Boxwood Mat Roll

Color

We use the highest grade of color pigments for our PermaLeaf^® Line, which ensures that they will not fade due to outdoor elements.

You might never have considered what the value is in the color of a product, but did you know that there are different grades of color pigments. In fact, color pigments have a range of attributes all of which must be considered when making a selection for outdoor use.

Attributes include

• Lightfastness - i.e. what is the impact on color when exposed to UV rays
• Heat stability - i.e. can the color be processed at a temperature suitable for the manufacturing process
• Toxicity - i.e. does the color pigment meet the safety requirements for its intended use
• Tinting strength
• Staining
• Dispersion - i.e. can the color pigment be dispersed perfectly through the plant to achieve a rich, natural color.
• Opacity or Transparency - i.e. can the color be altered to achieve the necessary opacity or transparency to create a lifelike plant.
• Resistance to alkalis and acids - i.e. how will the color be affected if exposed to natural environmental concerns like acid rain or from chemicals sprayed in outdoor environments.
• Reactions and interaction between pigments

The color pigments used in the manufacturing of our PermaLeaf® plants are of the highest grade possible for the benefit of producing the longest lasting outdoor artificial plant.

Resin

We use a commercial grade resin that is well-suited for enduring harsh weather conditions.

Commercial Grade

The third major material component which separates the PermaLeaf® brand of outdoor artificial plants from the competition is the quality of the resin. Much like color pigment and UV stabilizers there are a number of grades of resins. Many of the resins used in artificial plants are made from recycled plastic. While the concept of recycling plastic is noble, it is not suitable for outdoor use. It is imperative that the resin be manufactured from mostly solids with little filler ensuring the long term weatherability of the plastic.

Tested

What makes us stand out from competitors who claim to have “UV protection� and “Commercial grade color pigments� is that we have the scientific data to back it up.

Internationally Recognized Test

Don’t just take our word that our plants are inherently fade resistant, rather have a look for yourself. PermaLeaf® plants have been tested for color loss according to ASTM G155 and had NO COLOR LOSS detectable by sight after exposure to UV rays equivalent to Miami, Florida or Phoenix, Arizona.

The Other Guys

I am sure you have seen other Companies on the internet marketing their product using the following claims regarding the weathering of their products: “Indoor/Outdoor� “UV fade, water and heat resistant polymer plastic leaves� “Will not fade and is made of a strong, durable, dense, synthetic rubber; that is resistant to sun, water, oils, heat and solvents. Perfect for many years of outdoor use.� “water resistant� “limited UV protection�

The reason they are considered “claims� is because they are simply that without testing to validate and substantiate the claim as being factual. The only way to validate the claim is for the manufacturer to supply UV weathering test data that supports the claim. If you are considering an alternative to PermaLeaf® plants, we would strongly encourage you request testing data for the product being considered.

Benefits

The benefits of ThermaLeaf® are many but none more important than it is the safest artificial foliage on the market; meeting local, national and international fire codes.

•  Fire safe chemicals impregnated into the plant materials during manufacturing 
• Will not wash or wear off
• Consistent fire protection
  • US Gov SIN 4722-06
  • ASTM E84-95 Class
  • California Title 19
  • NFPA 701
  • NFPA 705B
  • BS 476: Part 7 Class 0
  • BS 476: Part 6 Class 0
  • NF X 700-100
  • Structurally sound fire retardant plants and trees;
• Premium grade fire safe plant materials withstand commercial application.
• Smooth surface reduces dust build-up
• Visually identical compared to standard foliages

State Fire Code Requirements

Building codes specifically address the use of artificial foliage, and we have been certified with many of the top fire codes in the country.

Flame Retardant Plants and State Fire Codes for Artificial Foliage

Understanding the fire code requirements for flame retardant artificial plants and artificial trees can be a challenging and confusing process. Each State adopts its own fire code as well as every single municipality. In an effort to help our clients answer the question of whether fire retardant foliage is required for their projects, we have asked the Office of the State Fire Marshal in each State for the details of their fire code requirements.

