Workplaces today are more diverse than ever. From busy food production facilities and warehouses to clinical laboratory spaces and retail units - while these environments each have unique requirements, they all benefit from maintaining cleanliness, energy efficiency, and safety. One practical and cost-effective solution to achieve this is through the use of PVC strip curtains.

At Rayflex, we specialise in providing high-quality PVC strip curtains that help businesses create safer, cleaner, and more energy-efficient spaces. But what exactly is PVC, and why are PVC strip curtains becoming an essential in many workspaces?

What is PVC?

Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly known as PVC, is a widely used synthetic plastic polymer. First discovered in the 1920s, it’s known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear and is today commonly used in both rigid and flexible forms. The rigid type is often used in construction for items like guttering and window frames, while the flexible version is frequently used in commercial and industrial products - including strip curtains.

What is PVC used for?

The applications of PVC extend far beyond strip curtains. This versatile material can be found in:

  • Construction materials, including pipes, window frames, and flooring
  • Electrical cable insulation and wire jacketing
  • Medical devices such as blood bags and tubing
  • Automotive parts and components
  • Consumer goods like raincoats, footwear, and toys
  • Packaging materials

PVC's adaptability makes it an ideal choice for environments requiring durability, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness - all qualities that make it particularly well-suited for industrial barrier applications.

What are PVC strip curtains​?

Simply put, PVC strip curtains are overlapping strips of clear or tinted flexible PVC that hang from robust mounting brackets that create a flexible barrier between different environments. They come in a range of sizes, each designed for different working environments. Here at Rayflex, we produce made to measure PVC strip curtains in any size to fit all types of doorways or openings - ranging from compact, light-use entrances to large-scale, heavy-duty industrial setups.

Our expertly designed Rayflex PVC strip curtains are engineered to overlap precisely, creating an effective seal that helps maintain distinct environments while still allowing people, vehicles, and equipment to pass through with minimal disruption. Unlike traditional doors, these curtains provide continual protection when not in use, immediately returning to their original position after being passed through.

Aside from our made to measure curtains, at Rayflex we also offer a comprehensive selection of PVC strip curtains in various standard configurations that meet a broad range of workplace needs. Our product line includes standard, ribbed and freezer-grade options, as well as specialist welding-grade curtains with UV protection. This versatility ensures we can provide suitable solutions for virtually any workplace requirement, whether it's for warehouses, food processing facilities, manufacturing plants, or retail environments.

What are the benefits of PVC strip curtains in workplaces?

PVC strip curtains are a cost-effective and practical solution for managing a selection of internal environments. They do this by offering a series of key benefits, including energy savings, reduced noise levels, better hygiene, and improved safety. We take a look at each of these in more detail below:

Energy efficiency and temperature control

One of the biggest advantages of PVC strip curtains is their ability to maintain temperature differentials between adjoining areas. By creating a physical barrier that still allows easy access, doorway PVC curtains prevent the unwanted exchange of air between spaces with different temperature requirements.

In cold storage facilities, for example, insulated strip curtains help contain chilled air, reducing the energy consumption needed to maintain low temperatures where needed. Similarly, in heated environments, these curtains prevent warm air from escaping, resulting in substantial energy savings. Studies suggest that properly installed PVC strip curtains can reduce energy costs by up to 24% in temperature-controlled environments.

The low thermal conductivity of PVC material further enhances this benefit, as the curtains themselves do not readily transfer heat or cold. This makes them particularly valuable in warehouses, distribution centres, food processing facilities, and datacentres where maintaining specific temperature zones is crucial.

Noise reduction in busy environments

Modern workplaces often contend with high noise levels that can impact worker comfort, communication, and even health. PVC strip curtains provide an effective solution by creating a partial sound barrier between noisy operations areas and quieter, people-populated work areas.

The overlapping design of strip curtains absorbs and deflects sound waves, helping to contain noise at its source. This is particularly useful in manufacturing facilities, workshops, and distribution centres where machinery, vehicles, and handling equipment generate significant noise pollution.

By compartmentalising sound, PVC curtains create more comfortable working conditions without impeding the flow of people and materials between areas. This balance between accessibility and noise control represents a practical solution for businesses looking to improve their acoustic environment without expensive structural modifications.

Improved hygiene and dust control

In working environments where cleanliness is paramount, PVC strip curtains act as excellent containment systems for dust, debris, and other airborne contaminants. The overlapping strips create a barrier that prevents particles from freely moving between spaces whilst still maintaining operational efficiency.

Food processing facilities, for example, benefit particularly from these hygienic properties, as strip curtains help maintain sanitary conditions by preventing cross-contamination between preparation areas. Similarly, in healthcare settings, these curtains can help create clean zones that limit the spread of pathogens.

The non-porous surface of PVC is naturally resistant to moisture, bacteria, and fungal growth, making these curtains easy to clean and maintain. Many models are also available with antimicrobial properties for environments with stringent hygiene requirements.

Safety and accident prevention

Naturally, employee safety should be a top priority in any workplace. In certain work environments, PVC strip curtains can help to improve employee health and safety through better accident prevention. Their transparent nature provides clear visibility, allowing workers and vehicle operators to see potential hazards before passing through, while their flexible composition means they give way easily when contacted, minimising the risk of impact injuries. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas where forklifts and other equipment frequently move between spaces.

Additionally, specialised variants like anti-static PVC curtains prevent the build-up of static electricity, reducing the risk of electrical discharge in environments containing sensitive electronics or flammable materials.

At Rayflex, we understand the diverse needs of modern workplaces. That’s why we offer made to measure PVC strip curtains designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and comfort across various industries. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise pollution, boost hygiene protocols, or create safer working environments, our expert team can help you find the perfect solution for your specific requirements.

Discover our full range on site today or contact us on +01925 696081 for personalised assistance with selecting the ideal PVC strip curtains for your workplace.