FAQs
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General
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What is the Acrovyn by Design material composed of?
It is .040” (1.02mm) thick, clear, PVC-free Acrovyn rigid sheet that includes a high resolution image printed behind it. A protective coating is applied to stabilize the image and should not be damaged or removed or it will adversely affect the image.
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Is Acrovyn by Design available in both .040” (1.02mm) and .060” (1.52mm) sheet thicknesses?
No. It is only available in .040” (1.02mm) thickness.
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What texture is supplied on Acrovyn by Design?
It's available with Suede texture only (the gloss level is similar to that of our Chameleon™ sheet).
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Can the Acrovyn by Design process be used on profiles such as handrails and corner guards, etc.?
No. However, thermoformed outside corners are available (for custom Acrovyn by Design only).
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Are Acrovyn by Design kick plates or rub strips available?
Kick plates (non-rated application) and rub strips are available only with custom designs and not with beveled edges. Factory cut-to-size standard patterns in Acrovyn by Design are not currently available. Due to the repeat of these patterns, if cut-to-size material is required, we recommend that the sheet be cut in the field to desired sizes.
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How does Acrovyn by Design sheet differ from Chameleon™ sheet?
Acrovyn by Design is created using an entirely different manufacturing process. Chameleon woodgrain film is fused to the front surface of Acrovyn Rigid Sheet; Acrovyn by Design’s image is printed behind clear rigid sheet.
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Does Acrovyn by Design pass all of the standard Acrovyn Rigid sheet testing?
Yes. However, not for door cladding applications. It has been tested to the test standards listed below. For additional information, please click here.
• Meets Class A/1 fire criteria (ASTM E84)
• Impact & Taber Abrasion Performance
• Bacteria and fungi resistant -
Is there a minimum number of Acrovyn by Design sheets that must be ordered?
No.
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Can CS match a competitor's pattern to be printed on Acrovyn by Design?
No. Our competitors own the copyright to their patterns. However, various options exist, such as using one of our patterns or an image of your own.
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Can CS do any matching of specific colors that I might need?
Please click here to read more about our AbD Digital Color Matching.
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What is the Acrovyn by Design material composed of?
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Patterns
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What patterns are available in Acrovyn by Design?
We currently have several pattern collections available. Click here to learn more about our patterns.
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What pattern sheet sizes are available for Acrovyn by Design?
4'x8' (1.2m x 2.4m) or 4'x10' (1.2m x 3.0m) sheets only. They are not available as cut-to-size due to the repeat of the pattern. The sheet can be cut in the field to the desired size.
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Are coordinating trims or color-matched caulk available with the patterns and the different colorways?
Yes.
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Are sheets available for both horizontal and vertical applications for the patterns and the different colorways?
Sheet orientation can change, however the pattern direction will not change. Please see tear sheet located in the E-rapid help menu.
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Are the patterns and colorways available on wall panels?
Yes. Any of our patterns can be used on wall panels with permanent adhesive or the demountable Sure Snap™ system.
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What patterns are available in Acrovyn by Design?
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Images
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What sheet size is available for Acrovyn by Design custom imagery?
Imagery is available on various sizes. Our standard size is 4'x8' (1.2m x 2.4m) or 4'x10' (1.2m x 3.0m). Wall murals will be comprised of multiple sheets for each image. Sheets will be cut as necessary with no additional cut charge.
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Is Acrovyn by Design imagery available on wall panels?
Yes. Images can be used on wall panels with permanent adhesive or the demountable Sure Snap System.
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Is a Copyright Agreement required to reproduce an image on Acrovyn by Design?
-No, if accessing Getty/Istock portal through CS Website for royal-free graphics.
-Yes, a signed Acrovyn by Design® Copyright Agreement is required IF the image is not available through the CS website Getty/I-Stock portal. CS Copyright agreement is needed before the submittal process can begin.
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How do I know if my image will be acceptable?
Please refer to the Acrovyn by Design Image Requirement Guide.
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What sheet size is available for Acrovyn by Design custom imagery?
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Installation
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Please see the following instructions related to the most common questions during an Acrovyn by Design installation.
