Keeping cool and looking good

SHANN

Melissa Vine, Shann Product Manager, National Industrial Fabrics confirms new additions are launching now to Shann’s N-Vision 2×2 basketweave internal screen mesh fabric. Selected colours are now available in 200cm width and 10% openness construction (300cm width).

“The new 200cm width works perfectly with the continuing narrow window trend being so stylishly executed across residential and commercial builds,” says Vine. “The superior visibility of the N-Vision range won’t impact the sneak peeks of nature afforded by slim window design and the colours available in the new width further complement a key part of the trend, black window frames.”

“The addition of a 10% openness construction allows a plethora of light, not impacting views while still offering a degree of privacy; perfect for gorgeous new designs in dormer windows and box bay windows.”

“In terms of market performance, the category bounced back quite well in Melbourne after the strict lockdown was lifted, which is incredibly positive for that region, our customers, and the industry as a whole.  Lower quality meshes are still being released onto the market, driving product quality and the category down. These lower spec products often have a lower oxygen index, which can have negative effects on flammability and burning behaviour. Additionally, they can also have significant shrinkage issues; up to 20% when compared to higher quality meshes like N-Vision.  N-Vision and S-View (2×1 mesh) are exclusively manufactured using European components and raw materials. These meshes offer better aesthetics, less shrinkage, greater tensile strength, and superior tear strength. Additionally, they are eco-focussed, boasting Greenguard, Oeko-Tex and REACH regulation certifications.”

MERMET

“Mermet has always been about leading-edge development and quality. It has never been interested in substituting quality even when we saw the huge wave of polyester screens come through the market. We have always stuck by fibreglass screens and the outstanding performance and looked at all the opportunities to continuously enhance the products.”

“Mermet continues to review manufacturing methods and look for sustainable practices as much as possible throughout the whole manufacturing process.”

“Mermet Internal Sunscreens offer a wide variety of features and benefits. Mermet E-Screen and M-Screen are constructed with Enduris glass core yarns for durability and stability and are great for interior and exterior applications. Also, E-Screen Koolblack offers high performance and energy efficiency for better heat control and energy savings. Mermet Envirotech is environmentally friendly as it is produced from recycled plastic bottles.”

“Mermet has always understood and met market needs in the development of fabrics like Koolblack. Mermet’s offering provides coordination in colours across ranges so a customer can be cost effective when recommending products, for example Koolblack in areas where heat is a big concern, along with the use of standard E-screen in the matching colour in other areas.”

SHAW

Aventus is Shaw’s latest 2 x 2 screen fabric available in; 17 colours in three openness factors; 5%, 3% and 10%, confirms Marketing Manager Sarah Harris. 

The fabric is wide-width in all three openness factors, and the 5% and 10% are available in 2000mm and 2500mm, for production efficiency.

“Shaw presents the Aventus in one compact, easy-to-use swatch which can be clipped into the Shaw D ring Shaw collection binder, or used independently as a handheld swatch. All colours, in all openness factors, are sampled in the swatch, allowing customers to compare the effect of the different openness factors up against the window.”

Aventus is tested to AS1530 Part II & III, so can be presented for domestic and commercial installations. The Greenguard accreditation means that customers can be reassured that the screen does not have harmful VOC emissions. It is manufactured using PVC which meets the standards of Best Practice PVC and is lead free.

Aventus has exceptional clarity of view to the outside, and is also printable.

“Screen window blinds are perfect for heat control while still allowing a view to the outside. We are spending more time at home, and the average temperature is rising Australia wide ,” says Harris. “Therefore, we believe that the market for good quality, competitively priced screens is very positive, whether used independently or as a dual installation.”

LUXAFLEX

Vera Meharg, Marketing Communications Manager, Luxaflex® Window Fashions says demand for sunscreens continues apace. “The summer of 2019 to 20 was Australia’s second warmest to date , so this year, and with many families staying at home over the holidays, there is an increased desire to be able to manage the temperature and keep the heat at bay. About 87%  of a home’s heat gain occurs through uncovered windows, and sunscreen fabrics can offer a sustainable solution and enhance the performance of existing windows, by helping maintain the home’s internal temperature, without increasing electricity bills.”

“Quality sunscreen fabrics will reflect heat and UV rays, drastically helping to reduce a room’s heat gain and protect furniture from sun damage or fading. It is also advisable to purchase window coverings that have insulating properties for extra heat defence.”

“Luxaflex Window Fashions GreenView Sunscreen range is an affordable and sustainable option. Meeting market demand for sustainable but on-trend products, the range offers a contemporary light matte finish with six non-metallised and four metallised sunscreen colours.

The woven eco-friendly fabric is made from 100% recycled PET bottles (recycled plastic bottles), containing a minimum of 70% recycled materials. The PET bottles would have otherwise ended up in landfill, but have instead been used to create the PET yarn for the GreenView Sunscreen. Recycled PET yarns are equivalent to the ones produced with raw materials, with one square metre being produced from four PET bottles. Committing to a healthier approach for the environment, the range is PVC, Halogen, Lead and Formaldehyde free. The sunscreen itself can be recycled when it reaches the end of its life cycle.”

