- Material Comparison
PVC vs. TPE — Thermoplastic vs. Thermoplastic Elastomer
At a Glance
PVC
- Temperature: -10°C to +60°C
- Main advantage: Very low cost, chemically resistant
- Processing: Extrusion, injection molding
- Plasticizers: Often included (flexible PVC)
TPE
- Temperature: typically -50°C to +100°C; selected TPV/TPE-V grades up to approx. +135°C
- Main advantage: Plasticizer-free, recyclable
- Processing: Injection molding, extrusion
- Plasticizers: Not required
- Technical Comparison
Detailed Property Comparison
| Property | PVC | TPE |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | -10°C to +60°C | ✅ typically -50°C to +100°C; selected TPV/TPE-V grades up to approx. +135°C |
| Chemical resistance | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Good (varies) |
| Plasticizers required | ❌ Yes (for flexibility) | ⚠️ Grade-dependent; plasticizer-free grades available |
| Environmental impact | ❌ Problematic (chlorine) | ⚠️ Life-cycle- and grade-dependent; halogen-free grades available |
| Elasticity | ⚠️ Moderate (soft PVC) | ✅ Very good |
| Feel | ⚠️ Rigid to soft | ✅ Soft-touch, rubber-like |
| 2K-injection molding | ❌ Limited | ✅ Ideal |
| Recyclability | ⚠️ Possible | ✅ Thermoplastically reprocessable; recycling depends on grade and stream |
| Cost | ✅ Very affordable | ⚠️ Medium to high |
When to Choose Which Material?
Choose PVC when:
- Low material costs are a priority
- Chemical resistance to acids and alkalis is needed
- Rigid or semi-flexible components are required
- Electrical insulation is needed
Choose TPE when:
- Plasticizer-free solutions are required (REACH, RoHS)
- Rubber-like feel and high elasticity are needed
- Multi-component parts (2K injection molding) are planned
- Sustainability and recyclability are important
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TPE more expensive than PVC?
Yes, the raw material is more expensive. However, TPE does not require plasticizers, and processing cycles are often shorter, which can reduce the total cost.
Can TPE replace soft PVC?
In most applications, yes. TPE offers similar flexibility without the environmentally and health-critical plasticizers used in PVC.
Which material is better for food contact?
TPE is usually the better choice, as it requires no plasticizers. PVC requires special food-compliant plasticizer formulations.
Unsure which material is the right one?
Free material consultation from our engineers —
non-binding and individual.
Inquiry & Consultation
Step 01
We analyze your requirements and jointly select the optimal material (TPE, EPDM, or PVC) for your specific application.
Design & Development
Step 02
Our experts create precise profiles or molded parts based on your drawings or samples to guarantee a perfect fit.
Production & Logistics
Step 03
After precision production, we ensure fast delivery of your finished components – directly to your desired date and location