1. In order to maintain pattern alignment and ensure proper layout of the design, it is important to dry fit all sheets prior to installation. If installing custom imagery, refer to the drafting details for layout references.
2. Tinted primers can be used at sheet seam locations to match the graphic colors. Doing this in conjunction with applying clear caulk later could help make sheet joints less visible.
3. Trimming of pattern sheets, if required, should be done only at the beginning and the end of a run to ensure pattern alignment. Sheets with imagery should be cut and trimmed as noted on the submittal and drawings. All necessary cutouts should be performed as described in installation instructions.
4. Do not damage or remove the protective coating that is on the back side of the Acrovyn by Design rigid sheet.
For all other questions please refer to the installation instructions found on the website or contact your local CS representative.
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Please see the following instructions related to the most common questions during an Acrovyn by Design installation.
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Environmental
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What is Acrovyn 4000?
An engineered PETG that is free of PVC, phthalates, persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBT) and bisphenol A (BPA). It has a contemporary texture for improved aesthetics and cleanability and is available in variety of Chameleon™ simulated patterns and Acrovyn solid colors. A Cradle to Cradle Certified™ product, it has earned UL® Class A/1 fire rating and meets industry impact strength and fungal resistance tests standards.
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What other wall protection material does CS offer?
In addition to Acrovyn 4000 wall protection, CS offers a line of Renaissance™ Real Wood and Metal Products. The Renaissance wood collection has linear profiles and wall panels available in a variety of species and finishes. Wood wall panels have a Class A/1 fire rated particle board core covered in wood veneer. FSC certified wood is available upon request. The Renaissance metal collection has aluminum and stainless steel linear profiles available. Powder coat finishes are also available. Renaissance models are Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver or Gold, depending on species and finish selected.
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What LEED® credits can Acrovyn 4000 and Renaissance products contribute to?
Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients -
Option 1 - Material Ingredient Reporting (1 point) / Use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers. Acrovyn products certified under Version 3.1 of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard at Silver or Gold meet the credit requirements.
Option 2 - Material Ingredient Optimization (1 point) / Use at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed products in the project. Acrovyn products certified under Version 3.1 of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard at Silver are valued at 100% of cost and at Gold are valued at 150% of cost.
Leadership Extraction Practices - Products with recycled content (aluminum, stainless steel, and composite wood), FSC wood and rapidly renewable Bamboo meet this credit requirement.
Indoor Environmental Qualities -
• Specified adhesives comply with SCAQMD Rule 1168 requirement of LEED for Healthcare.
• Products tested to be in compliance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1-2010 are available.
• Composite woods comply with ULEF and NAF standards.
Contributions vary by product, model and finish. For specific product details, call CS at 800.233.8493. -
Can Acrovyn 4000 and Renaissance products be used in Living Building Challenge™ projects?
Material Ingredient Red List - Acrovyn and Renaissance products certified under Version 3.1 of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard with a Material Health Score of Silver or higher are likely to comply with the LBC Red List because they are inventoried to at least 100ppm. The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program uses an assessment protocol similar to the Red List. For written confirmation and additional ingredient disclosure, call CS 800.233.8493.
Certified Wood - FSC-certified wood can be specified.
Contributions vary by product, model and finish. For specific product details, call CS at 800.233.8493 or visit www.acrovyn.com/C2C. -
Why is a Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Certification Important?
The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard is a multi-attribute, third-party certification. Products are assessed based on five key attributes:
• Material Health: Each homogeneous material is inventoried, screened, assessed, and optimized down to 100 ppm.
• Material Reutilization: Products are designed for the technical or biological cycle and nutrient management strategies are in place so materials can be perpetually cycled.
• Renewable Energy and Carbon Management: Electricity and direct on-site emissions are off set.
• Water Stewardship: Responsible water consumption and conservation measures are in place at the manufacturing facility and down the supply chain.
• Social Responsibility: Products have material-specific/issue-related audit/certification; supply chain social issues are investigated and improved; and the company has an active innovative social project.
• The standard provides a holistic continuous improvement platform for product development.
• Depending on certification achievement level, the certification can qualify products for LEED® v4 MR Option 1 & 2. -
How do I determine the certification level of a specified product?
