>
Please select the type of question you would like to know
KAVALAN
What is Kavalan?

Kavalan is a range of PVC free banner materials used for single use indoor and outdoor advertising banner applications, which are mainly for short-term marketing campaigns.

What are Kavalan banners made from?

Kavalan banner materials use a polyester base fabric coated with a water-based biodegradable coating derived from natural polymers.

Ignoring environmental properties (for now), how does Kavalan compare with its PVC banner counterparts?

Due to differing viscosity properties between the two coating types, the base fabric of Kavalan is produced slightly differently, providing extra strength and durability. The Kavalan film provides the usual UVB and weather protection (outdoor products only) and flame retardancy, and of course enhanced print quality.

In terms of environmental properties, how does Kavalan compare with its PVC banner counterparts?
  • Each square metre of Kavalan consumes up to 50% less of the planet’s resources (ie. water, fossil fuels and minerals) than its PVC banner counterpart.
  • Kavalan banners are up to 45% lighter than their PVC counterparts. Less waste and lower environmental impacts (and costs) from local transportation and handling.
  • Each square metre of Kavalan consists of up to 65% less synthetic polymers (plastic) than its PVC counterpart.
  • For each square metre of Kavalan, up to 60% is recyclable (polyester base fabric only), whereas only 30 to 35% of its PVC banner counterpart is recyclable (polyester base fabric only).

 

Important Note.

Due to no curb-side recycling of PVC (and Kavalan) banner materials, the few banner recycling schemes (mainly in Europe) are private collection and treatment (for a fee). Only the polyester base fabric can be recycled; the film (both PVC and Kavalan) is disposed of via incineration or landfill.

How have Kavalan’s eco credentials been verified?

Kavalan’s eco credentials have been verified by the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process performed by SGS, the world’s largest test and validation company.

Is Kavalan biodegradable?

The water-based coating on all Kavalan products is biodegradable and Sunlight Zero is entirely biodegradable.

Does Kavalan’s coating have any certification to prove its biodegradability?

Yes, ISO 14855-1:2012 [Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions].

Which organisation completed the testing?

TÜV Rheinland, one of Europe’s leading test and verification services (similar type of organisation as SGS).

In a nutshell, what are the requirements needed to achieve compliance to ISO 14855-1:2012?

Simply put, the overall biodegradation rate will be greater than 90% within 180 days when compared with a known biodegradable reference material. The inoculum (compost) used during the test was prepared in accordance with EN 13432 [Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation].

How many days did Kavalan’s coating achieve compliance?

136 days.