Choosing the Right Polar PVC for Your Cold Storage Environment
If your facility operates at sub-zero temperatures, your choice of strip curtain material isn’t just about visibility — it’s about reliability, energy efficiency, and long-term cost control.
While standard PVC may perform adequately in ambient conditions, it becomes brittle in cold rooms and freezers. That’s where Polar-grade PVC Strip Curtains come in — but even within that category, not all products are created equal.
At Maxiflex, we partner with Extruflex — the global leader in flexible PVC strip extrusion — to supply Polar PVC solutions designed specifically for South Africa’s cold chain, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right material:
1. Understand Your Temperature Thresholds
Not all cold storage environments are the same — and neither are the PVC materials designed to serve them.
Extruflex Polar PVC remains flexible down to -25°C, making it ideal for walk-in freezers, refrigerated processing areas, and chilled distribution zones. If your facility consistently operates below -10°C, Polar-grade material ensures your curtains won’t crack, tear, or stiffen — problems often seen with standard PVC.
For more extreme conditions, Extruflex also manufactures Super Polar PVC, developed for blast freezers and ultra-low temperature environments. Super Polar remains flexible down to -40°C, making it the right choice for deep freeze zones where standard or even Polar-grade materials may fail.
2. Prioritise Material Safety
Maxiflex Polar PVC uses non-phthalate plasticizers — high-grade compounds that offer superior flexibility, extended service life, and compliance with food safety regulations. These plasticizers are key to maintaining elasticity at low temperatures while supporting hygiene and safety requirements in sensitive environments.
3. Choose Proven Performance
Both Polar and Super Polar PVC are trusted across South Africa in high-volume freezer hubs, food manufacturing plants, and cold storage facilities. They help retain cold air, reduce compressor strain, and avoid the long-term costs of cracked or failed strip curtains.
Ready to Upgrade?
Whether you’re upgrading existing strip doors or specifying materials for a new facility, choosing the right Polar-grade PVC will help you maintain temperature control, reduce maintenance, and extend the life of your cold room entrances.
