If you're dealing with intense summer heat or managing a greenhouse that builds up too much warmth, Aluminet is a more effective option than standard shade cloth.
Aluminet shade cloth at 60% density delivers stronger heat control while preserving enough light for a broad range of crops. It is a practical choice for high-intensity sun environments and warm-climate greenhouses.
What Is Aluminet shade cloth?
Aluminet is a special knitted screen made from aluminized polyethylene strips. Where conventional black or green shade cloth absorbs incoming solar radiation, aluminet reflects it. This distinction matters in practice: rather than re-radiating absorbed heat downward onto your plants, the cloth redirects solar energy away from the growing area entirely.
The open knit structure allows air to move freely through the fabric, which supports ventilation and reduces humidity buildup beneath the cloth. Combined with its UV protection and thermal reflective properties, aluminet reduces water requirements and helps maintain a more stable growing environment without the drawbacks of solid plastic covers or woven alternatives.
At 60% shading, this cloth blocks about two thirds of incoming solar radiation while still allowing meaningful diffused light transmission. That diffused light reaches plants more evenly than direct sunlight, limiting the heat stress and leaf scorch that occur on hot days under intense, unfiltered exposure.
What crops benefit from 60% aluminet?
A 60% shade rate is suited to crops with moderate to low light requirements, or to high-light crops grown in regions where summer radiation is particularly intense. It offers a stronger buffer against heat damage without pushing light levels low enough to affect productive growth. Crops that respond well include:
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Tomatoes and peppers in hot climates: where a 50% cloth is insufficient during peak summer, 60% aluminet helps maintain fruit set and canopy health without a significant reduction in photosynthetic activity.
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Cucumbers and melons: these crops tolerate moderate shading well and benefit from the cooler, more humid microclimate that 60% aluminet supports alongside good irrigation management.
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Leafy greens and brassicas: lettuce, spinach, kale, and similar crops perform well under 60% shading, particularly in summer production where bolting and tip burn are common problems under direct exposure.
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Soft herbs and shade-tolerant varieties: basil, coriander, and other heat-sensitive herbs benefit from the additional protection a 60% cloth provides during the hottest part of the day.
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Ornamentals and nursery stock: many flowering plants and propagation trays require lower light levels during establishment. 60% aluminet provides reliable protection for your plants without creating excessively dim conditions.
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Mushroom and specialty crops: crops with low direct light requirements benefit from the consistent, diffused environment a 60% aluminet screen creates.
Typical Applications
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Greenhouse shade cloth systems: suited to warm or high-altitude greenhouses where solar intensity requires stronger control. Can be installed as an internal suspended ceiling or as an external covering. External installation remains the more effective option for reducing thermal gain inside the structure.
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Summer tunnels: draped over tunnel hoops and secured at ground level to protect row crops during the hottest months. Easy to remove or replace with a lighter cloth as conditions change through the season.
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Raised bed and garden shade structures: fitted over a support structure using the reinforced grommets and standard wire or tubing, providing a permanent or seasonal canopy over vegetable and ornamental beds.
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Evaporative cooling systems: the stronger reflective barrier of a 60% cloth further reduces the cooling load on evaporative systems when used alongside vents and fans, improving overall efficiency and lowering operating cost.
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Nursery and propagation benches: suspended above ground-level beds or growing benches, 60% aluminet creates a consistent diffused light environment well suited to sensitive seedlings and cuttings.
Material and construction
Our aluminet shade cloth panels are made from aluminized polyethylene (HDPE) using a tape knit construction. The open mesh resists fraying, holds its shape across seasons, and maintains its reflective properties under prolonged outdoor exposure. Each panel comes hemmed on all sides with reinforced corners and fitted with PVC grommets along the perimeter for straightforward installation with standard wire, rope, or hardware fittings.
We can custom make any size panel to suit your installation. Contact us with your dimensions and any technical questions about your project.
Durability
This 60% aluminet cloth is built for long-term outdoor use, with a lifespan of 5 to 10 years under normal conditions.
The aluminized coating is integrated into the knit structure rather than applied as a surface treatment, so it does not peel or degrade over time.
The fabric is UV resistant, retains its reflective properties across seasons, and resists tears from spreading, which is a practical advantage in permanently installed or wind-exposed setups.
It is not recommended for permanent burial or prolonged contact with standing water.
Reinforced fabric, edges and grommets
Reinforced fabric, edges and grommets
