REHAU PP FlexEdge Facilitates PVC-Free Furniture Manufacturing

LEESBURG, Va. — REHAU offers polypropylene (PP) FlexEdge®, an environmentally friendly, PVC-free semi-rigid edging solution for furniture manufacturing.

PVC FlexEdge is a common edging solution that is applied via straight or contour edgebanders, allowing easy installation when working with curved forms and tight radii. Providing similar processing characteristics to that of PVC without the need for investment in new equipment, REHAU’s PP FlexEdge semi-rigid edgeband has been engineered to address former challenges associated with the use of ABS and rigid PP alternatives. Specifically, it can accommodate tight radii typical in modern furniture design, while also delivering chemical resistance, light fastness, shrinkage and thermal conduction properties that are competitive with traditional PVC materials. As an environmentally friendly solution, PP FlexEdge additionally offers minimal combustion impact similar in effect to that of a burning candle.

A pioneer in the polymer industry, REHAU was the first company to provide a PP-formulated semi-rigid edgeband for the furniture market. The proprietary formulation was developed in response to increasing demand for sustainable, eco-conscious materials that also maintain the beneficial processing characteristics of semi-rigid edgeband.

“We are pleased to provide PVC-free polypropylene alternative solutions for popular contour edgebander applications,” said Mark Kraus, North American technical engineering manager for REHAU’s furniture business unit. “Years of extensive development work have been applied to achieve this, as part of an ongoing effort to support our customers in their goal of creating environmentally minded furniture products.”

According to Kraus, practices such as the use of sustainable materials and renewable energy sources are increasingly driving today’s manufacturing processes. “With industry leaders such as Herman Miller and IKEA emphasizing sustainable practices, furniture manufacturing processes and the materials used in them are becoming more and more oriented toward environmental responsibility,” he explained.

For additional information on REHAU’s PP FlexEdge for office, kitchen and store fixture applications, visit IWF® 2012 booth No. 2655 or contact: REHAU, 1501 Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E., Leesburg, Va., 20176. Phone: 1.800.247.9445. Fax: 1.800.627.3428. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.na.rehau.com/furniture

REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. Approximately 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.

Source: REHAU

 

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