How long has plastic been around?
Around 1600BC the Olmec civilization used rubber to make balls, bands and even figurines. Fast forward 3000 years to the industrial revolution and the first modern day plastic was created in 1856 and used as buttons, piano keys and billiard balls replacing ivory.

Now with the history lesson and background information on plastics out of the way,

Where is acrylic used today?
Acrylic is used literally everywhere around the world due to its versatility.

Look around your home, workplace, vehicle, when you are out and about and you will find it's widely used and in areas you wouldn't have ever thought of...

They include signage, displays in shopping centres, roof windows, lenses, car tail lights, helmet visors, point of purchase displays at your supermarket, TV screens, equipment guards, commercial aquariums - yes those large panoramic windows your look through at the aquarium are made out of acrylic and not glass!

What type of acrylic is used as splashbacks?
The acrylic commonly used for splashbacks is a form of Poly (methyl) methacrylate (PMMA).

PMMA is optically transparent and clearer than the glass used as splashbacks including low iron ultra-clear and starphire glass. So there is absolutely no green tinge in the acrylic.

PMMA was developed back in 1928 by Rohm & Hass and has been used world-wide since 1933.

There are now a number of brands on the world market but the original brand is Plexiglas®. Since 1928, Plexiglas® has stood the test of time for its quality, versatility and durability pedigree.

Coupled with the fact Plexiglas® offers a 30 year no UV yellowing warranty - this is unmatched by any other brand of PMMA acrylic. And as we all know, warranties speak volumes for product quality.

Plexiglas® PMMA acrylic also:

• Contains no toxic materials
• Is Non-toxic and does not produce any harmful chemicals or toxic smoke when burned
• Is known around the world as the "non-smoker" because in case of a burning building it will not produce the acrid, toxic smoke that restricts view and is deadly
• Does not emit any harmful or toxic gases - unlike some other polymer materials used as splashbacks and wall panels

One of the troubles with glass splashbacks...
This is an example of cracked or commonly termed "exploding" glass - which was toughened to Australian Standards and what is used in kitchens, bathroom and laundries.

This is not a rare occurrence for toughened glass splashbacks, it is well known to occur and does for a multitude of reasons.

One thing for sure is that you will NEVER have this happen with Innovative Splashbacks® thanks to the unrivalled PMMA acrylic - Plexiglas® - we use. And you are about to see the proof....

Plexiglas® is used world-wide in a mind boggling array of uses, some examples:

Building Façade of Museum, Austria & Greenhouse, Netherlands

Photos: Courtesy Evonik Industries

Aquarium in Shopping Mall, Slovakia & Transparent Wall, Concert Hall Austria

Photos: Courtesy Evonik Industries.

Fighter Jet Canopies & The Plexiglas® Car, GM Pontiac 1939

Photo: Courtesy Evonik Industries. Photo: GM Pontiac Chassis with Plexiglas® exterior bodyshell developed for the World Fair, New York.

Other world-wide uses for Plexiglas® include aircraft windows and windscreens, TV and tablet monitor screens, car tail lights. ice hockey spectator protection screens to prosthetics, contact lenses and even bone cement.

As you can see there is no question as to the longevity and durability of using PMMA acrylic and in particular the Plexiglas® brand for splashbacks and wall panels.

In the case of splashbacks and wall panels the big ticket considerations when comparing acrylic, glass, tiles and stainless include cost to purchase, cost to install, ease of cleaning and maintaining, durability of the material, how easy the material can damage and break, if the material can be repaired easily or not and the final look you want to achieve for your space.

Features and Benefits of Innovative Splashbacks® and why they are Australia's Favourite Splashbacks...

Innovative Splashbacks manufacture and supply high quality painted and printed acrylic splashbacks & decorative wall panels, perfect for residential and commercial applications, wet areas and virtually any vertical surface.

Innovative Splashbacks® are made using Plexiglas® PMMA cast acrylic. The reasons are now obvious as to why - there simply is no better quality acrylic in the world - and we would be clearly insane to use anything else!

Our unrivalled acrylic splashbacks are the ideal solution for architects, designers and builders who need a stylish, high quality finish without the cost, trouble or delays of glass and tiles.

They have fast become a popular glass alternative splashback choice for good reason. Innovative Splashbacks®:

• Look exactly like glass
• Half the weight of glass and 25 x stronger
• More affordable than glass
• Install 4 times faster than both glass and tiles = phenomenal cost savings
• Available in any colour or shade, including metallics
• Available in any print image, graphic or pattern
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments
• 6mm thick featuring stunning colour depth equal to glass
• Available cut to size to suit any project = savings on cost, time & labour costs
• Greater rigidity than alternative acrylic/polymer splashbacks & wall panel products
• No splitting, yellowing, cracking - due to only using the best acrylic in the world
• Durable, hard wearing high-gloss surface
• Australian Made & first ever acrylic/polymer splashbacks certified Australian Made
• Industry leading 10 year warranty on painted splashbacks

Where can Innovative Splashbacks® be used? Virtually any vertical surface including:

- Kitchens - Shower Wall & Cubicles - Vanities
- Bathroom Walls - Bath / Spa Surrounds - Laundries
- Bars / Counters Fronts - Feature Walls & Foyers - Commercial Displays
- Commercial Wet Areas - Commercial Fit Outs - Noticeboards

Major industries that choose Innovative Splashbacks®:

• Multi residential & Apartments
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Office Fit outs - reception & foyers
• Educational facilities
• Medical facilities

Innovative Splashbacks® allows you to reduce project costs and eliminates expensive project delays. We understand you design like nobody else does and know just how important it is for your designs to shine.

From concept, prototype, production, delivery and installation our team works closely with clients to meet exact project requirements - EVERY time.

Get in touch with us P: 0418 548 743

See our latest projects: www.facebook.com/InnovativeSplashbacks

Find out more: www.innovativesplashbacks.com.au

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