Plastex at the R+T 2024:

'Well thought-out technical solutions for the best performance of solar shading'

R+T 2024 is now behind us. In Z&R 2 there will be an extensive review of the trade fair. To give you a sneak peek, this Z&R features a report on Plastex. This Swiss specialist in plastic solutions was present at the R+T for the first time to present its solutions for solar shading.

The mission of the Swiss company Plastex is clear. The company wants to provide the shading industry with the best personalized plastic solutions. "We help our customers improve their performance with niche products for very specific applications," said Plastex COO Samuele Lombardini. 

The company has been manufacturing solutions for the sun protection industry since 1967. "The blinds industry is one of our core markets," Lombardini says. "Initially we produced for third parties, but since the acquisition by our family we have also been developing our own products." Meanwhile, Plastex has a large R&D department that develops plastic products to solve problems within the awning industry. Of the Swiss manufacturer's production, 50% now consists of its own products. 

Products that pay for themselves

"With our products, awning manufacturers can guarantee the best performance of their awnings throughout their lifetime," Lombardini says. He says it is important to tell this story. "We are working on a soft revolution. Plastic products like ours are sometimes seen as low value, but that is absolutely unjustified. We offer very well thought out, technical solutions that make systems perform better. They are expensive, but absolutely pay for themselves!" 

At the R+T, Plastex displayed five new patents. With all these products, the company is working toward a total system that offers the sun protection industry all possible technical solutions.

- So far, the ClipZip® has come in three versions (Biflex, Maxi and Mini). A new variant was added at R+T. The Push-In ClipZip® can be pushed into the guide from above. This product is also patented. 

- Meanwhile, Aviasta has also been patented. This product makes it easy to attach the screen fabric to the tube. Lombardini explains that something did change: "Thanks to a small change, Aviasta can now be used for all screen fabrics. It is a product that also makes the work of installers easier, because the cassette does not have to be dismantled when attached." 

- Another new patent rests with Magis. This is an intelligent 35 mm active side guide that complements the ClipZip® system. It is made in two parts and can be mounted either frontally or laterally. "With two movements, the system can be completely dismantled. The design allows the installer to work safely, without the help of an assistant. All zipscreen manufacturers should actually use this! The profile is also available with an illuminated side band, offering additional architectural possibilities." 

- U-Flat is a coextruded profile developed specifically for aluminum side guides for blinds and shutters. It can be installed easily and quickly, glides better and is very quiet, according to Lombardini. "Usually this product comes in the form of profiles of 3 m length, which is logistically very inconvenient. We can also offer U-Flat in rolls, which saves a lot of costs." 

- A first prototype of the latest novelty introduced by Plastex was on display at the R+T. "It is the Boba+ which is a solution for the bottom batten, to attach the fabric of the zipscreen to it in the best way."