Why are plastic pads replacing paper ones?

What is a plastic evaporative cooling pad?
Plastic evaporative cooling pads are high-efficiency cooling media made from engineering plastics such as polypropylene (PP). Through a specialized structural design, they offer a high specific surface area while providing mechanical strength and service life far superior to paper-based products. Since their market introduction in the 1990s, these products have established a solid global presence in the evaporative cooling sector, serving as an ideal alternative to paper pads.

Why are plastic pads replacing paper pads?
Superior strength; performance remains consistent whether wet or dry
The major drawback of paper cooling pads is that they soften when wet and become brittle when dry. Repeated wet-dry cycles cause paper pads to deform, collapse, or even disintegrate rapidly. In contrast, plastic cooling pads feature a robust, one-piece molded structure that maintains its mechanical strength in both dry and wet conditions. This allows them to withstand direct high-pressure water spraying, making cleaning and maintenance easier than ever.

Higher cooling efficiency and lower energy consumption
The fully 3D open-mesh structure of plastic cooling pads is precision-engineered to achieve a specific surface area of ​​up to 400 m²/m³ while reducing pressure drop by approximately 30%. Lower pressure drop means fans face less resistance, resulting in energy cost savings of up to 30%—a significant amount over long-term operation.

Hygienic and durable; no need for frequent replacement
Paper cooling pads are prone to the growth of mold, algae, and bacteria in humid environments, making deterioration and decay almost inevitable. Plastic cooling pads fundamentally solve this issue: they inhibit microbial growth, dry quickly, and effectively reduce odors. Made from UV-resistant polypropylene, the product offers a long service life for outdoor use, with the option to incorporate antimicrobial additives for enhanced hygiene. In practical applications, the durability of plastic cooling pads extends the maintenance and replacement cycle from the typical 1–2 years associated with paper pads to 10 years or even longer.

Hassle-free cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning paper cooling pads presents a dilemma: failing to wash them leads to clogging, while washing them causes damage. Plastic cooling pads eliminate this concern entirely—they can be thoroughly cleaned using high-pressure equipment and even disinfected. This advantage is particularly crucial when a farm faces a disease outbreak and requires comprehensive disinfection.