At Ricky, we take immense pride in our longstanding partnership with Phifer, a global leader in innovative and sustainable textile manufacturing. For years, Phifer has been a pioneer in creating high-performance fabrics that not only enhance outdoor spaces but also contribute to healthier and more sustainable living environments. As distributors of premium products like Outlook and Skyline, we’ve witnessed firsthand how Phifer’s commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with our values at Ricky.
As children, many of us were told to "go outside and get some fresh air," and as it turns out, there’s more truth to that advice than we realised. According to the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Generation Z and Baby Boomers average between 3.5 to 6 hours daily in leisure, with outdoor activities making up a significant part of that time.
Australia is known for generally having good air quality, but pollution levels can vary significantly by location and season. In urban areas, air pollution primarily stems from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust, leading to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne occasionally experience days with elevated PM levels, especially during traffic congestion or construction peaks.
Rural areas face unique air quality challenges. During the summer, bushfires contribute to high levels of particulate matter and toxic pollutants, sometimes severely impacting air quality.
The quality of the air we breathe indoors has a direct impact on our health and well-being, and that’s where our partnership with Phifer plays a vital role.
Phifer’s Commitment to Improving Air Quality
In line with Phifer’s commitment to healthier living environments, many of their fabrics, including those we distribute at Ricky, are GREENGUARD® Certified. This nationally recognised certification ensures that products meet rigorous standards for low chemical emissions and contribute to improved air quality. GREENGUARD Certification means that Phifer products like Outlook® and Skyline fabrics emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), offering cleaner, healthier air inside homes and commercial buildings.
Phifer’s GREENGUARD certification isn’t just a one-time achievement; it requires ongoing monitoring to meet the most stringent requirements in the industry. This dedication to sustainable practices and low emissions translates into real-world benefits for our customers, allowing them to enjoy the highest-quality fabrics while protecting their environments.
A Greener Future: Dow Ecolibrium™ and Bio-Based Plasticisers
Environmental responsibility is another core value that Ricky and Phifer share. This is why we’re especially proud of Phifer’s use of Dow Ecolibrium™ bio-based plasticisers in products like Outlook. So, what exactly is a plasticiser? Plasticisers give flexibility to the vinyl-coated yarns in woven fabrics, allowing them to bend, flex, and roll without breaking. Phifer’s bio-based plasticisers, made from renewable plant-based resources, reduce the need for petroleum-based plasticisers, significantly lowering the environmental impact.
Outlook is a standout in this regard. Using Dow Ecolibrium plasticisers, Outlook fabric offers all the durability and UV protection needed for outdoor shading systems while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. It’s phthalate-free, lead-free, and RoHS-compliant, ensuring that you’re making a responsible choice for both your outdoor space and the environment.
Outlook and Skyline: The Best Meshes on the Market
As part of our collaboration with Phifer, we’re proud to offer two of the best outdoor mesh fabrics on the market—Outlook and Skyline. These high-performance products not only align with Phifer’s strict environmental and health standards but also offer superior durability and sun protection for any outdoor space.
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Outlook, crafted with Dow Ecolibrium bio-based plasticisers, offers a remarkable balance of sustainability, UV protection, and longevity, making it the premium choice for outdoor blinds, awnings, and other shading solutions.
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Skyline, available in both Skyline 94 and Skyline 99, provides tailored options for sun protection and privacy, offering sleek designs that are perfect for residential and commercial projects alike.
Ricky’s Partnership with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation
In addition to Phifer’s eco-conscious efforts, Ricky has also been a proud partner of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation for many years. Together, we’re working to create safer outdoor spaces by offering fabrics that provide high levels of UV protection—a critical factor in reducing the risk of skin cancer. Both Outlook and Skyline offer industry-leading UV-blocking capabilities, making them the perfect choice for homes, schools, playgrounds, and commercial areas where sun protection is vital.
Our partnership with Phifer is more than just business—it’s about making a positive impact on both the environment and the health of our communities. From sustainable materials to healthier indoor air quality, Ricky and Phifer are dedicated to delivering solutions that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible. With Outlook and Skyline, you’re not just investing in superior mesh fabrics—you’re investing in a better, healthier future.