There are many factors used in determining a fire code ruling for fire retardant plants and trees, including occupancy type, sprinklers, code interpretation, and more. Though every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, please note that we cannot guarantee the information and strongly suggest that clients contact the state and local municipality in question for complete fire code information.

Fire Tests

ThermaLeaf® has been tested and complies with national and international test methods including NFPA, ASTM, BS, EN, UL & more…

Silk Plant and Tree Fire Tests

The majority of states have adopted state wide fire codes that regulate the use of indoor silk plants and trees. The following page details each of these silk plant and tree fire tests and demonstrates why our fire retardant plants and trees are the safest on the market.

NFPA 705 (1997 Edition) Test Criteria:

• Apply 12 seconds continuous ignition.
• Remove ignition. Product must self extinguish within 2 seconds.
• Flaming driplets cannot continue to burn when hitting the floor.

Fire Tests for Silk Plants and Trees

Our ThermaLeaf® plant and tree foliage has been tested and complies with California Title 19, US Gov SIN 4722-06 Flammability Code, NFPA 701, NFPA 705, NF X 70-100, and qualifies as a Class A fire retardant material as tested by ASTM E84-95 and Class 0 as tested by BS 476: Part 7, BS 476: Part 6 for our artificial plants.

Case Study

Overview: ThermaLeaf® is a proprietary formulation and manufacturing process whereby the fire-retardants are impregnated directly into the raw materials of the foliage resulting in an inherently fire retardant (IFR) product.

Situation

In very simple terms, artificial foliage poses a fire risk as the primary materials used in the construction of artificial foliage is fabric and plastic.

Because artificial foliage presents a fire risk, building fire codes require artificial foliage to be compliant with fire test standards that govern the use of materials used in buildings. So now the question becomes how is artificial foliage made flame retardant to comply with building fire codes?

Initiatives

The first step towards developing a solution for the manufacturing of a fire compliant artificial foliage is to consider the possible flame retarding processes that could be implemented. It quickly becomes apparent there are two potential processes to explore.

The first is an “in production� process whereby the fire retardant is incorporated into the finished good and the second is a “post production� process whereby the fire retardant is applied in an aftermarket treatment.

Now that the available processes are established, the next step is to explore the fire test methods in greater detail to understand the specific performance requirements. Once this is known, the final step is to develop and test the two processes and measure the results.

The success of this manufacturing process is so superior to any other process that ThermaLeaf® is the only trademarked artificial foliage available.

Results

After nearly 3 decades of advancements in the manufacturing of artificial foliage, ThermaLeaf® provides an “in-production� process whereby the fire retardant attributes are inherent in the artificial foliage. The success of this manufacturing process is so superior to any other process that ThermaLeaf® is the only trademarked artificial foliage available.

We invite you to explore in greater detail ThermaLeaf® including a comparison, fire tests, state fire codes, specifications, dangers and FAQ.

Construction

Our plants are designed for outdoor use and indoor use. Every detail of the construction is evaluated to determine the best construction method for all applications.

Leaf Connections

Heavy duty arrow tips and recessed channel locks prevent leaf loss from the wind.

Stainless Steel

Our plants are offered in both mild steel and stainless steel. Depending on the application, any of our plants can be manufactured with stainless steel.

Unitized Construction

Where possible, we limit the number of connections to make a single foliage with no secondary leaf connections.

Color / UV Stabilizers / Resin

The raw materials are a major reason why our plants perform so well outdoors. Learn more about each of these features: color , UV stabilizers and resin .

Design & Engineering

Our plants are designed for outdoor use and indoor use. We do an extensive amount of design research and work with multiple engineers to determine the best procedures for creating a realistic long-lasting product.

Design Process

We start with an exhaustive review of actual living plants and study every detail to ensure an authentic replication. Some areas we focus on are; color, shape, texture, veining, fruit, seeds, etc.

Mold Design

Once live plant has been studied, then it goes through mold design and engineering. Looking to determine the best construction method to preserve realism while maximizing useful life.

Engineering process

We consider everything when going through this stage. We examine external conditions like wind load, weight load from snow and ice, sunlight, and rain. Also, we look into how realistic the final design is compared to the authentic plant and our competitors products.