime example of a way to improve energy efficiency without substantial capital outlay can be found when considering ways to sustain temperature in temperature controlled areas. This requirement is widespread in not only the manufacturing industry but also warehousing of perishable goods and many other industries. One way to reduce energy bills is to invest in cutting edge ventilation and heating systems, which could realistically result in a hefty reduction in electricity consumption: but unfortunately would cost a great deal in the outset. A more affordable approach is the implementation of PVC strip curtains. Used as an alternative to conventional doors and as barriers between different areas, they allow ease of thoroughfare whilst preventing heat loss or temperature increases where appropriate: without using any power.

As well as insulating more effectively than alternative solutions, PVC strip curtains reduce temperature fluctuations: it is these fluctuations that cause peaks in power usage, as the cooling or heating equipment must initiate an intensive burst in order to get the temperature back within the required parameters following a drastic change in temperature: as would result from leaving a door open or similar.
The use of PVC strip curtains is simply a good example of the ways that companies can incorporate affordable low-tech solutions when trying to improve energy efficiency without denting their capital. Very often it is intelligent alterations rather than blind technological overhauls which are most effective for cutting costs and preserving the environment.