Premium Protection

Dickson Constant 

Dickson Constant has developed an exclusive “resilient” acrylic yarn to control the elongation of the fabric over time. The yarn is used in the weft direction and corrects the warp/weft imbalance inherent in all standard acrylic fabrics.

Awning fabric Infinity is the resulting fabric, which the company says embodies “the guarantee of a fabric that will retain its dimensional stability over the years.”

Infinity’s benefits are said to include reduction in the phenomenon of embossing – in other words a reduction in the number of seams required; controlled dimensional stability thanks to Dickson Resilient System Technology; and the fact that the fabric can be used in both directions – warp or weft. The multi-purpose product also comes in four widths: 165, 200, 250 and 320 cm to adapt to systems of any size.

Yann Simon, Regional Manager at Glen Raven – South Pacific, says the company’s R&D department in France has been “working hard on a solution to better handle the deformation that occurs over time in the form of sagging and wrinkles on standard awning fabrics.”

“Over the years, Dickson has developed an exclusive resilient yarn that provides an exceptional dimensional stability and a long lasting look to our Infinity fabric range. The Dickson Resilient System has already set the benchmark in the awning industry and is being used worldwide by all the major awning manufacturers with great success. 

“While the awning manufacturer will increase its productivity and lower its labour costs, the consumer will enjoy a seamless awning fabric offering long lasting properties. It is a win-win.”

Ricky Richards

Ricky is positioning its Docril 100% solution dyed acrylic fabric as one that “brings a fiesta of colour” to complement domestic, commercial or architectural projects, whilst providing protection from the suns damaging rays. 

“These fabrics will reduce solar heat gain by up to 90%, naturally creating a cool and comfortable living environment.” 

Manufactured by the company’s long-term partner, Citel in Spain, Docril fabrics “have always come from that same supplier which gives great confidence in the product.” 

“Available in multiple widths: 120cm, 153cm, 200cm and 250cm, Docril fabrics are coated with Dupont Teflon which means that they are extremely easy to clean. The Dupont Teflon coating gives long lasting protection from dust, soil and stains and repels water by beading up liquids allowing it to just roll off the fabric. These fabrics are mildew and rot resistant and as an added bonus, Docril fabrics are supported by a full 10-year warranty.”

Meanwhile Solterior FR is a solution dyed polyester for awnings and market umbrellas.

Manufactured in Japan, the fabric is ideal for folding arm awnings and market umbrellas in both a commercial and residential setting. 

This textile is RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) compliant, fire retardant, waterproof and UV stabilised. Available in 10 colours and backed by a 5-year warranty, it is

made with yarn that is produced out of used PET plastic bottles, giving a second life to a product that is not biodegradable and would otherwise end up as landfill. 

“By using recycled bottles in the yarn, Solterior FR saves both energy resources and the environment while delivering the same high-quality features as other Ricky sun control products.”

Shann

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the “leit motiv” of Para’s new Tempotest collection from Shann is described as “a stunning representation of the evolution of the brand,” across its centenary history.  New colours and textures will be a reference to the history, and will touch on the most important moments.

Launching in 2023, key highlights include new patterns and textures; Materia – a rugged, ruffled, wavy hand that characterizes this innovative fabric and comes from the designed irregularity of the raw material, and Micro to Macro – by playing with the infinite complexity of the human eye, optical illusions and unusual effects are created that give life to a new idea of fabric.

“New colours and blends will also feature prominently, reflecting new colour directions and trends for the coming seasons.

“And of course, Starlight Blue, a remarkable fabric designed for all those who care about the destiny of our planet and want a modern awning without seams or welds.  Starlight Blue is the world’s first sustainable fabric (recycled PET) available in a full width version for the world of sun protection.  Inredible new colours showcase the versatility and striking nature of this fabric.

“Para has always been synonymous with sun protection fabrics of aesthetic value and high technical quality. The strong stylistic identity of the new collection further cements Para as the pre-eminent manufacturer of premium sun protection fabrics and Shann are excited to launch the new collection for Australia and New Zealand.”

Blinds by Peter Meyer  

With consumers looking to live a more eco-friendly and sustainable life, many businesses are responding to this shift by moving towards zero carbon emissions. 

“Couple this with the increased need for alfresco living since the pandemic hit, Weinor’s Modern Basics Blue sustainable awning fabric offers the perfect solution for those looking to create beautiful outdoor spaces that are kind to the planet. 

“Made from 85% recycled PET, this impressive fabric saves approximately 60% energy and 45% carbon emissions in the weaving process. The spinneret dyeing used also consumes around 90% less water than conventional dyeing methods. 

The Modern Basics Blue collection has won a plethora of awards including the iF Design Award 2021, the Green Good Design Award 2021, the R+T Innovation Award 2021, the R+T Sustainability Award 2021 and the Red Dot winner 2021 in the Red Dot Award: Product Design category. It is Oeka-Tex Standard 100 certified against harmful substances, has UPF 50+ sun protection with 98% radiation blocked and is certified according to the internationally recognised Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

“This highly resistant fabric is developed especially for outdoor use with a protective finish to ensure that dirt won’t stick to it and that the stunning fabric remains beautiful for the long term. There are 16 patterns in the new Modern Basics Blue collection, including modern plain fabrics in subtle shades of grey and sand or more bold colours such as yellow and orange. Plus, grey block stripes with coloured accents and modern interpretations of creative stripes in bright sunshine colours.” 

