Types of PVC and their uses

At Decoplastic, with more than 35 years of experience manufacturing and processing thermoplastic products suitable for food contact, we work with several types of PVC depending on the specific properties and requirements of each application. In this guide, we explain the main types of PVC, their technical characteristics, advantages, limitations and most common uses.

If you want to learn more, you can consult our article on the properties of PVC and its applications.

Rigid PVC

Characteristics of rigid PVC

Rigid PVC (also known as PVC-U or unplasticized PVC) stands out for its high mechanical and chemical resistance, low water absorption and excellent dimensional stability. Since it does not contain plasticisers, it offers high hardness and excellent durability when exposed to external agents.

Common uses of rigid PVC

Rigid PVC widely used in industrial installations, technical furniture and structural enclosures. In food environments, commonly used in modular shelving, partition panels and cold rooms, where hygiene and resistance are essential.

Manufacturers frequently use this material to produce profiles, panels and industrial plastic solutions suitable for food handling areas or laboratories.

If you want to learn more about our solutions, visit our shelving systems manufactured with rigid PVC.

Advantages and disadvantages of rigid PVC

Advantages:

• High resistance to impact and corrosion
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Suitable for food contact according to European regulation (EU 10/2011)
• Maintains its shape under moderate temperatures

Disadvantages:

• Lower flexibility compared with other PVC types
• Can become more brittle under extremely low temperatures

Flexible PVC

Characteristics of flexible PVC

Flexible PVC contains plasticisers that provide elasticity and torsion resistance. Its transparency and soft texture make it ideal for applications that require adaptability and a comfortable surface finish.

Common uses of flexible PVC

Flexible PVC widely used in hoses, industrial curtains, flooring, coatings and sealing joints. In food and healthcare environments, it appears in liquid transport tubing, thermal insulation curtains and machine protectors.

Advantages and disadvantages of flexible PVC

Advantages:

• High flexibility and abrasion resistance
• Good transparency and aesthetic appearance
• Easily adapts to curved or irregular surfaces

Disadvantages:

• Can degrade after prolonged heat exposure
• Not all plasticisers are suitable for food-contact applications

Chlorinated PVC (CPVC)

Differences between PVC and CPVC

Chlorinated PVC (CPVC) results from chlorinating conventional PVC, which increases both thermal and chemical resistance. Unlike standard PVC, CPVC withstands temperatures of up to 90°C and maintains structural integrity when exposed to acids and bases.

Applications of chlorinated PVC

CPVC commonly used in hot water piping systems, fire protection networks and chemical installations where higher thermal resistance is required. Industries also use it in high-pressure industrial pipelines and safety-critical systems.

Foamed or expanded PVC

Uses in advertising, construction and design

Foamed PVC (expanded PVC) features a lightweight internal structure and smooth surface, which makes it extremely versatile. Widely used in signage, advertising boards, interior cladding and exhibition stands.

In construction, manufacturers use it for decorative panels or insulation solutions, combining strength with low weight. It also appears in anti-fatigue flooring.

Technical advantages of foamed PVC

• Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
• Resistance to moisture and impact
• Easy machining, cutting and printing

Plasticised PVC

Industrial applications of plasticised PVC

Manufacturers produce plasticised PVC by adding plasticising agents in controlled proportions, creating a material that is more flexible and adaptable. Industries commonly use it in industrial flooring, electrical cable coatings and technical fabrics.

At Decoplastic, this type of PVC is frequently used for solutions that require chemical resistance and flexibility, such as work surfaces or food-contact coatings. You can explore our PVC flooring solutions for industrial applications.

Toxicity and recyclability considerations

Although plasticisers sometimes raise questions about whether PVC is toxic, products manufactured under REACH and RoHS regulations ensure safe use in industrial and food environments. Plasticised PVC can also be recycled, provided that proper classification and processing take place.

High-pressure PVC

Uses in hydraulic and irrigation systems

High-pressure PVC mainly used in drinking water pipes, irrigation systems and hydraulic networks. Its resistance to internal pressure and corrosion makes it ideal for demanding environments.

Key mechanical properties

• High tensile strength
• Excellent sealing performance
• Minimal maintenance and long service life

High-impact PVC

What differentiates it from standard PVC?

High-impact PVC includes impact modifiers that improve resistance to shocks, especially in cold environments or situations requiring high mechanical performance.

Sectors where it is used

Manufacturers use it in pipes, structural components, electrical housings and urban furniture, where durability and strength are essential.

Fiberglass reinforced PVC

Specialized applications

Fibreglass-reinforced PVC offers higher resistance to tension, bending and temperature while maintaining moderate weight. Used in tanks, structural panels and industrial ventilation ducts.

Behavior under different temperatures and pressures

This material withstands higher temperatures and pressures than standard PVC, making it suitable for high-performance chemical or food processing installations.

PVC for medical use

Why in medical devices use it?

PVC is one of the most widely used materials in healthcare thanks to its biocompatibility, transparency and easy sterilisation. Manufacturers use it to produce tubes, blood bags, catheters and gloves.

Regulations and healthcare safety

Medical PVC complies with the European Pharmacopoeia and ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards. In addition, manufacturers offer phthalate-free formulations, which improve patient safety.

Conductive PVC

Applications in environments with electrostatic discharge risk

Conductive PVC used in laboratories, clean rooms and areas with sensitive electronic equipment, where controlling electrostatic discharge (ESD) is essential.

How its conductivity is modified

Manufacturers add conductive additives or carbon fibres, allowing the material to dissipate electrical charges without affecting its mechanical performance.

Coextruded PVC

What is coextrusion?

Coextrusion is a manufacturing process that combines different PVC layers (rigid, flexible or coloured) to create a material with hybrid properties.

Functional and aesthetic advantages

• Higher surface resistance
• Possibility of bicolour or textured finishes
• Cost optimisation without compromising quality

Recycled PVC

Types of PVC recycling

Recycled PVC can be produced through mechanical or chemical recycling, reusing industrial or post-consumer waste. At Decoplastic, we promote the use of recycled materials whenever the application allows it, supporting more sustainable production.

Sustainable applications of recycled PVC

Industries use recycled PVC in panels, cable ducts, technical flooring and industrial furniture, reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.

Low-smoke, zero-halogen PVC (LSOH)

Applications in enclosed spaces or transport

LSOH PVC (Low Smoke, Zero Halogen)  used in electrical installations, trains, aircraft and tunnels, where materials must avoid releasing toxic gases or dense smoke during a fire.

Differences with other types of PVC

Unlike conventional PVC, this formulation does not contain halogens, which improves fire behaviour and safety in enclosed environments.

We invite you to learn more about the properties of PVC and its applications on our blog.

How to choose the right type of PVC

Selecting the right type of PVC depends on the environment, operating conditions and regulatory or safety requirements.

• For food or healthcare environments, certified rigid or plasticised PVC is the best choice.
• In hydraulic or chemical installations, high-pressure PVC or CPVC is recommended.
• For lightweight and versatile signage or decorative solutions, foamed PVC works perfectly.
• For sustainable projects, recycled PVC provides an efficient and responsible alternative.

At Decoplastic,  we help you choose the most suitable material for each application, ensuring safety, durability and regulatory compliance in all our products.

If you still have questions after reading this article, do not hesitate to contact us and our team will respond as soon as possible.