VGroup International has launched a new polypropylene lining panel said to bring a massive weight advantage to fleets when compared to traditional plywood.
Unveiled by vGroup International’s vComms division for commercial vehicle accessories, the lining, called Finesse Poly-line, weighs 1,500g per square metre. In contrast, vComms says standard hardwood plywood van linings weigh in 3.59kgs/m2 (5.5mm thickness), 5.87kgs/m2 (9mm thickness) and 7.82kgs/m2 per sheet (12mm thickness), equating to a significant weight saving for the new product.
The firm calculates that lining a typical panel van with traditional birch in 12mm thickness would weigh 55.38kg in total. However the equivalent Finesse Poly-line would weigh 19.02kg – delivering a weight saving of 36.36kg.
As a result, the new solution could help fleets to either cut fuel costs – vComms says saving almost 40kg over 125,000 miles could cut fuel bills by about £450 – or increase payload.
Finesse Poly-line is also designed to be extremely rigid and durable as well as 100% recyclable, washable and resistant to acid and oils. In addition, it’s also easy to handle and fit and it can be CNC (computer numerical control) machined.
James Nash, managing director of vGroup International, said: “The use of timber linings for commercial vehicles is long-established and, while they will remain part of our product portfolio, we believe that Finesse Poly-line offers a 21st century alternative.”
Finesse Poly-line is supplied in a light grey colour in sheet sizes from 4mm x 3250mm x 2000mm and in white from 4mm x 3050mm x 1525mm.
