Acrylic

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So what is Acrylic?

Acrylic is the commonly used name for Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). It is a transparent thermoplastic homopolyer.

What's the difference between Perspex and Acrylic?

The short answer is: Nothing! Acrylic is often commonly referred to as Perspex however Perspex is simply a brand of acrylic. Other UK brands include: Plexiglas, Policril, Acryglas and Acrycast.

Ok so we know what is is now! What are the benefits and features of acrylic?

Due to its incredible durability, acrylic, can be used over a broad temperature range. It has superior weather resistance over other forms of plastic. Under impact it will not shatter. If it does break, it fractures into dull-edged pieces. Its transparent properties also lend themselves perfectly to display functions.

With the right designs acrylic and wood can work perfectly well together. Our products are also designed for long term use so there is no single use aspect to any of our products.

Is acrylic environmental friendly? (Isn't acrylic just another environmentally unfriendly plastic?)

Well it could be considered in the same field however it all depends on context. Its characteristics do offer its most important application, namely as a replacement for glass. Glass itself carries a great deal of embedded carbon footprint in its manufacture. If we used glass alternatives in our applications we would most certainly require a great deal more energy in manufacture. No doubt there would also be a constant stream of breakages. These in themselves would be hazardous especially in our field of hospitality, catering and retail display.

In our applications the use of acrylic could not currently be replaced with anything else of better characteristics or eco credentials.

We do like to emphasise all our products are designed for long term use and we would never advocate single use products. We take our environmental responsibility very seriously indeed.

You can read our sustainability statement here