PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. Known for its versatility, strength and affordability, PVC is used in everything from construction to healthcare. But how safe is it, and where are PVC strips commonly used?

In this guide, we’ll explore the uses of PVC strips, their safety in various environments and the recyclability of the material.

What are PVC strips used for​?

PVC strips are flexible plastic strips typically hung in industrial or commercial environments. They act as barriers while allowing visibility and easy movement between areas. These strips are commonly used in warehouses, food processing plants, cold storage facilities and even retail spaces.

Clear, yellow, blue and red PVC strips layered on top of each other.

Insulation

PVC strip curtains are widely used for insulation, particularly in commercial and industrial spaces. They help reduce heat transfer by forming a physical barrier that limits the movement of warm or cool air between two areas. This is especially useful in walk-in freezers, cold stores, and warehouse loading bays where doors are frequently open.

As well as controlling the temperature, strip curtains can also help reduce energy consumption, potentially lowering heating or refrigeration costs. In busy environments, they allow people, trolleys and forklifts to pass through easily while still maintaining an effective thermal barrier.

Partitioning

PVC strips offer a simple solution for temporarily dividing larger spaces. In factories and workshops, they are often used to separate noisy machinery from quieter workstations or create safe zones around equipment.

You can also use PVC strip curtains in schools and nurseries to segment rooms or outdoor areas. They can divide play zones, reduce noise, or serve as flexible doorways between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is particularly helpful in early years settings where staff need to supervise children across different areas.

Containment

In many environments, PVC strip curtains play an important role in containing fumes, dust, moisture or other airborne particles. They can help localise issues like welding fumes, sawdust or spray mist, preventing them from spreading into wider working areas.

PVC strip curtain kits can also help minimise odours and control humidity levels, making them useful in food storage or animal care environments. By controlling the movement of airborne particles, strip curtains contribute to safer, cleaner workspaces.

Hygiene

PVC strip curtains are frequently used in environments where hygiene is critical. They act as barriers that help prevent cross-contamination between clean and dirty zones, particularly in food processing facilities, commercial kitchens and healthcare settings.

Some PVC strips are treated with anti-microbial coatings or made from food-safe materials approved by regulatory bodies. These are ideal for environments where contact between different areas must be controlled. For example, in catering kitchens, PVC strips can separate preparation and cooking areas, reducing the risk of bacteria spreading.

Is PVC food-safe?

Yes, PVC can be food safe but it depends how it’s manufactured and where it’s used. For example, PVC products from Rayflex are 100% phthalate-free, REACH compliant and suitable for indirect use within the food industry.

However, in environments where the PVC is likely to be in direct contact with raw or unwrapped food, food-grade PVC is necessary. This is made without harmful additives and is tested to meet safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Ultimately, whether PVC is food-safe depends on the application. As long as there’s no direct contact with food, standard grade PVC strip curtains are ideal for environments where hygiene and contamination control are essential, such as commercial kitchens, cold storage rooms, and food processing areas. They can help reduce the spread of bacteria and pests by forming a physical barrier between different areas, such as between prep kitchens and delivery bays.

Is PVC recyclable?

Yes, PVC is recyclable, but it must be recycled separately to other plastic waste due to the additives it contains, such as plasticisers, stabilisers, and colourants. This makes the recycling process more complex, although not impossible..

There are two main ways to recycle PVC:

  • Mechanical recycling - shredding the plastic and grinding it down into smaller particles. This can then be turned into a plastic powder or melted to create new products.
  • Chemical or feedstock recycling - breaking the plastic down into its raw chemical components, which can then be used for new PVC products.

To recycle PVC plastic, you can’t simply put it in your recycling bin. Instead, you’ll need to check whether there are any PVC recycling programmes in your local area or contact a nearby waste management company.  to see if they offer mechanical or chemical recycling.

Rayflex offers a PVC recycling service, return your used PVC strips to them and they will recycle it into durable PVC garden hoses, giving the material a useful second life and reducing environmental impact. If you're upgrading or replacing your PVC strips, get in touch to find out how to recycle them responsibly through our scheme.