Selecting the correct PVC strip material is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it is a critical decision that impacts operational efficiency, workplace safety, and energy conservation. Since 1978, Redwood Strip Curtains has been at the forefront of the UK market, providing specialised industrial door solutions for nearly 49 years. Consequently, we understand that every environment: from a high-traffic warehouse to a sterile commercial kitchen: requires a specific grade of PVC to perform optimally.
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource to help you navigate the various types of PVC material available. Whether you are looking to reduce heat loss, prevent pest ingress, or comply with strict hygiene regulations, understanding these specifications will ensure you make an informed investment.
| PVC Grade | Temperature Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | -15°C to +50°C | General industrial use in warehouses, factories, and commercial doorways |
| Polar Grade | Down to -40°C | Cold stores, freezers, and refrigerated environments |
| Ribbed | Available in Standard and Polar Grade | High-traffic forklift routes, loading bays, and busy industrial openings |
1. Standard Clear PVC
Standard Clear PVC is the most common material used across industrial and commercial sectors. It offers excellent transparency, allowing for high visibility and safety in areas where pedestrians and vehicles frequently cross paths.
When to select:
Specifically, you should choose Standard Clear PVC for internal partitions or external doorways where the ambient temperature remains between -15°C and +50°C. It is the “all-rounder” of the industry.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Warehouse internal door openings.
- Factory bay dividers.
- Retail stockroom entrances.
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2. Ribbed PVC
Ribbed PVC features raised ribs on both sides of the strip and is available in both Standard and Polar Grade. These ribs act as the primary point of contact for forklifts and pallet trucks, which significantly reduces the surface area that can be scratched or scuffed.
When to select:
You should opt for ribbed material if your doorway experiences heavy motorised traffic. Furthermore, the ribs prevent the strips from sticking together due to moisture or static, making passage much smoother.
Industrial Use Cases:
- High-traffic loading bays.
- Forklift thoroughfares.
- Industrial manufacturing plants.
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3. Polar Grade (Freezer) PVC
Standard PVC can become brittle and crack in sub-zero temperatures. In contrast, Polar Grade PVC is formulated with a higher concentration of plasticisers to remain flexible even at -40°C.
When to select:
This grade is essential for walk-in freezers, cold stores, and refrigerated vehicles. By maintaining its flexibility, it ensures a tight seal is kept even in the harshest conditions.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Cold storage facilities.
- Refrigerated transport.
- Deep-freeze processing units.
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4. Frosted vs. Transparent PVC
While transparency is often a safety requirement, there are instances where privacy or light diffusion is preferred. Frosted PVC provides the same thermal benefits as clear material but obscures the view through the curtain.
When to select:
Select transparent PVC for safety-critical areas where visibility is paramount. Conversely, frosted PVC is ideal for “behind-the-scenes” areas where you want to hide clutter or provide a level of privacy for staff.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Transparent: Main warehouse entrances.
- Frosted: Waste management areas or sensitive laboratory partitions.
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5. Anti-UV Welding PVC
Welding operations produce intense UV and blue light radiation that can cause “welder’s flash” or skin burns. Anti-UV Welding PVC is engineered to filter out these harmful rays while allowing supervisors to monitor the work safely.
When to select:
If your facility involves arc welding, grinding, or cutting, this grade is a legal and safety necessity. It is typically dark green, bronze, or red to provide maximum protection.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Welding booths and bays.
- Fabrication workshops.
- Mobile repair stations.
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6. Antimicrobial PVC
In environments where hygiene is the top priority, Antimicrobial PVC offers a proactive solution. This material is infused with silver ions that actively inhibit the growth of 99.9% of bacteria and fungi on the surface.
When to select:
This should be your primary choice for any food-processing or healthcare environment. Because the antimicrobial properties are built into the material, they do not wash off during cleaning.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Pharmaceutical laboratories.
- Hospital partitions.
- Commercial food preparation areas.
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7. Fire Retardant PVC
Safety regulations often dictate the use of fire-rated materials, especially in public spaces or high-risk industrial zones. Fire Retardant PVC is formulated to self-extinguish once the source of the flame is removed.
When to select:
Specify this material for escape routes, exhibition halls, or areas with a high risk of ignition. It helps your business comply with BS 476 fire safety standards.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Public building entrances.
- Underground facilities.