“We understand eco-friendly materials and products are becoming increasingly important to homeowners when selecting products to build and furnish their homes,” says Merharg.“With the hot weather settling in, the GreenView Sunscreen range will make a difference in keeping your cool home while providing a variety of stylish and high-quality fabrics to suit almost any interior décor.”

To withstand the harsh Australian weather conditions, the GreenView Sunscreen range is UV resistant and meets Australian Standards for colour fastness to resist fading. It avoids glare and filters up to 96% of UV radiation (depending on fabric colour) and enables a view of the exterior, while maintaining a good level of night-time privacy. The 3% openness option is ideal for daytime privacy, without compromising view.

“Helping contribute to energy savings is the solar reflective coating of GreenView Metallised as it keeps most of the solar radiation outside the home. The aluminum coating acts as a shield that reduces the need for air-conditioning in summer.”

“Being GreenGuard Gold certified means the fabrics meet strict certification criteria for low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, making them acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities (IEQ-11).” 

BM BLINDS

BM Blinds (Blinds by Boronia) reports customers’ choice of fabrics has changed over the years. “At BM Blinds we offer Uniview 5% from Uniline and Duo Screen from Shaw in our standard fabric range however we offer many sunscreens from a variety of suppliers as a buy-in so our customers can always rely on the range of sunscreens to suit their clients’ needs”.

“Generally, the 5% openness on sunscreens offers clients the best of both worlds in terms of view and sun protection. The darker the colour, the better the vision through the fabric. Darker sunscreens also tend to cause less glare in the room, especially for very open and light filled areas. Light coloured screens are perfect for dark areas where heat protection is paramount. The lighter coloured sunscreen also gives the appearance within the room of a translucent fabric, rather than a dark colour that tends to almost disappear into the background.”

TEXSTYLE 

Kleenscreen is Texstyle’s latest screen fabric release. Kleenscreen with Sanitized Protection inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew on your fabric. This unique antimicrobial hygiene function enhances the performance of your shades for comfort and peace of mind.

Key features and benefits of Sanitized hygiene function include:

·         Inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew

·         Reduces dust mites and odours

·         Provides long lasting fabric protection

“Sanitized Protection increases the lifespan of the Kleenscreen by fighting the growth of microbes on the surface of the fabric, the product is continuously cleaner and less at risk of degradation from bacteria, staining, mould and mildew.”

“The Sanitized hygiene protection is built in as a critical part of the manufacturing process of Kleenscreen, and as such will not wash or wear away. Kleenscreen is manufactured to maintain ongoing protection for the useful lifetime of the product.”

“Kleenscreen features 11 contemporary colours, is available in a 3,000mm width and has both Oeko-tex and Greenguard certifications.” 

NORMAN AUSTRALIA

Norman Australia recently released Soluna Roller Shades to the Australian market. Soluna offers a huge selection of fabrics, with almost all fabrics in the range being Greenguard and NFPA certified, including a 100% polyester sunscreen range, which reinforces Norman’s commitment to sustainability and safety. Norman’s screen fabrics range from 1% to 12% openness and include a commercially focussed Polyester/PVC blend, which also complies with Greenguard and NFPA certification standards.

SILENT GLISS

From Blinds by Peter Meyer in Australia, the Silent Gliss range of internal screen fabrics continues to perform strongly in the market. 

Sam Shervill, Marketing Manager, Silent Gliss Global, confirms the category has witnessed significant growth in demand compared to traditional fabric. He cites a number of reasons for this.   

“Increased appreciation of solar protection is one of these. Screen fabrics play a major part in intelligent building design and reducing energy consumption. The continued development of high-performing technical fabrics gives us the opportunity to deliver shading solutions that are proven to manage heat gain, thereby reducing demand for artificial cooling. The introduction of metal backings and an increased choice of openness allows architects to control the thermal load in buildings, earning credits in building programmes.”

“As well as reducing aircon use, screen developers have been doing some serious work when it comes to developing fabrics with good sustainable credentials.There is now a wide choice of PVC-free screens, even ‘cradle-to-cradle’ screens made from 100% recycled bottles – such as Silent Gliss Newlife Screen.” 

“The mesh design with the opaque fabrics means light cannot pass through the yarn but the clear space between the yarns gives light in and a view out. Screens such as Silent Gliss Optiscreen use ‘cleaner’ yarns, to give better views without compromising solar comfort.”

“Many of today’s releases are significantly lighter and easier to work with than traditional options. In the early days, screens could be quite heavy, which could limit the size of the blinds or require larger headrails to carry the weight. Considering an average screen weight of around 400gm², suppliers now have access to screens with good performance characteristics such as Silent Gliss Lightscreen, which at only 315gm², can achieve bigger blinds on smaller headrails, ideal for tight or concealed spaces.”

“The explosion in demand for apartment living has seen a massive shift away from decorative curtains to a more minimalist style of shading. The clean lines of roller blinds, combined with the industrial aesthetics of screen fabrics make them the shading-of-choice for many contemporary homes, without doubt significantly increasing the size of the market.”