Where quality in film is a cherished tradition

We are nicely received in Worms, Germany, with a request to learn about the company-wide safety protocol. A small course later, we are well informed and ready for a grand tour. The location: the Renolit offices and factories.

Area Sales Manager Hans van Gils is our host that day and takes us through the foil manufacturing company, known worldwide for its consistent quality and innovative developments. We start with a piece of company history and philosophy, at the offices of Dr. Matthias Müller, PR. Corporate Communications.

'Rely on it' is a real promise

Samples of each film are taken, tested and stored.

"Reliability is hugely important," Müller opens the conversation. "That's why our payoff under the logo is 'Rely on it.' Renolit is a solid company with 20 production sites, more than 4,700 employees worldwide." The founder of RENOLIT, was originally a leather manufacturer. When there was a shortage of leather just after the war, the company started looking for substitute materials. "That's when the first plastic products were developed," Müller outlines. "The first calenders made their appearance in 1950, and working with PVC as a raw material in film production became a reality. Over the years, more and more new industries were added. There is continuous investment. For example, the halls here in Worms are currently being raised and a 20 million euro calender was recently put into operation in the USA. Our turnover last year exceeded the 1 billion euro mark."

For Renolit, a turning point came in 2006. Müller: "Then a foil factory in China was acquired and Renolit Guangzhou Ltd saw the light of day." Van Gils gives a good example of Renolit's ever-expanding markets: "The Medical branch of our company is located in Enkhuizen. Renolit is made up of several business units, each serving its own specific market, but with a lot of overlap. Several Renolit business units can be in one market together." Müller adds: "In Worms we have established three business units, namely RENOLIT Exterior - producer of the well-known RENOLIT Exofol -, RENOLIT Contact and RENOLIT Design."

Maximum distinctiveness

At Renolit, just coupon foil can be ordered.

As manager of the RENOLIT Exterior business unit, Stefan Friedrich is responsible for the films we are now well acquainted with in the window and facade sector.

"Exterior film remains in use for between 20 and 40 years after application," says Friedrich. "Our goal is to produce film that continues to look good and retain its protective effect over the period of use. That's why quality is priority number one at Renolit. We continue to develop further. We test the new versions of RENOLIT Exofol at several locations around the world under the toughest conditions. The material must remain good for at least 20 years, because we want to guarantee our customers security. Our first industrial customer was Rehau, the well-known profile house. That this party is still a satisfied customer after 39 years means something. Many companies can make foils, but few produce foils that last 20 to 30 years." Instead of 10 years, Renolit is insured for claims of film defects for as much as 20 years. "RENOLIT Exofol FX is the absolute best in film, with a 20-year warranty, even when applied under the most adverse and extreme conditions, anywhere in the world," Friedrich said.

Facade film as top alternative to powder coating

"RENOLIT Exofol FX as a film on facade cladding is not the cheapest, but it is the best solution. With the tremendous durability that Renolit film brings also comes the advantage of drastically reducing cleaning costs, providing a long warranty and guaranteeing color fastness. That comes in handy with repeat orders that after years must offer the same look as the film already applied. You can't save that with powder coating."

Another roll ready to be stockpiled.

And if things do go wrong, for example due to damage to the foiled window frame or a siding? Friedrich replies, "We have developed our own repair methods and provide our customers with training and support. Small repairs can be done with a marker, larger ones with foil. To solve another problem, we have developed our own cleaner. Renolit therefore recommends using this specially formulated cleaner, for example after assembling the window frames. Our cleaner cleans without affecting the film. Those who work haphazardly with a cleaner,
without knowing its chemical composition can cause damage. Afterwards, in the event of a claim, you then get into a battle over the burden of proof. You can 100% avoid that by always working with our cleaner."

Cutting service at the service of the customer

Renolit has invested more than 3 million euros in training, laying the foundation for quality in work. Van Gils mentions the cutting service, which allows customers to order coupon film, for example, for repair work. "Customers are ordering more and more according to their needs. That contributes to sustainability because you eliminate a waste stream. We educate our customers here in Worms on how to do a repair properly. Those who want on-site support during a damage repair get it. Again, "Rely on it" applies here. Renolit does not let its partners down. Frame manufacturers also receive this course from us."

Recognizable anytime, anywhere

Friedrich hints at the latest developments: "We are going to mark our films. With a special detector, we can then determine on site whether the film is Renolit film, what quality it is and what the production year is. This not only prevents fraud, but also allows us to keep statistics that help improve our products."

Finally, we ask how Renolit responds to trends - local or otherwise. Friedrich: "There are two ladies working continuously on new colors for our collections. They go to the Colour Marketing Group and come back with mood boards for future trends. Renolit is more than foil, in all respects."