- High-risk chemical storage.
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8. Food Grade PVC
Food Grade PVC is manufactured in strict accordance with EU and EC regulations (specifically EC 1935/2004). It ensures that no harmful chemicals migrate from the curtain into food products during contact.
When to select:
This is non-negotiable for areas where raw or unpackaged food is handled. It supports your HACCP compliance and ensures high standards of consumer safety.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Abattoirs and butchery units.
- Dairies.
- Fruit and vegetable packing houses.
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9. Perforated Clear PVC
Perforated strips feature small holes that allow for airflow while still providing a physical barrier. This is a specialised solution for environments that require both ventilation and separation.
When to select:
Choose perforated PVC during the summer months when you need to keep doors open for cooling but still want to block birds and large debris from entering.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Bakery loading docks.
- Ventilated storage rooms.
- Internal partitions in hot factories.
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10. Anti-Static PVC
Static discharge can be catastrophic for sensitive electronics. Anti-Static PVC is designed with a specific surface resistivity to dissipate charges safely.
When to select:
This material is essential for data centres, server rooms, and electronics manufacturing. Additionally, its anti-static properties reduce the attraction of dust, keeping cleanrooms cleaner for longer.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Server aisle containment.
- Electronics assembly lines.
- Data centre access points.
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11. Fly Mesh (PVC Mesh)
PVC Mesh is an alternative to solid strips. It consists of a high-strength mesh material that allows maximum airflow while acting as a highly effective barrier against insects and flying pests.
When to select:
Similarly to perforated PVC, Fly Mesh is perfect for “free-flow” doorways in kitchens or warehouses where fresh air is required without inviting the local insect population inside.
Industrial Use Cases:
- Restaurant kitchen back doors.
- General warehouse ventilation.
- Agriculture and horticultural facilities.
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Summary: PVC Grade Comparison
| Material Grade | Primary Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clear | Clear visibility and all-round performance | General warehouse and factory doorways |
| Ribbed | Better durability against impact and scuffing; available in Standard and Polar Grade | Forklift routes and busy loading bays |
| Polar Grade | Maintains flexibility in very low temperatures | Cold stores, freezers, and refrigerated areas |
| Frosted | Adds privacy while retaining barrier performance | Back-of-house areas and screened workspaces |
| Anti-UV Welding | Shields against harmful welding UV radiation | Welding bays, fabrication, and cutting zones |
| Antimicrobial | Helps inhibit bacteria and fungal growth on the surface | Food prep, healthcare, and hygienic environments |
| Fire Retardant | Self-extinguishing properties for improved fire safety | Escape routes and higher-risk industrial areas |
| Food Grade | Safe for contact-sensitive food handling environments | Food production and processing sites |
| Perforated | Allows airflow while maintaining separation | Ventilated workspaces and summer door openings |
| Anti-Static | Dissipates static charge and reduces dust attraction | Data centres and electronics manufacturing |
| Fly Mesh | Maximises airflow while helping block flying insects | Kitchens, warehouses, and agricultural sites |
Supply Formats: Tailored to Your Needs
At Redwood Strip Curtains, we recognise that every project has unique logistical requirements. Therefore, we offer our high-quality PVC in three convenient formats:
- Bulk Rolls: Ideal for trade customers or large-scale facilities that wish to cut their own strips or maintain a stock of replacement material.
- Ready-to-Hang Kits: Our most popular option for businesses looking for a quick solution. These kits are supplied with the rail and pre-plated strips, ready for immediate installation.
- Made-to-Measure Sheets: We supply high-quality Industrial PVC Sheet for heavy-duty applications. If you have a specific size or a unique requirement, we can provide custom-cut sheets and strips tailored exactly to your dimensions.
Why Choose Redwood?
With nearly 50 years of experience, Redwood is the UK’s most trusted specialist in quality PVC strip curtains. Our longevity is built on a foundation of exceptional service and great value. We maintain a huge stock of all the grades mentioned above at our UK facility, enabling us to offer next working day delivery on most standard items when ordered before noon.
Before you make your purchase, we recommend visiting our measuring advice page to ensure your new curtain fits perfectly. If you are unsure which grade is right for your specific application, our expert team is always available to provide professional guidance.
Ready to upgrade your facility? Browse our full range in the online shop or contact us today for a bespoke quote.