|
Virgin Polymers? Any Ideas?
|
| Author |
Topic |
polisnine
Newbie
Join Date: 11/08/2009
Posts: 3
|
|
Posted: 11/08/2009 11:15:42 AM
|
|
|
Had a guy from Anglian over, and he was actually ok. The patter was quick fire, and I didn't commit. The one thing that stuck in my head is Virgin Polymers - he assured me that Anglian's use of this material resulted in a superior frame. Is this claim justified? I have had two other quotes and neither salesman mentioned virgin polymers, but does that necessarily mean they are not using them?
Basically, is it worth forking out a bit more for them?
|
|
DIY Conservatories Chris
Intermediate
Join Date: 30/09/2009
Posts: 79
Location: Sheffield, UK
|
|
Posted: 30/09/2009 6:36:41 PM
|
|
|
Hi Polisnine,
The term 'virgin polymer' means that the plastic used to create the 'profile' (or frames if you like) is essentially new granules melted and then formed into the lengths of bar. It is basically syaing that they are not using any recycled material.
The reason the other companies probably haven't mentioned it is because most companies buy from suplliers that use virgin polymer.
The major benefits historically with virgin polymer, is that it tends to have better colour loss rate (doesn't go yellowy over time). That said, there has been major advancements of the last few years that means recycled plastic has got much better. Alot of profile manufacturers are now using recycled material for say, the reinforcing inside the main frames. Some companies are now even reporting that hey are starting to manufacture a fully recycled frame.
Just because it is virgin though, don't take the excuse that's why it's more expensive, because as I say most companies will be offering the same.
As with everything in life, you're forking out more for the name I'd guess (not necessarily the product), large organisation, large overheads, they've got to make they're money like everyone. That's not a direct dig at Anglian though, they're had good reviews and bad just like any other company I suspect.
Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow.
|
|
polisnine
Newbie
Join Date: 11/08/2009
Posts: 3
|
|
Posted: 16/10/2009 10:47:11 AM
|
|
|
Cheers Chris, really helpfull
Beyond the colour loss issue are there any other problems associated with using recycled plastic - specifically in terms of safety of the frames?
This is slightly off topic, but I wonder if discolouration would be covered in the 15 year warantee he kept banging on about?
It's something I need to ask, isn't it?
I bet it isn't......
|
|
DIY Conservatories Chris
Intermediate
Join Date: 30/09/2009
Posts: 79
Location: Sheffield, UK
|
|
Posted: 16/10/2009 4:02:11 PM
|
|
|
Hi Polisnine,
No, I dont believe there are any problems concerning the use of PVC as a recycled material. That's, in my opinion, one of the great things about PVC. It is 100% recyclable, time and time again. It's actually one of the things I'm trying to champion as I think on the whole it's gotten a pretty bad rap over the years (particularly from timber lobby groups).
Also for what it's worth, I personally don't believe there really is an issue with discolouration these days (you'll probably have noticed my word 'historically' because it's been unchallenged for so long now that's what everyone believes). In our industry we do tend to follow a particular cause as trends come and go. As I say technology has come on leaps and bounds. Again, I think years gone by, it was just considered an issue, particularly as recylced wasn't proven and from those who wish to champion virgin polymer as one of their USPs.
In terms of safety issues, absolutely none.
Manufacturers should offer against discolouration in their warranty. It's a tried and tested manufactured product that very rarely has colouration problems. In fact most colouration problems probably come from contaminants in a batch rather than anything else, and again that is rare.
There is alot is mis-information that floats around, just take a look at theseFacts and Fibs, there's lots of info on there.
Hope this helps a bit more,
DIY Conservatories Chris
Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow.
|
|
insiderinfo
Beginner
Join Date: 04/11/2009
Posts: 10
Location: mid glamorgan
|
|
Posted: 05/11/2009 1:58:03 PM
|
|
|
|
all profile manufacturers use sa percentage of recycled plastic in their profiles often up to 20% - its a sales gimmick to mention virgin polymers; Anglian guarantee of 15 years is for sealed units only, frames are guaranteed for 10 years and no guarantee on colour fastness
|
|
DIY Conservatories Chris
Intermediate
Join Date: 30/09/2009
Posts: 79
Location: Sheffield, UK
|
|
Posted: 08/11/2009 12:49:15 AM
|
|
|
Hi Insiderinfo,
thanks for your post. I find that an interesting point you mention about anglian only offering the 15 year on DGUs. I'm sure others reading the forum will be grateful of such advice.
If Anglian do not offer a guarantee on colour fastness then I'm extremely surprised, I have never known a company to exclude it in their warranty.
Back to the 'virgin' term though and I have to contest your point. True virgin polymer is just that, made from it's purest raw material. I will have to do some further research to check to see if a degree of recycled material is now allowed whilst still able to retain the 'virgin' tag, but without checking I would have to stick to the line and say that it's not true virgin.
I will agree with you though, to the point that companies are using it as a sales gimmick, but as mentioned above, often for the wrong reasons.
Cheers,
DIY Conservatories
Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow.
|
|
april_luv
Newbie
Join Date: 29/06/2010
Posts: 6
|
|
Posted: 29/06/2010 5:13:20 AM
|
|
|
that's right. well that what companies do, and we can do nothing about it. all we have to do is be very picky with it.
|
|