Becoming more and more popular as a home décor option for windows and glass doors or partitions, static cling window film is made of PVC and is an inexpensive, safe and effective way to solve many problems.
For example, static window film can be used to reduce energy use by preventing heat from entering a room through the window. It can ease eye discomfort by reducing glare. It can even have health benefits as it cuts down on UV rays that contribute to cancer risks.
PVC is a kind of material known as a thermoplastic resin. These kinds of plastics become soft again after heating, in contrast thermosetting resins which are thermally hardened and never become soft again.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride is created by combining 57% chlorine (from industrial grade salt) and 43% carbon (from oil / gas via ethylene). Various additives and pigments can added to PVC during processing stage, and the blend can be converted into PVC products. Alternately, thin layers of PVC can be coated with other flexible materials.
PVC is used for many applications, of which an enormous percentage or used daily by people across the world. PVC also has excellent fire resistance, since it is not solely dependent on flammable oil and gas for manufacturing.
PVC can be turned into pipes, vinyl flooring or siding, wire and cable coatings, packaging materials, wrapping film, garden hoses, thin sheeting, swimming pool liners, raincoats, toys, shoe soles, shower curtains, plastic bags, and credit cards to name just a few possibilities. And, of course, it’s also used to make flexible, static cling window film!
Some people worry about being exposed to PVC, but it’s only really bad for you when you are exposed to it during the production phase, or if you are exposed to PVC dust during a manufacturing or installation phase. If you are remodeling your home and laying down vinyl flooring, for example, simply wear a mask to avoid dust created by cutting the flooring.
PVC can contain phthalates, which are considered to be carcinogenic, but the end user is rarely exposed in any dangerous way, since the products containing these chemicals are not “emitting” them once manufacturing is complete. PVC is even used to manufacture most of the plastic materials used in hospitals, from tubing to catheters to the bags that hold saline and medications.
To be even more safe, most imported or exported PVC products must be certified by REACH. REACH is the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances, and was put into general practice and required since June 1, 2007. REACH is designed to further improve the protection of human health and the environment, by making it identifying certain chemical substances.
When you buy a REACH certified product, you know the product has been deemed free of harmful chemicals or below dangerous thresholds, and can use these PVC products with confidence.
PVC is less dependent than other plastics on crude oil or natural gas. PVC is considered to be a “resource saving plastic” since it can be created without complete dependence on non-renewable resources. PVC is also very recyclable
PVC is safe for use in window film, especially since the standards have been set to specifically ensure consumer safety. Static window film remains one of the best ways to both aesthetically decorate your windows and provides numerous benefits as well, including energy savings, protection from harmful UV rays, and reduction of glare.