PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Also called: Polyvinyl chloride, vinyl, rigid PVC, flexible PVC, resin code 3
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a versatile plastic made rigid for pipes and profiles or flexible with plasticisers for cables, hoses and footwear.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a chlorine-containing thermoplastic that is almost always used as a formulated compound with stabilisers, lubricants, fillers and, for flexible grades, plasticisers. Its density is about 1.3-1.45 g/cm3 depending on the formulation, and it carries resin identification code 3. PVC resin is often graded by K-value.
Recycled forms traded
- Rigid PVC scrap and regrind from pipes, profiles, fittings and sheet.
- Flexible PVC scrap from cables, hoses, footwear and sheeting.
- Pulverised powder and recycled PVC compound.
Why it matters when buying recycled plastic
- Never mix rigid and flexible PVC unless your formulation allows it; plasticiser migrates and changes hardness, measured as Shore hardness.
- PVC is heat-sensitive. Material that has been overheated can be discoloured and harder to stabilise again.
- Keep PVC away from PET and polyolefin streams, where it is a damaging contaminant.
- Ask about filler level and the stabiliser system used in the source product.
Common uses
Pipes and fittings, window and door profiles, cable insulation, hoses, footwear soles, flooring and sheets.