Why we do not manufacture with PVC

One of the most frequent questions we are asked in the store is whether we make the kitchens in PVC, and in this article we describe the reasons we provide and abound a little more. The first reason is that we manufacture our kitchens in Italy and in the European Union this material is not used to manufacture kitchens and its use is being banned because of the environmental damage. More than 300 municipalities in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway and Sweden have banned and/or eliminated the use of PVC products in their public buildings. On the other hand, the U.S. government has announced a plan to end the chlorine industry, giving priority to the elimination of PVC.

PVC kitchen cabinets have numerous advantages that make them attractive to many homeowners. Their moisture resistance, easy maintenance and affordable cost are features that make them stand out. However, it is important to consider the drawbacks of PVC, such as its environmental impact, sensitivity to heat, repair limitations, design limitations and sensitivity to chemicals. Before making a decision, it is advisable to consider your personal needs and preferences, as well as explore other options available on the market.

Here are some of the drawbacks of PVC in kitchen furniture:

Sensitivity to heat

One drawback of PVC in kitchen cabinets is its sensitivity to heat. PVC kitchen cabinets are not suitable for use in high temperature environments, such as near ovens or stoves. The material can warp if exposed to high temperatures, including direct exposure to direct sunlight.

Limitations on repair

PVC is not a material that is easy to repair compared to other materials. If a PVC kitchen cabinet is damaged, such as by a strong impact or breakage, it can be difficult or costly to repair. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire PVC kitchen cabinet instead of repairing a damaged part. They can be easily damaged if subjected to a lot of weight because if they are bent they cannot be returned to their original state. Also, as the doors open and close, the screws lose their grip on the material causing the hardware to loosen and the doors to fall off.

Design limitations

PVC has limitations in terms of design flexibility. If you are looking for kitchen cabinets with intricate details like European kitchens, PVC may not be the best choice. However, this does not mean that it is not possible to create attractive designs with PVC, only that there are certain limitations in terms of complexity and versatility.

Environmental impact

PVC is a plastic material that is derived from crude oil, which means that its production and disposal can have a negative impact on the environment. In addition, PVC is not biodegradable, which means that PVC kitchen cabinets can contribute to the global plastic waste problem. There are now more sustainable and environmentally friendly options available on the market, such as kitchen cabinets made from certified wood or recycled materials like Ecologic® Panel.