Renegade Plastics
FAQ:
Below you may find answers to the most common questions that we receive from customers about Renegade Plastics’ products. Have a question that isn’t answered below?Feel free to contact us, and follow this link if you are looking for more information about the Renegade Tarp.
The Fabrics
We take pride in the quality and safety of our fabrics, learn more here.
What are Renegade fabrics made of?
Renegade Fabrics are made from a proprietary polypropylene-based formula.
Are your products PFAS-free?
Yes! We never use fluorinated compounds in our manufacturing process, so our products are always PFAS-free.
Are your products Phthalate-free?
Yes! Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers that make rigid plastics flexible. These are commonly used in PVC/vinyl fabrics. We never use phthalates in our manufacturing process, so our products are always phthalate-free.
Fabricating with Renegade
While Renegade fabricates like most other coated fabric, there are some differences.
Can Renegade fabrics be sewn?
Yes. Renegade fabrics can be sewn like any PVC or polyurethane coated fabric.
Can Renegade fabrics be thermally welded?
Yes. Renegade plastics work great with hot air, hot wedge and impulse welders. You can learn more about thermoplastic welding at Miller Weldmaster.
What other types of fabrication techniques work with Renegade fabrics?
Ultrasonic welding works very well with Renegade, as does pulse-packet welding. Unfortunately, radio frequency welding does not work with Renegade fabrics.
Sustainability
Renegade fabrics are a key component of the industrial textile industry’s move towards more sustainable products.
Do Renegade fabrics have a lower carbon footprint than PVC coated fabrics?
Yes, they do! PVC coated fabrics are made from two of the most carbon intensive base polymers: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester. Renegade fabrics are polypropylene based fabrics. Polypropylene’s carbon footprint is significantly lower than either PVC or polyester. Plus, our fabrics do not have any added phthalates or PFAS, which are also very carbon intensive additives.
Can I put my Renegade product in the recycling bin when I’m done with it?
Unfortunately, no. While our products are designed to work with common plastic mechanical recycling equipment, our fabrics look and feel just like PVC coated fabrics (aka vinyl fabrics), which is not recyclable. Therefore, you cannot simply drop our fabrics in your curbside bin, they need to go to a Renegade partner recycler that has qualified Renegade fabrics. Check out our recycling page for more information and assistance in making sure your Renegade fabric is recycled.
If I use polyester thread to make something with Renegade fabrics, is it still recyclable?
No. If you want to improve the likelihood that your finished product is recyclable, we recommend using as many polypropylene components as possible (e.g., thread, webbing, etc.). If a non-polypropylene component is required, making sure that it can be easily removed will improve the chances that the finished product can be recycled.
Performance
Renegade fabrics are designed to match many of the same performance characteristics as the items they are replacing. But in a few ways, Renegade fabrics are different.
Why does my Renegade tarp get dark spots when it gets wet?
We don’t treat our fabrics with potentially toxic moisture-wicking chemicals, so if the surface layer of the tarp gets worn down or scratched, water might temporarily absorb into the woven scrim and appear as a dark spot. Our fabrics and tarps are made from mildew resistant materials and we recommend leaving the fabric out to dry before it goes back into storage. The dark spots should not affect the performance of the fabrics other than just aesthetics.
I love the dry bag that came with my Renegade tarp, but it would be a lot more useful if it had a closure.
We hear you! We’re currently working on developing closures and accessory kits that can be sold alongside our fabrics. First, we need to make sure anything we offer does not diminish our fabric’s recyclability. Check back later to see what we’ve been able to come up with!
What happens to Renegade fabrics after prolonged UV exposure?
UV exposure degrades the physical properties and color of all polymer-based materials. However, Renegade coated fabrics have distinct advantages compared to PVC coated fabrics. Since no plasticizers are added to our materials, there is no migration of those plasticizers when exposed to UV. Therefore, our fabrics retain their physical properties significantly longer than PVC coated fabrics. It is important to note that colors with red pigment fade faster than other colors, but this is the case with all polymer based materials.