Benefits of Rigid Vinyl

We use rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) extrusions. We do not use phthalates and other plasticizers used to make vinyl flexible and soft, and in the case of plasticizers, been shown to cause health defects.

Rigid vinyl is stable and safe and does not off-gas like some vinyl products.

In the United States, the raw materials used to manufacture PVC are natural gas and rock salt.

  • Natural gas is heated under pressure to form ethylene and this is called “cracking”.
  • Rock salt (sodium chloride) is split by electrolysis to produce lye (sodium hydroxide) and chlorine. Chlorine and ethylene are then combined to form vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). VCM molecules are then joined end-to-end by polymerization to form long chains of Polyvinyl Chloride polymer (plastic). The thermoplastic PVC powder is compounded, then melted and extruded into pipes (profiles).

Many companies are having success producing plastics using bio based products rather than fossil fuel based sources. PVC is one of the most widely used products today and are influential and critical in both the medical and building products fields.

For a more complete history of PVC, visit History of PVC.


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