Companies have been attempting for decades to replace toxic PVC-coated fabrics with a more environmentally friendly polymer. Alternatives exist, but they are often too expensive to compete with PVC-coated materials.

Rivertex Technical Fabrics Group, a specialist in coated and laminated fabrics and films situated in Culemborg, the Netherlands, has overcome this with their new Rivercyclon, a non-toxic, recyclable, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative to PVC-coated fabrics.

PVC-coated fabrics have become one of the most popular solutions for a wide range of applications due to their versatility and inexpensive cost, however, the coatings include dangerous, poisonous plasticizers that are released over the fabric's lifetime. When PVC coated fabrics reach the end of their useful life, they are disposed of in incinerators or in landfills, releasing more dangerous compounds into the environment.

Rivercyclon is composed of polypropylene, a widely recyclable polymer that has no plasticizers or other pollutants and can be totally recycled. It's up to 40% lighter than PVC-coated competitors, with excellent welding strength and UV resistance.

Rivercyclon will be on display at the next Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, from June 21 to 24, at stand C15 in Hall 11.