Refer to the Acrovyn 4000 and Renaissance Real Wood and Metal Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Summary, available at www.acrovyn.com/C2C. The document will walk you through the steps necessary to determine the product certification level.
(Note: Due to the number of available model options, it is recommended to confirm the product certification level with CS. For assistance, call CS at 800.233.8493.) -
Where do I find Acrovyn and Renaissance Cradle to Cradle Certified™ certificates?
Please click here.
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What is the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ level of Acrovyn and Renaissance product?
Cradle to Cradle Certified™ levels achieved are based on the lowest assessment level of model variations and finishes selected. In some cases, there are non-certified model variations that are exceptions to current certifications. Each unique product ordered will need to be evaluated against current certifications to determine its certification level.
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Does CS have Health Product Declarations (HPDs)?
CS has an HPD for specific Acrovyn 4000 models. With approval from the Health Product Declaration Collaborative™ and the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, CS developed an HPD backed by the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard. HPD is a tool that enables manufacturers to disclose product contents and hazards in a consistent format. By including Cradle to Cradle® assessment levels CS was able to communicate the optimization progress of our products for positive environmental and human health impacts. To access CS’ HPD, click here.
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Is Acrovyn 4000 GREENGUARD or Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. (SCS) Certified?
No. However, while Acrovyn 4000 is not GREENGUARD or SCS certified, it does meet the requirements of their test standards. VOC Emission Test Certificates for compliance to California Department of Public Health CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method Version 1.1, 2010 (Emission testing method for CA Specification 01350) are available on our website for specific models, click here.
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Is Acrovyn 4000 made with bio-based or rapidly renewable resources?
No. However CS continues to review the evolution of bio-based compounds for potential use in future generations of Acrovyn. We believe additional research and discernment is necessary before the use of biopolymers can be accepted as a socially, ethically and environmentally sound practice. Until then, we will continue to use only those raw materials that have been sourced responsibly.
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Does Acrovyn 4000 have recycled content?
No. Despite our efforts, due to the chemicals of concerns common in recycled materials, we have not yet found anything in the market we are willing to add to Acrovyn 4000. More than 90% of the PETG and PET presently available as recycled material in the U.S. is contaminated with antimony oxide, trioxide or other modifiers we choose not to have in our product.
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Can Acrovyn 4000 be recycled?
Yes. We believe in most situations, recycling building material within our customers' local areas is more cost effective and environmentally friendly. If you need assistance in identifying the version of Acrovyn material or locating a local plastic recycling service, call CS at 800.233.8493.
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Does Acrovyn 4000 contain antimicrobials?
No. However, it is resistant to growth of bacteria in accordance with ASTM G22-75, Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Plastics to Bacteria. Acrovyn 4000 demonstrated no Fungal Growth in accordance to ASTM G21-96, Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi. Taking into consideration that it does not promote growth of some of the most common and most harmful bacteria and fungi found in healthcare facilities, it was decided not to add antimicrobial agents to the Acrovyn 4000 line. CS endorses regular cleaning according to the Acrovyn Wall Protection Systems Care & Maintenance Instructions to combat the spread of germs on hard surfaces.
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Why should antimicrobials be avoided?
In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that, “No evidence is available to suggest that use of these [antimicrobial] products will make consumers and patients healthier or prevent disease. No data supports the use of these items as part of a sound infection control strategy.” With no evidence indicating that antimicrobials prevent disease, avoiding these chemicals of concern is becoming the industry standard led by guidelines set forth in the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, The Living Building Challenge™, LEED® v4 and others.
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Why PVC-free?
CS follows the precautionary principle, avoid product or processes whose environmental and human health effects are disputed or unknown. PVC contains additives - vinyl chloride monomers, halogenated/brominated fire retardants, plasticizers and other materials - that have all been proven to be harmful at some point along their lifecycle. The environmental concerns of PVC have led numerous organizations and authorities in the US and European countries to discourage or ban its use. Dioxin, a PBT toxin that can be emitted during manufacturing and disposal of PVC, is among the top offenders on EPA’s list of toxic chemicals.
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Why PBT-free?
