Creating Optimal Growing Conditions

As the world leader in acrylic technology, ACRYLITE® multi-skin and wave profile products have consistently outperformed other greenhouse materials in commercial, institutional, research and retail greenhouse facilities throughout the world.


1. High Light Transmission for Growth Results

The acrylic multi-skin sheet transmits up to 91% of photosynthetically range (PAR) into the greenhouse. The exceptional clarity of this product provides the most natural growing conditions and promotes vigorous and vibrant bloom color. Optimum growth response and shorter maturity time provide economic advantages that help you grow your profits.

Comparisons between a conventional double-covered greenhouse and a structure glazed with ACRYLITE® multi-skin show that the material transmits 20% more light – a distinct advantage, particularly in the winter months. The ribbed design of ACRYLITE® multi-skin also diffuses light over the crop canopy, eliminating harsh ‘hot spots’ associated with growing under glass.

It will retain its light transmission and clarity for decades, in fact, even after 10 years of use, acrylic glazing transmits more light than brand new polycarbonate.

All ACRYLITE® acrylic multi-skin sheets block UV light penetration, however, in applications where UV light transmission is desirable, ACRYLITE® Alltop is one of the only glazing materials available in UV Transmitting sheet that transmits the full spectrum of light including ultraviolet.

 

2. Never Yellows

The acrylic will not yellow, become brittle or degrade – a promise we back with our 30-year non-yellowing guarantee – the best in the industry.

Yellowing of plastics is caused by the sun’s UV rays breaking down the glazing, but ACRYLITE® acrylic is 100% naturally UV-stable. Polycarbonate and other plastic covers need a UV barrier or coating to delay yellowing but must often be replaced after a few years of installation because they have turned yellow. UV barriers are often thin and are highly prone to failure. But it is composed of 100% naturally UV-stable molecules throughout the material that stabilizes it from the inside out and protects the entire sheet, not just its surface.

ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic doubleskin sheet is the ideal choice for replacing yellowed polycarbonate or weathered fiberglass. Ask us for our comparison kit containing samples of ACRYLITE® acrylic and polycarbonate that have been removed from greenhouses after the same number of years of use and see for yourself.

 

3. Protection from Hail

ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic is strong enough to withstand hail impact – a promise that we back with our ten-year warranty.Glass and weathered, fragile polycarbonate cannot protect your greenhouses from damaging hail. The material protects not only your crops from hail damage but protects your bottom line from replacement costs.

 

4. Over 40% Energy Savings

Thanks to the thermal insulation of ACRYLITE® multi-skin sheet, greenhouses using this material require less energy as compared to conventional glazing. This can be determined by the material's thermal transmittance, knows as the U-value.

The lower the U-value, the less energy passes through the material. Materials with a lower U-value insulate better than those with a higher U-value. Depending on ancillary conditions, ACRYLITE® 16 mm multi-skin sheets (U-value 0.44 Btu/h-ft2-F) can lead to over 40% energy savings in greenhouses compared to single glazing (U-value 1.0 Btu/h-ft2-F). These are savings that pay off and significantly reduce the environmental burden.

 

5. Anti-condensate Technology

Thanks to our No-Drip anti-condensate technology, ACRYLITE® multi-skin acrylic sheets maintain optimal transparency even in bad weather. This water-dispersing layer causes condensation to flow off as a continuous self-cleaning film, resulting in the highest possible light transmission and eliminating uncontrolled dripping that can result in crop damage and disease. Our anti-condensate technology also prevents water puddles on greenhouse floors that promote algae growth, insect breeding grounds, and are safety hazard for workers. Unlike coatings on other glazing products that wear off, our manufacturing technology makes the No-Drip feature an integral part of ACRYLITE® acrylic sheets.

 

6. Strength and Durability

The unique polymers of acrylic combined with the geometry of ACRYLITE® multi-skin sheet makes them inherently stronger than other multi-walled glazing. Thicker walls and ribs create a more rigid sheet of greater overall weight designed to provide high live-load carrying capabilities while allowing for greater span distances. The material meets or exceeds snow and wind requirements offering durability in extreme climates.

 

7. Reduce Additional Equipment

The multi-skin acrylic sheet naturally holds heat in, reduces shadows, hot spots and burning. Not only will you require less initial capital investment in heating systems, lights and curtains, but you’ll also save on costly maintenance over decades of use.

 

8. Life Expectancy of 30+ Years

The sheet has been proven to perform consistently over decades of use in all types of climates throughout the world. ACRYLITE® acrylic’s long service life means less replacement costs when compared to inferior glazing materials that must be replaced more frequently, often after just a few years of use.

 

9. Environmental Protection

Glazing with ACRYLITE® acrylic helps contribute to a healthier environment through reduced energy use, reduced emissions, environmentally-sound manufacturing processes, certified facilities and elimination of harmful chemicals. Long product life means less old glazing going to landfill sites due to premature failure, but if it must be replaced, it is recyclable for use in making consumer goods.

Upon combustion, other plastic coverings produce thick smoke and toxic gases that are harmful to people and the environment. Deterioration from UV rays changes the burning characteristics in many plastics, but thanks to ACRYLITE® acrylic's UV stability, its characteristics do not, so in the event of fire, it burns cleaner with less smoke and no release of toxic or corrosive gases.

 

10. The Best Warranties in the Industry

ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic is backed with the industry’s best warranties. Our prorated, full replacement 30-year non-yellowing, 10-year light transmission and 10-year hail warranties protect both your investment in ACRYLITE® and your bottom line.

 

Harness the Power of Natural Light and Optimize Your Crop Yield
Learn how more about the: Role of Light in Greenhouse Cultivation