Outside Interest

RICKY RICHARDS
“Making decisions that support the environment is high on the agenda for personal and business decisions alike. With that in mind, the team at Ricky continues to improve the company’s product range to provide cleaner options to customers; from this the Outlook Collection of cleaner mesh was born.” 

Four of the five ranges of Outlook mesh products are made using renewable, plant-based Dow Ecolibrium, a plant-based plasticiser that is made from 98% renewable feedstock and is lead and phthalate-free. For every 10 square metres of Outlook mesh used, one litre of petroleum is saved.

The team at Ricky often use the analogy of a hybrid car to explain what this means. 

“A petrol fuelled car is known to be more harmful to the environment because it gives off more carbon dioxide that heats up the planet, leading to climate change. A hybrid car attempts to curb the amount of carbon dioxide it emits, because it doesn’t consume as much petrol, and is therefore the greener choice for the planet.” 

“The Outlook mesh collection is the ‘hybrid car’ of outdoor mesh. While the hybrid car might cost a little more initially, the long-term effect to the planet is well worth the outlay. In addition to being made with greener materials, this collection of outdoor mesh has the right features to ensure a long-lasting product in extreme Australian weather conditions.”

“In addition to the use of Dow Ecolibrium, Outlook is Greenguard Gold Certified, which ensures the most rigorous testing and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or airborne chemicals.”

This collection is available in various types of openness including 1%, 5% and 12% and offers a range of colour options including a selection inspired by Colorbond®, so Outlook mesh can match any existing outdoor theme. And as a bonus, this mesh is supported by a full 10-year UV warranty.

So where can you use Outlook mesh fabrics? The ideal space for this premium crafted range is for external blinds and awnings. Including but not limited to, pivot arm awnings, lock arm awnings, straight drop, channel guide and wire guide ‘zip’ awnings, and sliding shade systems.

If you’re heading to SuperExpo23 on the Gold Coast? Make sure you swing by the Ricky stand O242 to see added fabrics introduced into the Outlook collection and experience our inspired new way of sampling Outlook mesh fabrics in 2023.

Uniline

Uniline has just added ScreenShade 1% to its external range to complement the recently released ScreenView 5%.

George Lucas, Fabric Category Manager at Uniline, tells WFA ScreenView 5% and ScreenShade 1% “are extremely durable fabrics, matched to Colorbond colours and engineered to withstand the harsh Australian sun.

Every batch of fabric is tested to ensure it meets Uniline’s high standards and both are environmentally friendly.

“Both provide visual and thermal benefits by reducing glare and heat penetration whilst allowing diffused sunlight to filter through. 

The current market remains strong, with external fabrics/systems the most efficient in keeping home interiors cooler in summer by significantly reducing heat penetration through windows.”