Solaye Fabrics: 'A new, promising fabric for outdoor awnings'

Huge growth is expected in the outdoor sun protection segment in the coming years. After all, it is the most efficient way to keep heat out - and therefore save cooling energy - and create a good and healthy indoor climate. With Alkenz' new DURALEX fiberglass PVC fabric, Solaye Fabrics is now entering that market for the first time. "But with the same quality and service that our company is known for," said Managing Director Stephan Martens of Solaye Fabrics. 

"Alkenz's polyester-pvc fabrics are particularly highly regarded in the market," Martens continued. "They are the first choice for many companies for indoor blinds." Solaye Fabrics, which is exclusive distributor for Europe of the fabrics from South Korean specialist Alkenz, now wants to live up to that reputation for outdoors as well. "Outdoor awnings require a fiberglass core instead of polyester," Martens teaches. "A technique that is not so easy to master, but which Alkenz was willing to invest in at our request. We felt that the time was ripe to offer the market an alternative of equal quality. After all, significant growth is expected in the outdoor awning segment over the next ten years. In major renovation and new construction projects, they are already part of the standard requirements." 

'Equivalent quality, exceptional service'

The result of Alkenz's efforts is DURALEX, a cloth with a fiberglass core and PVC sheathing. "The difference lies in the yarn production, which is done in a different way," Martens explains. "The result is impressive, because in terms of quality we don't have to be inferior to any cloth on the market! Of course, we meet all the standards imposed by Europe. Furthermore, the DURALEX cloth is extremely suitable for use with zippers and has a particularly high UV resistance and shape stability." 

"We don't go for less than the quality people are used to from us for indoor blinds," Martens says firmly. "Solaye Fabrics naturally also adds its usual service. We are starting with a dozen colors that are already available in two widths and are in stock in our warehouse in Ypres. There is even an extra warehouse to guarantee fast service and to be at the customer's beck and call. That we are known in the market for our service should give us an advantage when introducing the new DURALEX canvas!" 

Develop further

The DURALEX cloths have an openness factor of 5%. "That's what has traditionally been in most demand," Martens points out of that choice. "The intention is to start with this and see how it goes. Based on the questions that come from the market, we can then further adjust and expand the technicality of the cloth," he is already looking ahead. 

Solaye Fabrics' ambition may be clear: the company expects a lot from DURALEX fabric and hopes to build a nice market share in outdoor awnings in time. "For us, the move into outdoor blinds was a logical one," Martens said. "We are only too happy to realize this together with Alkenz. We have been working together since 2007 and are both aiming for a long-term vision and relationship in order to provide customers with the best possible support. We want to help develop and shape the outdoor sun protection market in the coming years."