The new GRIP™ (Green Reliable Intelligent Polymer) espag handle from Mila is the first mainstream window hardware product to be certified by the Carbon Trust.
In contrast with conventional espag handles which are normally manufactured in zinc or aluminium, the new GRIP™ is produced from a high strength, fully recyclable polycomposite ABS. This gives it a carbon footprint which is 60% lower than existing handles on the market and offers specifiers a simple, stylish and cost effective option for projects where low embodied carbon targets have been set.
The product, which was developed by Mila’s in house product design team, holds a worldwide patent and comes with the reassurance of the Carbon Trust footprint logo, having successfully achieved certified carbon reductions at every stage of the production process from the raw material used to the distribution journey and even eventual disposal.
Mila’s GRIP™ represents real innovation in the hardware sector since, in addition to being ‘green’, it is also the first espag handle to be available in any RAL colour.
Specifiers can choose handles in any colour to match with sprayed, foiled or painted aluminium, PVC-U or timber window frames and sashes. Alternatively, they can choose contrasting colours to fit in with any design scheme or corporate identity.
Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde explained: “The new GRIP™ handle is our response to the government’s Low Carbon Routemap for the Built Environment, which sets clear targets of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment vs 1990 levels by 2050, and a 50% reduction by 2025.
“It has outstanding environmental credentials but it doesn’t compromise on design or performance either with a huge choice or colours and a corrosion resistant, UV stable finish.”
The Mila GRIP™ handle has been strength tested to more than 60kg so easily outperforms a zinc handle and, having been performance tested to 50,000 cycles, it is guaranteed for 10 years.
