Screen sensationS

Shaw

Shaw’s sunscreen fabric program has been developed to address the functional and compliance requirements of commercial and residential window furnishing applications, at a smart price point, Marketing Manager Sarah Harris confirms. The range provides options across weave, openness factor, colour and width, allowing specifiers to manage heat, visual comfort and outward visibility. 

“Aventus is a uniform 2×2 basketweave screen fabric offering consistent openness and impressive view to the outside. It is available in 17 colours and supplied in 2500mm and 3000mm widths. Aventus is offered in 3%, 5% and 10% openness factors, allowing targeted specification to suit façade orientation, glazing type and interior lighting conditions. This screen is tested to AS1530 Part II, achieving a Flammability Index of 5, an impressive result for a PVC screen,” says Harris. 

Duo Screen is a 2×1 weave fabric designed to achieve a lighter visual appearance compared to standard 2×2 basketweave screens. With a 5% openness factor, it balances glare control with external visibility. Duo Screen is supplied in 10 colours and manufactured in 2500mm and 3200mm widths, supporting wide span windows installations.

Meanwhile EnviroVision is Shaw’s non-PVC screen supplied in a 3000mm width and available in 10 colours, with a technical specification which meets environmental requirements including Oekotex and an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

All Shaw sunscreen fabrics are Greenguard and Greenguard Gold Certified, assuring low harmful chemical emission standards for indoor air quality. 

Harris notes: “Screen fabrics are increasingly specified not only for solar control but also for their contribution to occupant comfort, including glare reduction and visual connection to the external environment. Shaw has observed growing interest from end users in the technical attributes of screen fabrics, driving the need for clearer performance differentiation and information at point of sale.

“Energy efficiency remains a key consideration, with screen fabrics contributing to reduced solar heat gain and improved thermal comfort, particularly in buildings exposed to high solar loads. In workplace environments, visual comfort and light management continue to be significant influencers in specifier choice.

“While charcoal and white remain commonly specified, Shaw’s range includes colourways aligned with contemporary interior palettes. Darker shades incorporate subtle warm undertones, while lighter options include off-whites and beige colours, allowing integration with modern interior schemes.

“Shaw’s screen products are presented in practical, durable sample formats and are supported by Shaw’s national sales and customer service teams, with distribution through an established national network of distribution centres throughout Australia and in New Zealand.”

Norman

“When temperatures soar across the country, homeowners take action quickly with a product that promotes energy efficiency when the air conditioning is working overtime, cuts glare during those extended daylight hours, and maintains views without blocking natural light,” says Giorgia English, Norman Marketing Manager. “Better yet, sunscreens hit an accessible price point that minimises purchase objections. Customers want relief, and they’re ready to buy.

Norman has broadened colour offerings across its sunscreen collections over the last 12 months, with additions to the Breeze linen-look range, responding to customer demand for more options within that natural aesthetic. 

“This aligns perfectly with emerging 2026 design direction: heavily textured natural materials, earthy colours, and interiors balancing modern function with organic warmth. Breeze has grown from its origins in roller and honeycomb shades to now include SmartDrape and their newly launched Roman shades, allowing you to shift the sales conversation from ‘what fabric for this window’ to ‘what aesthetic for your whole home’. Customers now expect the same design cohesion they see scrolling Instagram and Pinterest. Breeze gives you the tools to deliver it.

“Our new Galaxy sunscreen range demonstrates Norman’s commitment to advancing sustainability in the category. Composed of 85% recycled Repreve Polyester and 15% virgin polyester, Galaxy transforms post-consumer plastics into high-performance window treatments without compromising on durability, UV protection, or functionality. Available in three essential colours (black, white, and grey) at 3% opacity, Galaxy addresses rising consumer demand for sustainable options, a trend that continues to accelerate into 2026. For retailers, this provides a compelling story: environmentally conscious customers can make responsible choices without sacrificing quality or performance. The recycled composition delivers the same benefits as their other 100% polyester screens while actively diverting plastic from landfills.

“Beyond Galaxy’s recycled content, our PVC-free sunscreen fabrics, which include Breeze and Galaxy, address growing customer awareness around healthier home materials. Customers are increasingly concerned about what items in their home are made of, and PVC-based screens raise concerns around off-gassing and chemical content, particularly in homes with children. Breeze and Galaxy’s 100% polyester blends offer a more stable, odour-free alternative with better performance due to their light weight, making them easier to operate.

“With any window furnishings product, fabric is only half the equation. The fabric might close the sale, but it’s the lift systems that customers interact with every single day. Our engineering focus on effortless operation, smooth raising, reliable positioning, and intuitive use is what sets Norman roller shades apart. That seamless daily experience generates referrals and turns one-time customers into repeat business.

“The summer heat creates urgency, but it’s Norman’s comprehensive sunscreen offering, from Breeze’s design versatility to Galaxy’s sustainability credentials, backed by reliable lift systems, that converts that urgency into long-term customer relationships. When you can offer coordinated aesthetics, healthier materials, and effortless operation, you’re not just selling window treatments, you’re establishing the trust that turns customers into advocates for your business.”