For decades companies have been trying to replace harmful PVC-coated fabrics with a more sustainable polymer. Although there are alternatives available they are generally too costly to compete with PVC coated fabrics.

Rivertex Technical Fabrics Group, based in Culemborg, The Netherlands, a specialist in coated and laminated fabrics and films, has managed to overcome this with its new Rivercyclon, a non-toxic, recyclable, lightweight and cost effective alternative to PVC-coated fabrics.

The versatility and low price of PVC-coated fabrics have made them amongst the most popular solutions for a wide range of applications but the coatings include harmful, toxic plasticizers which are released over the entire lifespan of a fabric. At end of life, PVC coated fabrics then end up in incinerators or are dumped in landfill releasing more harmful substances into the environment.

Rivercyclon is made from a single, commonly recycled polymer – polypropylene – that contains no plasticizers or other toxins and can be fully recycled. It is up to 40% lighter than PVC coated alternatives and has great welding strength and high UV resistance.

The company will be showcasing Rivercyclon at the forthcoming Techtextil from June 21-24 in Frankfurt, stand C15 in Hall 11.

www.rivertex.com