Types of plastic

An explanation of the different plastics we stock; their properties and uses

1. ACRYLIC

What can you use acrylic for? The possibilities are endless!

Firstly, sheets of acrylic are great for protecting tables or walls. They can be used to clad bathrooms, as an alternative to tiles, and as splashbacks in kitchens. Acrylic sheets are very hygienic, since they can easily be wiped clean. Acrylic splash backs do not have as many joins as tiles do. Our acrylic cladding products are available in a range of colours, clear acrylic or even mirrored finishes are available if you prefer. Acrylic mirror is also popular for use in gyms, dance studios and even riding schools.

Secondly, acrylic can be used to custom make products such as display cases, leaflet holders, iPad stands, cake stands and canape trays, to name but a few! We use acrylic in our fabrication process to make event centre pieces and signage. Our bespoke fabrication work means that we collaborate with a variety of people, from set designers, event companies, the retail sector, art galleries and museums to name but a few.

Acrylic panels can also be used outside, for example in gardens. They are not only exceptionally weatherproof, but they are also strong and very versatile. They can be transparent, opaque, and coloured. Clear acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities demonstrating clarity, brilliance, transparency, translucence – at half the weight with up to 10 times the impact resistance. It can be tinted or coloured, mirrored, or opaque. Acrylic is a thermoplastic substance; therefore, it softens under extremely high temperatures and can be formed to virtually any shape. Acrylic mirror is also weather resistant and over ten times stronger than glass making it ideal for use outside.

Can you recycle it?

Acrylic is recyclable. We are dedicated to reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and reusing and recycling waste wherever possible. We will always try to get the maximum amount of usage out of each sheet of material, with as little waste as we can. Therefore, if a plastic is required for a short-term use, we would generally recommend using acrylic or polycarbonate. This is due to their recycling properties. We offer free recycling of any acrylic purchased from us.

2. POLYCARBONATE

What can you use polycarbonate for?

Polycarbonate is incredibly strong. It is 250 times stronger than glass and so virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate’s high strength makes it perfect for use in situations that require a barrier resistant to impact and fracture. It is a highly reliable material which is used in lots of places which require a health and safety element. For example, riot shields and machine guards are made from polycarbonate, but its properties mean it is also popular for shed windows as an alternative to glass. Polycarbonate is much lighter than glass and can stand high temperatures. In fact, it is fire rated which means it does not catch fire easily. However, it does scratch more easily than acrylic. So, we would advise acrylic over polycarbonate to protect a table for example. Other popular uses for polycarbonate are boat windscreens and green house windows. For outside use polycarbonate sheets need to be UV resistant. Non-UV-resistant polycarbonate sheets will yellow after a few years if used outside. We only sell UV resistant polycarbonate.

Can you recycle it?

Polycarbonate is a 100% recyclable. We offer free recycling of any Polycarbonate purchased from us. We are dedicated to reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and reusing and recycling waste wherever possible. We will always try to get the maximum amount of usage out of each sheet of material, with as little waste as we can.

3. PVC CLADDING

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) has a class 1 fire rating. It is hygienic and durable. PVC cladding is used for shower panels, wall cladding, kitchen splashbacks, shop fitting, in kennels and for fascia boards on the outside of buildings. It is not as brittle as acrylic and is cheaper.

Can you recycle it?

PVC is very difficult to recycle, and as a result very little of it is collected and processed in recycling facilities. Therefore, we suggest you keep PVC cladding for as long as possible and reuse it when you no longer have use for it; find someone else to sell it to or donate it to.

4. ACM SHEETS

ACM stands for Aluminium Composite Material. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. ACM is weatherproof, durable, and available in white or brushed aluminium. This material is rigid, easy to machine, fabricate, and bond. It is cheaper and lighter than aluminium. It is frequently used for hoarding boards and signage.

Can you recycle it?

Sheets of ACM can also be recycled using specialist companies.

If you need any more advice on which type of plastic is most suitable for your requirements, please contact us.