Leading lamination specialist, Foilex, has reinforced its environmental commitment by switching its entire operation to a greener primer system and increasing efficiencies in the lamination process.

The company made the decision to change from a solvent-based primer over a year ago and has since invested significantly in new electronic primer dosing systems across all of its lamination lines.

The fully automated electronic primer stations, from WPR, incorporate ultra-accurate application units which make sure that the correct dose is continuously applied.  Not only does this save primer wastage and ensures optimum coverage but gives a higher quality lamination.

Richard Morris, general manager, Foilex said: “We have a very strict environmental policy and by switching to the new primer and application system we not only cut omissions and comply with current regulation but we create a safer working environment for our staff.

“Working closely with Adhesive Solutions Limited, we evaluated and chose the Taka Eco Primer system as the most suitable for our requirements”.

Foilex, part of the Epwin Group, has also invested significantly in Foilexpress, a dedicated service designed to meet demand for faster turnaround on foiling non-standard finishes and smaller quantities.  The service, which allows fabricators deal directly with Foilex, can product short runs, from six up to 500 metre batches, in a one or week turnaround.

With more than a decade of experience, the company foils almost every PVC-U profile type available, including a diverse range of PVC-U and cellular products in addition to aluminium and wood. A wide-bodied lamination line also gives Foilex the ability to laminate flat infill panels up to 850mm in width.

Richard said: “The environment is a critical consideration in business and people are aware not only of their own actions but of those further down the supply chain. This means every company’s activities are under scrutiny.

“By putting into place steps to minimise the harm to environment and promote corporate social responsibility, everyone from specifiers to fabricators, contractors to end-users, can have confidence in the industry’s commitment to the environment and the future.”

New figures from foiling specialist, Foilex, highlight the increasing importance of aesthetics in the window replacement market as sales for coloured and decorative profile soar.

According to findings by the lamination specialist, sales of colour profiles have quadrupled over the past twelve months, reflecting market demand for increased choice of colours, for example greys, greens and black, and finishes such as white wood grain.

Richard Morris, general manager, Foilex said: “Traditionally the most popular foil finishes are wood effect such as mahogany, oak and rosewood. However, demand for colours, such as Heritage Green, is now gaining popularity.

“This reflects the changing nature of market. As more customers demand a wider choice of colours and finishes, new opportunities are being generated.

“Installers and fabricators are starting to recognise that bringing colour to the market can give them an edge and as a foiling specialist, our direct service can to help them achieve this independently. In addition, the direct service allows fabricators and installers the opportunity to put their mark on projects using foiled rather than spray finishes.”

With more than a decade of experience, Foilex, part of the Epwin Group, has the capability to foil almost every PVC-U profile type available, including a diverse range of PVC-U and cellular products plus aluminium and wood. Not only can flat panels up to 850mm wide be foiled in a wide choice of finishes but in virtually any colour required.

Foilex has invested significantly in a direct service, particularly Foilexpress which is designed to meet increasing demand for a faster turnaround on foiling non-standard finishes and smaller product quantities. The advanced service can produce short runs, from six up to 500 metre batches, in a seven or nine day turnaround.

Richard said: “The increase in the demand for colour in the market has meant that all fabricators and installers, from small to super size, need a reliable, efficient foiling expert that can offer the support they need to make their products stand out.

“More and more, we’re seeing fabricators and installers take advantage of this trend and offer a range of finishes and colours. This can not only increase their business, generate leads and but maximise their margins too”

With more than 10 years of industry experience, Foilex has become the market leader in foiling solutions and has experience in foiling virtually every PVC-U profile type available.

Since introducing its dedicated fast track line last year, Foilex has been able to meet the increasing demand for a faster turnaround on foiling non-standard finishes and smaller product quantities.

Richard Morris, general manager, Foilex explains: “In the past, fabricators may have been waiting up to ten weeks for delivery on special or non-standard orders.

“Now, with our rapid and flexible profile laminating service, Foilex can also reduce set up times so that short runs can be delivered at a much lower premium than standard set up costs.”

By investing in the dedicated fast track line, Foilex is offering customers an advanced service that can produce specialist runs within standard seven day turnarounds ensuring maximum capacity and minimal extra cost. This also includes a diverse range of PVC-U, cellular, aluminium and wood products which can all be foiled in a choice of finishes and colours from Foilex’s comprehensive range.

Richard said: “Foilex has the capacity to foil more than 10 million metres of profile every year and by operating seven lines, 24 hours, five days a week, we are able to offer the most competitive rates around. Our discreet partnership approach also assures complete confidentiality.”

As the demand for a wider range of colours and finishes is on the increase, buying in foiled products allows fabricators and installers to offer more choice, setting them apart from their competitors.

Richard said: “Foiling can be undertaken on short runs in a variety of colours and produces a high-quality finish. This makes it an excellent alternative to spraying.”

He added: “It is now more important than ever to make your products stand out in order to make the most of current opportunities within the marketplace. Offering the widest choice of products is also another way to increase new business sales and Foilex can support our customers in doing this.

“The response that we have had from customers so far has been extremely positive. Not only do the foiled products set them apart from their competitors but it seems that homeowners are willing to pay a little more for new PVC-U products in the finish and colour of their choice.”