DuPont Nonwovens has introduced DuPont Tyvek Vivia, a coated material for wide-format printing. A recyclable solution particularly suited for UV-cure inkjet and screen printing, Tyvek Vivia resists creases for a more polished look, and offers superior durability for indoor and outdoor banner and sign applications. DuPont reports that the material resembles scrimless vinyl but is smoother to the touch. In addition, it features the same lightweight strength of traditional Tyvek media and so features good tear-, puncture-, weather-, and fade-resistance.
Available in four widths in mother rolls (28- or 39-in. ODs): 53, 58, 63 and 116 in.; available in two widths in converted rolls (50 yd in length): 58 and 116 in. Tyvek Vivia can be recycled at centers that recycle flexible high-density polyethylene products. Distributors include LexJet (lexjet.com), Laird Plastics (lairdplastics.com), and Material Concepts (materialsconcepts.com).
In addition, DuPont Nonwovens has partnered with Waste Management Inc. in Houston to launch a mail-in recycling program to capture banners, envelopes, and other items printed on DuPont Tyvek. This provides a method for printers and other large-volume users of printed products who are seeking an alternative to adding Tyvek to landfills.
Once recycled, Tyvek items are repurposed for other products such as decking, playground equipment, and corrugated pipes. The program also allows DuPont customers to track on-line what they have ordered, the weight of each package that was returned, and an aggregate total for each year. For more information on ordering recycling kits: http://recycletyvek.wm.com/home.cfm.