The fabric used in the BBQ cover industry is made using mostly vinyl/PVC(1) in some shape or form. Most grill cover manufacturers use vinyl/PVC with a felt backing. For a more heavy-duty fabric, which can withstand weather and the elements, polyester, laminated with vinyl on the surface or backing is used for barbeque covers. In any case, vinyl/PVC is widely used in the industry.
In the last five years the words "environmental friendly" have begun appearing in the market for outdoor grill covers.
In order to become environmentally friendly some manufacturers switched from PVC to PU(2). PU is commonly used more for indoor use and is not as durable as PVC in withstanding the weather and elements like acid-rain and cold-crack. Therefore most "environmental friendly" barbeque covers on the market are not as durable and versatile as those made with PVC. The environmentally friendly BBQ covers made with PU will last less than a year.
![ecoreach[1]](http://montanagrills.hypermart.net/site2016/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ecoreach1-297x300.jpg)
What is REACH Compliance?
After extensive study, scientists have come up with a new concept which keeps the characteristics of PVC while reducing the harmful chemicals in PVC. It is called REACH Compliance. REACH Compliance is an acronym for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals contained in PVC. There are 15 harmful chemicals or SVHC(3) in PVC. Chlorine is one of these chemicals. Chlorine contained in regular PVC material is 3800 particles per million. Chlorine in REACH Compliance fabrics contains only 9 particles per million. All other chemicals used in PVC are reduced to a minimum and therefore will hold the characteristic of PVC but is still strong, lightweight, durable, versatile and flame retardant.
The purpose of REACH Compliance is to provide better protection of human health and the environment by improving our ability to identify the harmful properties of chemical substances. This places greater responsibility on manufacturers to manage the risks from using these chemicals and to substitute safer alternatives.
For more information please refer to the following REACH Compliance and chemical engineering resources.
