Herculite, a leading fabric company, has teamed up with Renegade Plastics to introduce a groundbreaking solution in the form of sustainable barn curtains designed to protect livestock while being environmentally friendly. These innovative curtains utilize Renegade’s recyclable polypropylene-based coated fabric, boasting a composition free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. The fabric’s impressive features include UV stability, thermal insulation capabilities, and a significant reduction in microplastic pollution.
Traditionally, barn curtains have played a crucial role in safeguarding animals from the elements, regulating temperature, enhancing air circulation, and managing light exposure for improved production. Herculite, renowned for its durable curtains in the poultry, hog, and dairy markets, has now taken a bold step by incorporating Renegade Plastics’ eco-friendly agricultural fabric into their product lineup. This new offering promises a sustainable alternative, devoid of harmful chemicals and recyclable, thus minimizing microplastic pollution compared to conventional woven polyethylene barn curtains.
Curran Hughes, co-founder of Renegade Plastics, praised Herculite’s innovative approach, stating, “As the agriculture industry evolves, there is a demand for more sustainable textiles that are better for our animals and soils with no loss of strength or durability. We are proud to offer a fabric that paves the way towards a healthier farming and ranching future.”
The fabric itself, developed by Renegade Plastics, represents a medium-duty polypropylene-based coated fabric that stands out for its exclusion of harmful compounds like phthalates, dioxins, PFAS, and heavy metals such as lead. Beyond its environmentally conscious composition, this fabric demonstrates maximum UV stability. Lab tests and field pilots suggest that it permits less thermal infrared radiation compared to polyethylene-based alternatives, making it a superior insulator.
Moreover, the innovative materials used in Herculite’s barn curtains can be recycled with the assistance of Renegade, contributing to the circularity of operations and helping prevent microplastics from infiltrating soil and livestock. The use of Renegade Plastics’ fabrics in Herculite’s curtains aligns with animal welfare goals and supports efforts to reduce plastic waste in the agricultural sector.
Chad Twombly, Vice President of Direct Sales at Herculite, expressed enthusiasm for the new sustainable solution: “With the Renegade material we can help reduce microplastic contamination, extend the life of the curtain, and provide a recyclable solution to the market.”
In a world increasingly focused on sustainable practices, Herculite’s partnership with Renegade Plastics marks a significant step forward in redefining the agricultural industry’s approach to protection and welfare, demonstrating a commitment to both animal well-being and environmental conservation.