10 Reasons to Choose ACRYLITE®
From high light transmission to hail protection, these are some of the reasons growers are choosing ACRYLITE®.
July 19, 2018
Edited by the GIE Media Horticulture Group
Originally designed for use in the commercial greenhouse industry more than 40 years ago, the technology behind ACRYLITE® acrylic multi-skinned sheet has been continually improved through ongoing research and development in cooperation with the world’s leading growers.
The result is the most advanced, state-of-the-art glazing material available today which delivers decades of performance and exceptional return on investment. Commercial growers of all crop types operating in both cold and warm climates recognize the critical role that ACRYLITE® glazing plays in the long-term success and profitability of their operations.
These are 10 reasons to choose ACRYLITE® for your greenhouse.
1. High light transmission for growth results
ACRYLITE® acrylic multi-skin sheet transmits up to 91 percent percent of photosynthetically range (PAR) into the greenhouse. The exceptional clarity of ACRYLITE® provides the most natural growing conditions and promotes vigorous and vibrant bloom color. Optimum growth response and shorter maturity time provide economic advantages that help you grow your profits.
Comparisons between a conventional double-covered greenhouse and a structure glazed with ACRYLITE® show that ACRYLITE® transmits 20 percent more light – a distinct advantage, particularly in the winter months. The ribbed design of ACRYLITE® also diffuses light over the crop canopy, eliminating harsh “hot spots” associated with growing under glass.
ACRYLITE® will retain its light transmission and clarity for decades; in fact, even after 10 years of use, acrylic glazing transmits more light than brand new polycarbonate.
All ACRYLITE® acrylic multi-skin sheets block UV light penetration. However, in applications where UV light transmission is desirable, ACRYLITE® Alltop is one of the only glazing materials available in a UVT version that transmits the full spectrum of light including ultraviolet.
2. Never yellows
ACRYLITE® acrylic will not yellow, become brittle or degrade — a promise we back with our 30-year no-yellowing guarantee — the best in the industry.
Yellowing of plastics is caused by the sun’s UV rays breaking down the glazing, but ACRYLITE® acrylic is 100 percent naturally UV-stable. Polycarbonate and other plastic covers need a UV barrier or coating to delay yellowing, but must often be replaced after a few years of installation because they have turned yellow. UV barriers are often thin and are highly prone to failure. But ACRYLITE® acrylic is composed of 100 percent naturally UV-stable molecules throughout the material that stabilizes it from the inside out and protects the entire sheet, not just its surface.
ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic doubleskin sheet is the ideal choice for replacing yellowed polycarbonate or weathered fiberglass. Ask us for our comparison kit containing samples of ACRYLITE®and polycarbonate that have been removed from greenhouses after the same number of years of use and see for yourself.
3. Protection from hail
ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic is strong enough to withstand hail impact — a promise that we back with our 10-year warranty. In fact, because our proprietary polymers are ten times more impact resistant than traditional acrylics, our hail warranty is not prorated. Glass and weathered, fragile polycarbonate cannot protect your greenhouses from damaging hail. ACRYLITE® protects not only your crops from hail damage, but protects your bottom line from replacement costs.
4. Energy savings of up to 55 percent* per year
Energy is a critical cost factor for commercial greenhouse operators. In North America, growers spend an average of $1 to $2 per square foot on heating their greenhouses. With ACRYLITE® multi-skin acrylic sheet’s natural insulative qualities, you’ll save up to 55 percent* in annual energy and heating costs when compared to single glazing.
The money you save on energy costs will pay for your investment in ACRYLITE® glazing within a few years of installation. Over ACRYLITE’s® long service life of 30+ years, you will fully recover the capital cost of your building project and save hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars in heating costs.
*This figure is confirmed by the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (IMAGDLO), which established that energy savings of 24 to 55 percent can be achieved using ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet.
5. Patented anti-condensate technology, with anti-algae technology
Thanks to our No-Drip anti-condensate technology, ACRYLITE® multi-skin acrylic sheets maintain optimal transparency even in bad weather. This water-dispersing layer causes condensation to flow off as a continuous self-cleaning film, resulting in the highest possible light transmission and eliminating uncontrolled dripping that can result in crop damage and disease. Unlike coatings on other glazing products that wear off, our manufacturing technology makes the patented No-Drip feature an integral part of ACRYLITE® acrylic sheets.
6. Strength and durability
The unique polymers of acrylic combined with the geometry of ACRYLITE® multi-skin sheets makes them inherently stronger than other multi-walled glazing. Thicker walls and ribs create a more rigid sheet of greater overall weight designed to provide high live-load carrying capabilities while allowing for greater span distances. ACRYLITE® meets or exceeds snow and wind requirements offering durability in extreme climates.
7. Reduces additional equipment needs
ACRYLITE® multi-skin acrylic sheet naturally holds heat in, reduces shadows, hot spots and burning. Not only will you require less initial capital investment in heating systems, lights and curtains, you’ll also save on costly maintenance over decades of use.
8. Life expectancy of 30+ years
ACRYLITE® multi-skin acrylic sheet has been proven to perform consistently over decades of use in all types of climates throughout the world. ACRYLITE® acrylic’s long service life means less replacement costs when compared to inferior glazing materials that must be replaced more frequently, often after just a few years of use.
9. Environmental protection
Glazing with ACRYLITE® helps contribute to a healthier environment through reduced energy use, reduced emissions, environmentally-sound manufacturing processes, certified facilities and elimination of harmful chemicals. Long product life means less old glazing going to landfill sites due to premature failure, but if it must be replaced, ACRYLITE® is recyclable for use in making consumer goods.
Upon combustion, other plastic coverings produce thick smoke and toxic gases that are harmful to people and the environment. Deterioration from UV rays changes the burning characteristics in many plastics, but thanks to ACRYLITE®’s UV stability, its characteristics do not, so in the event of fire, ACRYLITE® burns cleaner with less smoke and has no release of toxic or corrosive gases.
10. The best warranties in the industry
ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic is backed with the industry’s best warranties. Our non-prorated, full replacement 30-year non-yellowing, 10-year light transmission and 10-year hail warranties protect both your investment in ACRYLITE® and your bottom line.
For more information on ACRYLITE®, click here.
Photo courtesy of Evonik