Meet the new Coolaroo—here’s a quick look
Creating an outdoor space you love starts with knowing what works best for your environment. The right fabric can make all the difference in how comfortable, inviting, and lasting that space feels.
When you’re looking at materials for shade sails, roller shades, or garden covers, a few details matter most: how well the fabric handles sunlight, moisture, and daily wear. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the strongest and most dependable materials available for outdoor use. It’s the same type of fabric used in many quality outdoor furnishings because it stays cool, resists fading, and stands up beautifully to the elements.
HDPE is made to last without leaving a lasting impact. It’s 100% recyclable and produced without harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates. Choosing HDPE means choosing a cleaner material that’s safer for people, pets, and the planet.
On top of that, Coolaroo operates on clean manufacturing techniques and sustainable disposal of materials. Alternatives, such as PVC fabrics, typically contain phthalates and similar additives that can give off a corrosive, toxic gas when exposed to harsh elements.
Outdoor fabrics need to handle more than just sunshine. HDPE excels in UV resistance and resists fading, mildew, salt, and abrasion so it continues to look good and perform year after year.
It’s also easy to adjust if your installation ever loosens with time, helping you keep everything in shape without much effort.
HDPE’s breathable knit structure helps air flow naturally and keeps shaded areas cooler. It thrives in even the harshest conditions and is weather-resistant.
Knitted HDPE uses a looping pattern that moves with the surface where it’s installed. This flexibility helps it stay secure, even in uneven or high-wind areas. Woven fabrics, which are made from a more rigid grid, can be less forgiving and may start to unravel when cut.
Because knitted fabrics allow air to pass through, they help reduce heat buildup and create a cooler, more pleasant space beneath. Woven PVC materials tend to trap heat, which can make shaded areas warmer than you’d like.
A well-made knitted HDPE fabric typically lasts many seasons while maintaining its strength and color. Woven materials often start to show early wear or fraying, especially after extended exposure to the elements.
When you understand how different fabrics perform, it becomes easier to choose what works best for your outdoor space. Knitted HDPE offers a balance of strength, airflow, and longevity that helps you spend more time enjoying your space and less time maintaining it. Whether you’re creating a shaded spot for relaxing, dining, or gardening, it’s a fabric that works with your lifestyle instead of against it.
Coolaroo’s knitted HDPE shade cloth champions sustainability, health, and performance. By combining eco-friendly materials, superior breathability, easy maintenance, and long-lasting durability, it's the smart alternative to PVC and woven options. For outdoor living that’s better for people and the planet, Coolaroo is the clear choice.
