Solar Reflective Compounds
Helping the construction industry cool our cities, one surface at a time.
Record summer temperatures are putting unprecedented stress on the built environment. Roofs, drainage systems and other exposed plastic surfaces can regularly reach 50-70°C in peak conditions, transferring unwanted heat into buildings and contributing to the urban heat island effect.
As a specialist recycler and producer of custom-formulated polymers, Luxus has developed a new range of solar reflective recycled polypropylene (rPP) compounds that enable construction product manufacturers to:
Reflect a significant proportion of solar energy from large, exposed surfaces
Reduce heat transfer by 40-50% compared to conventional materials
Lower dependence on energy-hungry cooling systems in homes, shops and offices
Extend product life and retain structural integrity under high temperature cycles
All while maintaining colour aesthetics and delivering the sustainability benefits you expect from Luxus.
Why solar reflective compounds matter for construction
Traditional dark plastics absorb solar energy, rapidly increasing surface temperatures. In testing, our solar reflective compounds have delivered heat transfer reductions of 40-50%, significantly lowering the amount of heat moved into the building envelope and surrounding environment.
Benefits for your products:
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Cooler surface temperatures in direct sun
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Reduced thermal stress and expansion
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Greater comfort for end users in and around buildings
Reduce reliance on cooling systems
As average summer temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, buildings are increasingly dependent on mechanical cooling, driving up running costs and carbon emissions.
By limiting heat gain at source, Luxus solar reflective compounds help:
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Reduce the load on HVAC systems
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Support operational energy savings
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Contribute to lower peak energy demand during hot weather
This is a material-level solution that supports building performance targets, without major redesign.
Mitigate the urban heat
island effect
In dense urban areas, large areas of dark roofs, façades and hard landscaping can trap and disperse heat, keeping night-time temperatures higher than surrounding rural areas.
Using solar reflective compounds for large surfaces such as roofing membranes, drainage channels, walkways and street-level infrastructure helps:
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Reflect more solar energy by day
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Release less heat at night
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Support efforts to keep cities cooler and more liveable
Key benefits at a glance
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Up to 40-50% reduction in heat transfer
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Lower surface temperatures in extreme summer conditions
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Extended service life and maintained structural integrity
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Reduced risk of warping, cracking and premature failure
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Lower reliance on air conditioning and cooling systems
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Improved comfort and safety for building users
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Recycled content as standard, supporting circular economy goals
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Recyclable at end-of-life, helping close the loop
Where our solar reflective
compounds add value
Our customised rPP solar reflective compounds are ideal for high-exposure components in the construction and civil engineering sectors, including:
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Roofing systems - membranes, cappings, trims and ancillary components
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Drainage and rainwater goods - gutters, downpipes, channels and covers
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Utility & infrastructure - access covers, inspection chambers, ducts and manhole surrounds
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External cladding and façades - profiles, panels and trims in compatible systems
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Walkways & external fixtures - decking profiles, safety edge trims and street furniture elements
Talk to us about your specific application and we’ll recommend the best compound and colour formulation to maximise solar reflectance without compromising appearance or performance.
Sustainability built in
Solar reflective compounds are not just about cooling; they support climate-resilient, resource-efficient construction.
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Recycled polypropylene (rPP) reduces reliance on virgin plastics
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Longer product life cuts maintenance and replacement cycles
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Recyclable at end-of-life, supporting closed-loop solutions
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Demonstrable contributions to carbon reduction and ESG reporting
With 2025 setting new benchmarks for sustained high temperatures, material choices now directly influence how the built environment responds to climate change.
Driving Performance Across Every Application
Luxus solar reflective compounds are designed to drop straight into your production process, offering fully compounded rPP materials that deliver consistent, reliable performance in both injection moulding and extrusion. Our technical team supports you from first trial to full-scale manufacture, ensuring smooth processing and minimal disruption.
With over 60 years of expertise, Luxus is a trusted partner to the construction and civil engineering sectors. Manufacturers rely on us for application-specific formulations, stable supply and materials that meet demanding regulatory and performance standards. Working closely with Colour Tone Masterbatch, we achieve high solar reflectance without compromising colour or long-term durability.
Speak to Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator, Megan Crate,