PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
The Most Versatile Thermoplastic Polymer
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Request a QuotePolyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer globally, with annual production exceeding 44 million tonnes. This low crystalline and amorphous thermoplastic polymer accounts for approximately 14% of the total global plastics market.
The global PVC market was valued at approximately $67 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2030, according to Grand View Research. The construction sector represents the largest application area, consuming over 60% of global PVC production.
PVC complies with ASTM D1784 specifications for rigid PVC compounds and ISO 1163 standards for unplasticized PVC pressure pipes. For food contact applications, PVC meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1975 regulations and European Union Regulation 10/2011 requirements.
The great versatility of PVC is attributed mainly to the need and the capacity to incorporate additives before their transformation into the finished product. The large chlorine content of PVC in the molecular structure confers high polarity, which increases its affinity and allows mixing with a wide range of additives. Through the appropriate choice and dosage of the formulation components may be obtained polymeric materials tailored for specific applications. Thus, the PVC may have changed their characteristics within a broad spectrum of properties ranging from rigid to highly flexible, making it the most versatile thermoplastic polymers.
According to the Vinyl Institute, the building and construction industry consumes approximately 75% of PVC resin in North America, primarily for pipes, fittings, siding, and window profiles.
Among the main additives that can be incorporated into PVC, include: plasticizers, stabilizers, antistatic, lubricants, pigments, modifiers.
Specifications
| Density | 1.4g/cm³ |
Features
Lightweight
Lightweight (1.4 g/cm³), which makes easier its handling and application
Resistance to Microorganisms
Resistance to the action of fungi, bacteria and insects
Chemical Resistance
Resistance to most chemical reagents
Thermal & Electrical Insulation
Good thermal, electric and acoustic insulation
Shock Resistance
High resistance to mechanical shock and impact
Impermeability
Impermeability to gases and liquids
Weather Resistance
Resistance to weathering (sun, rain, wind and sea)
Durability
Life time in buildings is more than 50 years
Fire Safety
Do not flame spread: it is self-extinguishing
Environmentally Friendly
Versatility and is environmentally friendly
100% Recyclable
Fully recyclable material
Low Energy Manufacturing
Manufacturing with low power consumption
Applications
- Packaging - can be either rigid or flexible, transparent or opaque, ranging from blood bags and blisters for pharmaceutical industry, to large storage silos. Undergoing hygiene materials, bottles for cosmetics, protective films for food, bottles for mineral water, materials for the automotive industry, among many others.
- Shoes - manufacture of soles and other components, expanded or compact.
- Construction - pipes, fittings, profiles, wires and cables, conduits, ceilings and residential coatings.
Frequently Asked Questions
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer globally, with annual production exceeding 44 million tonnes. Its versatility comes from its ability to incorporate various additives (plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, modifiers) that can modify its properties from rigid to highly flexible. The high chlorine content in PVC's molecular structure enables mixing with a wide range of additives for customized applications.
PVC is used primarily in three major sectors: Construction (pipes, fittings, window profiles, wires and cables, conduits, siding, and roofing) which consumes over 60% of global PVC production; Packaging (rigid and flexible packaging, pharmaceutical blisters, food films, cosmetics bottles); and Footwear (soles and components, both expanded and compact). Medical applications include blood bags and medical tubing.
Yes, PVC meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1975 regulations for food contact applications and European Union Regulation 10/2011 requirements. For medical applications, specialized grades of PVC are used in blood bags, IV tubing, and medical packaging. The material is approved when proper additives and stabilizers are used according to regulatory guidelines.
Key properties of PVC include: lightweight density (1.4 g/cm3), resistance to fungi, bacteria, insects and most chemical reagents, excellent thermal, electrical and acoustic insulation, high impact resistance, impermeability to gases and liquids, outstanding weather resistance, self-extinguishing fire properties, 50+ year lifespan in building applications, and 100% recyclability with low energy manufacturing requirements.
Rigid PVC (unplasticized) contains no plasticizers and is used for construction applications like pipes, fittings, window profiles, and siding where strength and durability are required. Flexible PVC contains plasticizers that make it soft and pliable, ideal for wire insulation, flooring, medical tubing, and flexible packaging. The same base resin can produce both forms through different formulations.