What is the difference between TPU coated webbing and PVC coated webbing?

Coated webbing is widely used across various industries due to its superior performance and versatility. When choosing materials for coated webbing, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are two common options. They differ in terms of texture, appearance, environmental impact, softness, and temperature resistance.

1. Texture comparison

TPU coated webbing is known for its soft, smooth surface, making it very skin-friendly. It feels comfortable when in contact with the skin, making it suitable for applications that require frequent handling, such as bag handles and outdoor gear. Additionally, TPU material is less likely to attract dust, maintaining long-term cleanliness and aesthetics. In contrast, PVC coated webbing easily attracts dust and dirt. Due to its surface texture, the tactile experience may not be as pleasant as TPU. During use, PVC coated webbing offers a relatively less satisfactory touch.

2. Appearance comparison

TPU coated webbing has a natural gloss, giving it a more vibrant and high-end appearance. The TPU material can achieve different levels of gloss by adjusting the formula, meeting various aesthetic needs. This gloss makes TPU coated webbing visually more appealing, suitable for high-end products. PVC coated webbing is more capable of achieving a matte effect. For certain applications requiring a low-key, understated design, the matte appearance of PVC coated webbing might be more advantageous. Additionally, PVC material's surface treatment technology is relatively mature, allowing for various texture effects without increasing costs.

3. Environmental impact comparison

TPU material is favored for its environmental friendliness. It is relatively safe for humans and the environment, containing no harmful substances. Even during processing and use, TPU does not release toxic gases or chemicals. Furthermore, TPU material can be recycled and reused, minimizing its environmental impact. In contrast, PVC material has environmental issues. PVC releases toxic substances during production and disposal, especially when burned, producing dioxins, which are serious environmental pollutants harmful to humans and the environment. Therefore, PVC coated webbing is far less environmentally friendly than TPU.

4. Softness comparison

TPU coated webbing is relatively stiffer, offering a certain degree of hardness and support while remaining soft. This characteristic ensures that TPU coated webbing maintains good shape and structure during use, suitable for applications requiring a certain level of support, such as outdoor equipment and industrial belts. PVC coated webbing is much softer, lacking significant support. This softness makes PVC coated webbing more flexible and easier to handle in certain applications but may not perform as well as TPU coated webbing in applications requiring higher hardness and support.

5. Temperature resistance comparison

TPU material boasts excellent temperature resistance, staying flexible and not hardening even in environments as cold as -50 degrees Celsius. This characteristic makes TPU coated webbing ideal for applications in extreme climates, such as outdoor sports equipment and polar exploration gear. PVC material has poor temperature resistance, maintaining good physical properties only at room temperature. In low-temperature environments, PVC coated webbing easily hardens and becomes brittle, significantly reducing its performance. Therefore, PVC coated webbing is not suitable for extreme cold conditions.

Depending on specific application needs, you can choose the suitable material. If you need an environmentally friendly, durable, and low-temperature-resistant material, TPU coated webbing is a better choice. If you require a softer material at a lower cost, PVC coated webbing might be more suitable. However, be mindful of PVC material's environmental issues and handle it with care during use and disposal.