What’s the Difference Between Ultraviolet Inhibitors (UVI) and Ultraviolet Absorbers (UVA)?
We all know the effects of the sun’s UV Rays. Polymers are particularly vulnerable (i.e., plastics, rubbers, neoprene and PVC). When UV Rays are absorbed by a polymer it excites the photons in the material, which causes the molecular make up to break down. The result, known as UV degradation, creates damaging physical and chemical changes to the material. Plastics without UV protection are subject to cracking, loss of strength and flexibility as well as disintegration over time. The product stored in or under the poly bag/film will no longer be contained or protected.
So, what to do about UV Rays? Bagged potting soil, fertilizer, mulch, and animal bedding is often palletized and stored outside. These bagged products need the right protection to prevent UV degradation. Enter Ultraviolet Inhibitors and Ultraviolet Absorbers.
The terms UVI and UVA get thrown around a lot, but what do they actually do to prevent UV degradation and what is the difference between the two?
UVI is an additive that can be included in poly films to extend the life and performance of your product by delaying the oxidation process caused by UV Rays. Think of it as sunblock for your skin – it gets the job done.
UVA, in turn, absorbs UV Rays and boasts the ability to prevent colors from fading. UVA provides an extra boost if you want to prevent the printing or color of the film from diminishing. UVA is the sunblock you put on your face that also moisturizes and protects.
Unfortunately, as with sunblock, the effectiveness of UVI and UVA isn’t infinite. UVI and UVA only last between 1 and 3 years for most applications. That should be kept in mind when considering the outside shelf life of a packaged product .
Poly bags, stretch film, boat film, pallet covers and containment film are just a few examples of items that can be pumped up with UVI/UVA protection. A wide range of other flexible packaging products can also be manufactured with these additives. Not only does this ensure the protection and preservation of the equipment being covered, but it will extend the effectiveness and life of the cover itself.
Let’s dive deeper. Call 800-959-1337 to discuss UVI & UVA in greater detail!
What’s the Difference Between Ultraviolet Inhibitors (UVI) and Ultraviolet Absorbers (UVA)?
We all know the effects of the sun’s UV Rays. Polymers are particularly vulnerable (i.e., plastics, rubbers, neoprene and PVC). When UV Rays are absorbed by a polymer it excites the photons in the material, which causes the molecular make up to break down. The result, known as UV degradation, creates damaging physical and chemical changes to the material. Plastics without UV protection are subject to cracking, loss of strength and flexibility as well as disintegration over time. The product stored in or under the poly bag/film will no longer be contained or protected.
So, what to do about UV Rays? Bagged potting soil, fertilizer, mulch, and animal bedding is often palletized and stored outside. These bagged products need the right protection to prevent UV degradation. Enter Ultraviolet Inhibitors and Ultraviolet Absorbers.
The terms UVI and UVA get thrown around a lot, but what do they actually do to prevent UV degradation and what is the difference between the two?
UVI is an additive that can be included in poly films to extend the life and performance of your product by delaying the oxidation process caused by UV Rays. Think of it as sunblock for your skin – it gets the job done.
UVA, in turn, absorbs UV Rays and boasts the ability to prevent colors from fading. UVA provides an extra boost if you want to prevent the printing or color of the film from diminishing. UVA is the sunblock you put on your face that also moisturizes and protects.
Unfortunately, as with sunblock, the effectiveness of UVI and UVA isn’t infinite. UVI and UVA only last between 1 and 3 years for most applications. That should be kept in mind when considering the outside shelf life of a packaged product .
Poly bags, stretch film, boat film, pallet covers and containment film are just a few examples of items that can be pumped up with UVI/UVA protection. A wide range of other flexible packaging products can also be manufactured with these additives. Not only does this ensure the protection and preservation of the equipment being covered, but it will extend the effectiveness and life of the cover itself.
Let’s dive deeper. Call 800-959-1337 to discuss UVI & UVA in greater detail!