The Green Choice: Exploring the Environmental Benefits of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Cables.

Why TPE Trumps PVC in Environmental Friendliness

Posted on 18 April 2024

In general, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) cables are considered more environmentally friendly than Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cables for several reasons:

Recyclability: TPE is more easily recyclable than PVC. TPE materials can be recycled through various methods, including mechanical recycling, which involves melting and reforming the material. PVC, on the other hand, can be more challenging to recycle due to the presence of chlorine and other additives.
Halogen-Free: TPE cables are often halogen-free, meaning they do not contain chlorine or bromine compounds. In contrast, PVC cables may contain halogens, and when PVC is burned, it can release toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride.
Low Toxicity: TPE materials typically have lower toxicity compared to PVC. PVC may contain additives that can release harmful substances during its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
Energy Consumption: The production of TPE generally requires less energy compared to PVC. PVC production involves the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers, which can be energy-intensive. TPE, being a thermoplastic elastomer, can be processed with lower energy requirements.
Biodegradability: While TPE materials are not always fully biodegradable, they may be more environmentally friendly in terms of breaking down over time compared to PVC, which is a more persistent material.