Acrylic is a transparent plastic widely used for different applications. It is a popular alternative to glass. Its outstanding features are its lightweight, impact resistance, strength, and optical clarity. Aside from this, acrylic bonds easily with solvents and adhesives.
Acrylic is durable and can last for years without damage as it is scratch-resistant. Its versatility is also worthy of mention. It can be easily cut, colored, and molded into any shape which is why it is popularly used for various applications today, from signs to displays, windows, LCD screens, and shelving. Acrylics are everywhere!
Another remarkable quality that often goes unnoticed is its positive environment. In this article, we will explore the various environmental benefits of acrylic sheets and explain why using acrylic should be your go-to material if you want to contribute to creating a sustainable environment.
Acrylic Sheets Are Recyclable and Sustainable
Acrylic sheets are 100% recyclable, yes! You read right. Your acrylic does not end its lifespan in the trash. If you didn’t know this, you aren’t alone. Unfortunately, many recycling companies lack the facilities and expertise to recycle it, making it one of the least recycled types of plastic that contribute to creating a sustainable environment.
Acrylic can be recycled to make new products. It is infinitely recyclable, and it does not lose its properties when recycled, meaning that its quality is still as excellent as virgin acrylic. It can be used for various applications such as windows and doors, fixtures, indoor glazing, baby incubators, cosmetics, frames, light boxes, signage, temporary glazing, showcases, furniture, displays, protective covers, wall presentations, etc.
Acrylic Sheets Are Energy-Efficient
Acrylic sheets are not only recyclable, but they are also energy efficient. They are produced with less energy when compared to other materials, such as glass or metal, and are also lightweight, making them easy to transport and work with.
Acrylic also contains thermal properties higher than glass. It can insulate buildings three to eight times better than regular glass would.
Acrylic is also popularly preferred for solar panel construction because acrylic can withstand harsh weather conditions and be resistant to shatter, which means a longer lifespan for your panels. Secondly, acrylic is transparent, allowing up to 90% of light to pass through the solar cells.
Acrylic Sheets Are Durable and Long-Lasting
It is no news that acrylic is stronger than glass. The question is how strong is it when compared to glass? Acrylic is about 17 to 20 times stronger than glass, making it resistant to breaking and shattering.
Acrylic is also flexible, allowing it to bend slightly without cracking or breaking during fabrication, unlike glass. That’s not all: acrylic stands out as one of the few manufacturing materials that has inherent UV-resistant properties. As little as 3% degradation occurs after 10 years of exposure to elements. Its resistance to UV radiation and weathering helps it maintain its clarity and strength over time, even when exposed to sunlight and other harsh environmental conditions.
Acrylic is resistant to many chemicals, such as mildew or mould, which can grow on the glass and render it obscure, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Acrylic can retain its strength for 10-30 years without showing signs of degrading or crumbling.
Acrylic Sheets Are Versatile
Acrylic is a versatile material used for various applications, from aquariums to kitchen cabinets, just to name a few. Acrylic sheets are also perfect for an aquariums because they are lightweight, making it easy to move around, and unlike glass, they don’t shatter. Most aquariums you see today are made of acrylic and not glass.
Most homeowners prefer acrylic for their home decor, from tabletops to wall frames, light tops, shelves, etc. Acrylic-made furniture is even more beautiful than furniture made from wood. Acrylic is also easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about stains or spills—they come off easily.
The automotive industry has increasingly adopted acrylic for producing components such as windows, bumpers, and wheel liners, among others, owing to its numerous benefits. The lightweight helps reduce the car’s overall weight, thereby reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Acrylic’s UV resistance effectively shields the body from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. And above all, all these benefits come at a much lower cost when compared to other materials.
Acrylic is also perfect for greenhouses. It can transmit up to 91% of sunlight into the greenhouse. Furthermore, greenhouses are constructed in-house, which means they are prone to a lot of damage, such as being hit with a ball. Imagine building your greenhouse with a brittle material like glass, which requires frequent replacement over time.
Acrylic Sheets Have Little Environmental Impact
Acrylic requires less energy to transport, due to its lightweight thereby reducing carbon emissions. Acrylic is also produced with less energy; when recycled, it requires much less energy. As stated at the beginning of this article, acrylic is long-lasting. It can be recycled and repurposed many times without losing its properties, reducing the need for new material production and its environmental impact.
Contact Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. for Acrylic Sheets in the GTA
Acrylic sheets offer numerous environmental benefits. These include a reduction in waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions due to the material’s lightweight nature and its ability to be recycled and repurposed infinitely. This means that recycled acrylic is as great as virgin acrylic and can be used for various applications, such as home decor, furniture, lighting, displays, and lots more. Using acrylic sheets for your projects will help you contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
If you are considering acrylic sheets for any application, Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is the place to go. We are one of the largest acrylic sheets suppliers in Canada. We only supply high-quality acrylic sheets, so rest assured you are getting the value for your money. Contact us today!