Comparison project |
PVC |
TPU |
| Cold resistance performance |
At -10℃, it becomes hard and brittle, and will crack easily when repeatedly frozen. |
It remains soft even at -30℃ and does not crack even after repeated freezing. |
| Waterproof sealing property | Generally, long-term use can lead to aging and leakage. |
High-pressure waterproofing, stable sealing, and not prone to leakage. |
| Flexibility | A bit hard, the texture is average, and it tends to age easily. |
Soft and skin-friendly, with high elasticity and resistance to bending. |
| Environmental protection and safety | Contains plasticizers and has environmental restrictions | Non-toxic and free of plasticizers, meeting EU standards |
| Condensation phenomenon | Surface prone to condensation and moisture | Better moisture permeability and less condensation. |
| Applicable positioning | Economical and low-end products | High-end products |
| Cost | Low | Medium-High |
I. Basic Attributes
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Low cost, high hardness, requires plasticizer to become soft
- Density: 1.30–1.45 g/cm³ (heavier than TPU)
- Temperature resistance: -10℃ to 80℃, brittle at low temperatures, prone to deformation and off-gassing at high temperatures
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
- Good elasticity, strong toughness, no need for plasticizer
- Density: 1.10–1.25 g/cm³ (lighter)
- Temperature resistance: -40℃ to 120℃, stable at both high and low temperatures
II. The most important performance aspects that Ice Bag focuses on (directly affecting usage)
- Water resistance
- PVC: Basic waterproofing, prone to leakage under high pressure or prolonged immersion
- TPU: High water pressure resistance (up to 20,000mm water column), more stable sealing
- Cold resistance (core of ice pack)
- PVC: Becomes hard, cracks, and leaks at temperatures below -10℃
- TPU: Remains soft and elastic at -20℃ to -30℃, does not crack even after repeated freezing
- Flexibility/Durability
- PVC: Prone to aging, poor abrasion resistance, cracks easily under repeated bending
- TPU: Wear-resistant, tear-resistant, and resistant to folding, with a longer lifespan
- Environmentally friendly/Safety
- PVC: Contains plasticizers/Heavy Metal, releases unpleasant odors at high temperatures, difficult to recycle
- TPU： No plasticizers, non-toxic, recyclable, compliant with REACH/ROHS
- Feel/Condensation
- PVC： Harder, poor touch, prone to condensation and slippery
- TPU： Soft and skin-friendly, less condensation (better breathability and moisture permeability)
III. How to Choose an Ice Pack
Choose PVC: Low cost, single-use/short-term use, not requiring high temperature resistance
Choose TPU: Repeated freezing, long-term use, aiming for no leakage, safe and environmentally friendly, good feel (the first choice for export/High-end ice packs)