As with the remainder of the exterior shading market, we are finding that an increase in the cost of raw materials and shipping, coupled with the impact of the worldwide recession due to the pandemic has brought back sales volumes to pre pandemic levels. 

Dalekit

Joanne De Silva, Dalekit Awnings’ General Manager, speaking to WFA about the evolution of the category, offers a rundown of the pros and cons of numerous awning fabrics. 

“Over the years Dalekit has used and manufactured just about each and every version of a fabric known to the industry, from light weight meshes to heavy industrial PVC, to bamboo screens, Joanne De Silva, Dalekit Awnings’ General Manager tells WFA.

“We have had to be creative in our time and improvise some products, but eventually we managed to purchase the right blend of machines to ensure we can always get the job done.

“UV Stable Acrylic has a longer warranty period of 10 years for most brands, far removed from the earlier materials which peaked at five.”

This fabric was specifically created for the folding arm market and can be used in vertical, pivot and auto systems. It is the lightest fabric on the market to date for external blinds, with the more common lighter colours having a more translucent look and are not as ‘blockout’ like the darker colours.

At Dalekit 1200mm wide acrylics are joined with the hot glue machine used to weld as a standard but the company also has a tension sewing machine to do odd jobs where matching is essential. 

“Some Acrylics now come in wider widths and even further ranges come with the ability to railroad.

“However, the unfortunate nature of acrylics can cause waffling at the joins, although it is still the best for these applications. All customers need to be aware of the nature of acrylic and joining. Dalekit has been manufacturing to world class standards for many years but the biggest complaint we still get from customers is waffling in the joins of their product.” 

“Dalekit ensures all panels are evenly balanced when joined and have done this for 23 years as a standard.”

Some acrylics come with a Teflon coating designed for use in the marine industry, she adds.

“This coating creates a water resistant barrier but in turn, it causes the fabric to be un-weldable, leading it to be stitched. Another common misconception is that this fabric is best used on folding arm awnings, when in actual fact this causes more issues, as a folding arm awning should not be used for rain protection. 

“Nautica is an example of this Teflon coated material and whilst Dalekit does not ever recommend a folding arm awning to be left out in the rain, there are some applications where bracing or storm poles can be used to allow for this application.

In terms of polyesters,  Fire Retardant Solaire (Ricky Richards) and FR Spark (Dickson) offer increased elasticity, which allows for less waffling or puckering at the seams, she says. 

Mesh is a Polyester yarn coated in PVC, making it extremely versatile with wider spans (fewer joins) and stability. Mesh has different grades of “openness” ranging from 0% to 14% with excellent visibility. It does however, have a “stretch” factor, and if stretched there is no “undo button” unlike canvas, she says. 

At the premium end of the market is Fibreglass Mesh; fibre glass wrapped in PVC with a herringbone weave, allowing for  better stability and forgiveness with a side weld, especially on zip systems. Some Fibreglass mesh now however comes in the standard 2 x 2 weave, which is a combination of both products.

Polycotton canvas was designed for tents and swags, but is also used in awnings and renowned for traditional systems, especially Pivot arm and Auto Blinds.

She warns that whilst canvas has blockout qualities, the pitfalls are that it can shrink up to 3% and has the potential for major waffling. 

“Expressing the nature of the beast to end users will negate any issues they may have long term, as canvas, once left in a suitable position and wet will dry in the sun and be perfectly flat. Most canvas issues arise when the product is left in a less than ideal position and it shrinks to suit.”

For many years clear PVC has had two excellent properties; you could see through it and it was waterproof. “Apart from that however, it was a nightmare for pretty well everyone involved in either making something with it or installing it. The product was easily scratched, stuck to everything like glue and shrank massively along its length, meaning it had very little stability.” 

“Over time, better formulations became available with a shrink rate that was deemed acceptable to most applications and we all grew to deal with these limitations. 

Finally a Clear PVC came to the market with a Zero shrink and a film that allowed for manufacturing without the dreaded scratch factor.” 

Defab

“We’re proud to release the new Somerton Acrylic range,” Deanne Conway Category National Manager – Sun Protection Fabrics at Defab, tells WFA.

“The Somerton Acrylic is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric that’s available in an array of forty-nine trendy colours. These range from solid colours, textures, and shapes. It’s an exciting and innovative addition to our already extremely popular Sun Protection Range. We’re looking forward to exceptional growth in this segment of the business.”

The fabric’s point of difference lies in Defab’s solution-dye system, she says. 

“The solution-dye in the Somerton ensures a high UV resistance, which is not only good for those sitting under it but for the fabric itself. It will retain its colour over time. It’s also a water repellent. That means it’s great for exterior awnings, canopies, outdoor furniture, cushions, and umbrellas. It has almost universal application for residential and commercial settings. We also back the fabric with a 10 Year Guarantee, offering greater peace of mind and quality assurance to our customers.”

“The market is strong for this category. That’s because larger numbers of homeowners and hospitality businesses are emphasising outdoor dining due to the pandemic. Many diners are still wary of catching Covid-19 and prefer to social distance outside. Likewise in home settings – people want to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.”

“Silver and slate grey seem to be the most popular selections. Grey has always sold well due its neutral and timeless elegance. We are also seeing higher sales of brighter colours, as well as eye-catching pastels.”

She says the post-pandemic trend towards spending more time at home has prompted “a huge upswing in growth around the Somerton Acrylic,” especially in the retractable awning and umbrella markets. 

“People are dining outdoors; they want to take part in outdoor activities. Robust fabrics that are both versatile and rugged make them a perfect choice for domestic and commercial settings, and the sales reflect that.”