Third in Series of Eco-Friendly Products: Development and Sale of Tarpaulin Sheets with Superior Heat Shield Effect that Reduces Interior Temperature by 5℃

Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, President: Katsuhiko Kishi) has developed two types of heat shield tarpaulin sheet (white opaque and semi-transparent) that effectively reduce solar heat and thus heat under cover, for instance inside tents. Sales will commence from July 2007. The sheet applications range from interior-related products such as indoor blinds to construction sites and farms as well as resort and event facilities.

Heat shield tarpaulin is a laminated sheet consisting of polyester fabric sandwiched between films that reflect the sunlight's near-infrared rays and thus reduce the amount of heat that penetrates inside. Furthermore, the sheet displays a superior heat shield effect by curbing the rise in temperature of the sheet itself. Both white opaque and semi-transparent types are capable of reducing the temperature rise by around 5℃ compared with other general Kuraray Plastics tarpaulin sheet.

Both types are durable thanks to the cancellous structure of the basic fabric, but the semi-transparent rough mesh type enables it to have see-through, natural lighting qualities that keep interiors such as those in tents brighter than the white opaque type.

Last year, Kuraray Plastics developed in succession two eco-friendly tarpaulin sheets: one consisting of a combination of inorganic components that dramatically reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions generated during the waste incineration process, the other made from plant-derived resin. As the third in the series, this heat shield tarpaulin appeals for its eco-friendly properties in combating the heat-island phenomenon, while naturally saving energy and cutting costs by reducing the need for lighting and air conditioning.