Polyvinylchloride, popularly known as PVC, was formulated by Henri Victor Regnault, a French chemist, in 1835 and again by the German chemist Eugen Baumann in 1872, but it received a patent in 1912, when another German chemist, Friedrich Heinrich August Klatte, utilized sun rays to set in motion the polymerization of vinyl chloride.
In 1926, when efforts were being made to dehydrohalogenate PVC in a broiling solvent in order to obtain an unsaturated polymer that may bond metal to rubber, plasticized PVC was accidentally produced. To achieve a product that remains flexible, especially at low temperatures, most of the PVC is heated and mixed with plasticizers, sometimes added in concentrations as much as 50 percent. Due to its versatility PVC came into demand from almost every sector including furniture edgebanding and modular space. Demand accelerated during World War II when it became the standard insulation for wiring on military ships, the reason being superior safety and non-flammable electrical properties.
Over the next decades, several companies started the production of PVC and volumes shot up dramatically around the globe. Innovators quickly found further, interesting uses and refined manufacturing methods to improve durability, opening the door to applications in multiple sectors. One of these sectors being PVC edge bands for furniture & modular spaces. A simple strip with the magic of transforming crude furniture into elegant showpieces. It gained popularity over wood veneers as the world was getting conscious of the degrading environmental conditions due to deforestation.
Contemporary PVC edgeband is manufactured with thermoplastic made of approx. 57 percent chlorine (taken from industrial grade salt) and 43 percent carbon (derived predominantly from oil/gas via ethylene). It is less dependent on crude oil or natural gas than other polymers and therefore can be regarded as a natural resource saving plastic.
It is a well-known fact that PVC’s century of history is filled with controversy. Twenty years ago PVC came under the spotlight due to concerns about the way it was produced and its almost indestructible nature causing concerns about its disposal. But programs such as VinylPlus and its predecessor Vinyl 2010, have boosted the industry by improving the way PVC edgeband is manufactured which was further supported by the recycling strategy adopted by manufacturers. Problematic additives such as cadmium stabilizers have been phased out. Lead stabilizers are being completely substituted with more eco-friendly elements thereby allowing the PVC to return to its original glory.
Richie’s PVC Edgebands is one of the most versatile PVC edgeband solution providers as we have more than 375 PVC edge band color and texture. We are determined to make available every color and texture possible and if we find ourselves with a missing color we immediately manufacture it especially for our concerned customer. Our PVC Edgeband not only adds finesse to the furniture but also elongates its life and grants durability. We manufacture every PVC edge band as per international standards by amalgamating visual impact and strength quality. So, don’t leave your favorite furniture unattended, give it the glory of Richie’s PVC Edge bands.