The UK’s lntellectual Property Office has granted a protective patent to TAYA CANVAS (Shanghai) Company Limited for its Kavalan PVC-free range of banner materials
September 2024 – Manufacturer of PVC-free large format materials Kavalan has been granted a protective patent by the lntellectual Property Office in the UK for its Kavalan range of PVC-free banner materials following an application lodged by the company in 2020.
First developed in 2008, Kavalan is a range of LCA-certified PVC-Free large format materials for indoor and outdoor use including, but not limited to advertising billboards, banner flags, posters and printed interior décor. Throughout the 16 years since Taya has continued to dedicate extensive R&D efforts to developing the Kavalan range with the aim of offering the global market a sustainable and credible alternative to conventional PVC banners.
Vincent Lin, VP, TAYA Canvas comments: “With Kavalan holding a strong patent-protected position in the market, competitors must find other ways to differentiate their products. This could lead to more innovative approaches to sustainable materials, benefiting the industry and the environment as a whole.”
“Global brands are increasingly prioritising the environmental impact of their advertising materials. With the patent and certification of Kavalan these brands can confidently specify Kavalan knowing that it meets stringent environmental and performance standards. This underscores TAYA’s role in driving commercial solutions that align with market demands and environmental sensitivity.”
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) has numerous detrimental effects on both the environment and human health throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. Kavalan aims to provide large format print providers and the wider advertising industry with an environmentally-friendly alternative that addresses these concerns:
1. Composition: Kavalan features a composite layer structure providing fireproofing, waterproofing, and ink absorption capabilities, ensuring high performance whilst being environmentally friendly. A base layer, made of high-density polyester fibres ensures strong tensile strength. All Kavalan materials hold LCA certifications, confirming their superior eco-performance over traditional PVC banners.
2. Weldability: More than 30% lighter than traditional PVC, Kavalan can be seamlessly spliced and jointed using high frequency, hot air, and hot wedge welding technologies, which enables unlimited width expansion beyond 5m in width for the broadest variety of applications.
3. Safety and durability: Fire retardant, waterproof and non-toxic, Kavalan is suitable for indoor and outdoor use including in sensitive settings such as healthcare and education. It does not produce toxic emissions when incinerated and is suitable for waste-to-energy conversion processes. If it enters landfill, it will degrade without leaching harmful substances into the land and water ecosystems.
For further product information on the Kavalan range, visit www.goforkavalan.com.
About Kavalan
First developed in 2008, KAVALAN is Taya Groups’ main focus for the large-format printing industry. KAVALAN is a range of LCA-certified PVC-Free materials for indoor and outdoor use including, but not limited to the following: advertising billboards, banner flags, posters and interior décor. All TAYA’s products are produced in accordance with international standards and regulations and have certifications such as ISO9001, ISO14001, REACH, RoHS, 6P and DIN4102-B1, to name a few.
The Kavalan range includes:
● Sunlight: suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, this lightweight material combines flexibility with strength and is compatible with both UV and latex inks. Its water-based coating gives it outstanding durability, making it perfect for signage, billboards, sports banners, event banners and exhibition materials.
● Moonlight: ideal for lightbox use and backlit event banners, this lightweight material features non-crease features that make it easy to apply. Its brilliant white surface, intense light transmission and soft finish ensure vivid colors and striking graphics.
● Butterfly: suitable for indoor and short-term outdoor use, this double-sided block-out textile material has impressive flatness characteristics and consistent color reproduction, and is compatible with both UV and latex inks. Ideal for two-way signage, pole banners, hanging banners, sports banners and more, it includes a ready-to-weld option.
● Spiderweb: suitable for indoor and outdoor uses, this mesh banner material offers the same strength and performance as PVC mesh, but with only half the weight. Delivering excellent ‘show-through’, vibrant colors and outstanding image quality, it is ideal for sports and event banners and is compatible with UV and latex inks.
● Gecko: created with interior designers and creative agencies in mind, this wall covering material is coated with PVC-free resin and has a self-adhesive backing option to enable easy one-piece application and can be printed with UV and latex inks.