Persistent bioaccumulative toxins are chemicals that remain in the environment and pose risk to human health and ecosystems. They are a threat because they do not break down easily in the environment, which is why they are described as persistent, and they can build up in the food chain over time or bioaccumulate. PBTs are known to cause damage to the human nervous and reproductive systems.
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Why BPA-free?
The chemical bisphenol A is a known endocrine disruptor that has a multitude of health concerns: obesity, diabetes, problems with fertility and reproductive organs, various cancers and cognitive/behavioral deficits. BPA is residual in polycarbonate plastics; since Acrovyn 4000 is PETG instead of a polycarbonate, there is no BPA residuals in the plastic.
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Does CS have ISO 14001 Certification?
Yes. ISO 14001 is the most widely recognized international standard for responsible environmental management. It is CS' environmental management system that audits CS for ongoing compliance with the Environmental and Chemicals Policy.
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Why is it important for manufacturers to disclose products' human and environmental impacts?
Architects, designers and owners seek to make informed decisions when they fabricate, specify, install, use and dispose of building products. There are building products that are harmful to humans and the environment; by disclosing environmental and health impacts, it allows our customers to select optimized alternatives.
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How is CS transparent about a product’s life-cycle impacts?
Transparency labels and website - Many of CS' products have an on-product label that discloses the product's ingredients and environmental impacts. This label was designed in partnership with Perkins & Will as a way to conveniently put sustainability information right into the hands of customers. Resulting from a collaborative partnership with Perkins & Will, CS created the first on-product label that discloses the product's ingredients and environmental impacts. Click here learn more about CS' Transparency Program.
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How has CS optimized its products?
Impact Study - The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute commissioned Trucost, a leading global environmental data and insight company, to develop an assessment framework with clearly defined indicators to determine the effect optimizing products have on business, the environment and society - CS was one of ten companies selected for the study. To learn more about the positive impacts and the optimization of Acrovyn 4000, click here to read the CS Impact Study.
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What is Acrovyn 4000?
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Fire Ratings
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Is Acrovyn fire rated?
Yes. Acrovyn is UL® Classified and Labeled or Intertek Labeled. The following list states the six distinctly different applications for Acrovyn: (more information can be found here)
1. Acrovyn Profiles (handrails, crash rails, bumper guards, accent rails and corner guards) - UL Classified and Labeled Class A/1
2. Acrovyn Fire Rated, Flush Mounted, Corner Guards are UL Labeled with one-hour and two-hour installation
3. Acrovyn Wall Covering - UL Classified and Labeled Class A/1
4. Acrovyn Wall Panels and Saratoga® Wall System - UL Classified and Labeled Class B/2
5. Acrovyn Door Protection is Intertek Labeled for 20-minute wood fire doors (particle board core with wood stiles and rails, surface mounted or concealed intumescent required) and 60-minute wood mineral core fire doors with non-combustible stiles and rails (surface mounted or concealed intumescent required).
6. Acrovyn Door Frame Protection is Intertek Labeled for 60-minute standard steel UL Subject 63 fire door frames (intumescent edge seal required). -
What is the difference between Class A/1 fire rating and time-hour fire rating?
Class A/1 designates the material's surface burning characteristics when tested in accordance with UL723, ASTM E84 and CAN/ULCS102.2. The governing building codes such as IBC, NFPA, UBC, BOCA and SBCCI mandate that all building materials meet the minimum of a Class C/3 rating. Time-hour rating is the appropriate designation for those products applied onto or into equally rated doors, as well as fire rated flush mounted corner guards installed in fire rated walls. Applying a material that is not time-rated to a fire rated door and/or door frame will negate the rating of the assembly.
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What is the value of the UL label?
The Underwriters Laboratories label signifies that each piece of Acrovyn constantly meets or exceeds the requirements of the specified test procedure and outcome. CS products that are classified and labeled are part of the UL Follow-Up Program, which ensures we continue to use classified materials and components.
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How are the UL or Intertek certified products identified?
They are identified with official labeling and/or stamping on the products' packaging and/or on the ordered product. For a complete list of CS products that are certified by UL, visit www.acrovyn.com/ul, or by Intertek, visit www.acrovyn.com/int, search both by company for "Construction Specialties."
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Is Acrovyn fire rated?
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