Story at a glance:
- MDC Interior Solutions MDC has been a leader in interior finishes for more than 50 years.
- Nvolve PVC-Free Type II Wall Coverings from MDC Interior Solutions are durable, functional, and beautiful.
With more than 50 years of experience in commercial design, MDC Interior Solutions has long blended aesthetics and functionality in its ever-evolving products. The newest addition, a line of PVC-free wall coverings called Nvolve, combines eye-catching visuals with ultra-durable and sustainable materials that can be used in a wide variety of applications. And like every MDC product, it’s backed by a generous five-year warranty.
Why create 100% PVC-free wall coverings?
Nvolve Helios. Photo courtesy of MDC Interior Solutions
Going back at least a decade, the interior design market began looking into developing more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional PVC wall coverings. Progress, though, was stymied by performance shortfalls and high prices. “There was a need from the market and the design community, but they weren’t willing to compromise on the performance characteristics of the product,” says Dan Brandt, MDC’s vice president of product and marketing.
Previous iterations of PVC-free products on the market were delicate and easily damaged. “They were also considerably more expensive, sometimes up to 30% more,” Brandt says. “So while there were options in the market, they weren’t really viable.” After investing more than five years in R&D, MDC has partnered with Versa Designed Surfaces to come up with a solution. Launched in August, its Nvolve line will continue to expand and be updated yearly as Type II wall coverings and a soon-to-be released version of flexible wall protection.
How Nvolve was Developed
Nvovle Zephyr. Photo courtesy of MDC Interior Solutions
Development required an investment of more than five years and several hundred thousands of dollars in rigorous R&D. Globally sourced, low-emission and made from 20% recycled materials, Nvolve features state-of-the-art Evo® PVC-free technology.
It’s also very easy to make and install, which means fast manufacturing and no learning curve for designers and installers. Both of those qualities help keep supply up and prices down. Key third-party endorsements include a recently published HPD study.
Nvolve’s Many Applications
Zephyr Juniper. Photo courtesy of MDC Interior Solutions
With Nvolve, there’s no sacrifice in design aesthetics, which range from subtle to vivid to suit a wide variety of spaces. “It has everything clients have come to expect in terms of color, pattern and usability,” Brandt says. “This product can be used anywhere a traditional Type II PVC product would be used, so across every major market segment.”
It’s especially desirable in the health care space, where aesthetics have long been trumped by functionality. But MDC’s latest invention is both eye-catching and long-lasting, able to withstand vigorous daily scrubbing with hospital-grade disinfectants. Consequently, it’s ideal for patient rooms, corridors, and other high-traffic areas. And because this line meets the ultra-high bar set by health care facilities, it easily exceeds requirements for every other application, including education, corporate and hospitality.
“The development of our PVC-free line was driven by interest from the design firms,” Brandt says. “We really appreciate their commitment and how they’ve pushed us to improve our engineering and seek out better ways to do things as we move forward.”
