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Polar Grade PVC Strip Curtains for Cold Storage & Blast Freezers
Standard PVC strip curtains perform well in ambient environments, but at temperatures below -10°C they stiffen and become brittle. In blast freezers and deep-freeze environments, this loss of flexibility renders them ineffective. The solution is polar-grade PVC — formulated to remain flexible at temperatures down to -30°C and below.
What is Polar Grade PVC?
Polar grade PVC incorporates specialised plasticisers that maintain flexibility at sub-zero temperatures. Key properties:
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +50°C (some formulations rated to -40°C)
- High clarity: maintains optical clarity at low temperatures without clouding
- Impact resistance: remains impact-resistant at low temperatures, resisting cracking
- Food safe: complies with EU food contact material regulations
Where Polar Grade PVC is Required
- Blast freezers (-18°C to -35°C)
- Deep cold stores (-20°C to -25°C)
- IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) tunnels
- Frozen food dispatch areas
- Walk-in freezer compartments
Browse our cold room and freezer PVC strip curtains.
Energy Savings in Cold Stores
Every time an unprotected door is opened in a blast freezer, refrigerated air is displaced by warm ambient air. Strip curtains reduce air exchange by up to 80%, delivering measurable energy savings. Condensation from warm air infiltration also creates frost build-up on evaporator coils, reducing efficiency and increasing defrost cycle frequency.
Blast Freezer Specific Considerations
- High air velocity: fan-generated air movement can billow strips — use heavier 4mm strips
- Rapid temperature cycling: strips must tolerate repeated ambient-to-freeze cycling without fatigue cracking
- Hygienic requirements: food-grade polar PVC essential in food production
- High-frequency access: swivel hinge rail systems recommended for high-cycle applications
For energy and temperature control, also see our temperature control PVC curtains.
Specifications Checklist
- ✅ Polar grade PVC (rated to -30°C or -35°C)
- ✅ Minimum 3mm thickness (4mm for high air velocity)
- ✅ 100% overlap for maximum thermal insulation
- ✅ Food-grade material for food production
- ✅ Stainless steel rail and fixings
- ✅ Strip length within 10mm of floor