What is the difference between PE and PVC Film?

May. 16, 2025

Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films are commonly found in the packaging field, but they have fundamental differences in chemical properties, performance, and environmental impact.

PE films—usually low-density (LDPE) or high-density (HDPE)—are ethylene polymers with linear or slightly branched structures, featuring good flexibility, sealability, and recyclability.

PVC films are vinyl polymers that typically contain plasticizers to impart flexibility and possess excellent transparency and moderate puncture resistance. However, PVC releases harmful by-products (such as dioxins) during production or incineration and is difficult to recycle.

From a mechanical performance perspective, PE films are more ductile than PVC but have poorer adhesion, whereas PVC has superior initial adhesion. In terms of barrier properties, PVC generally allows higher oxygen and moisture transmission, which results in poorer protection for long-term storage but makes it suitable for short-term retail display.

Regarding thermal performance, PE films are more resistant to low temperatures (freezing) and high temperatures (heat sealing) than PVC. Economically, PE films have lower production and processing costs, while PVC films are more expensive due to additives and special processing techniques. Finally, PE films dominate heavy-duty and bulk applications (such as pallet wrapping and freezer bags), whereas PVC films are more suitable for food cling films and retail packaging where transparency and rigidity are required.

• If high tensile strength, excellent barrier properties, low-temperature usage, and recyclability are required, choose PE films;
• If outstanding transparency, strong initial adhesion, and moderate puncture resistance are needed, choose PVC films—while considering PVC’s environmental and thermal limitations.

Due to simpler production and abundant raw materials, PE usually costs less. PVC is more expensive but offers better performance.

PE is an economical, flexible, and environmentally friendly general-purpose packaging material; whereas PVC excels in transparency, adhesion, and chemical resistance but carries greater environmental and health risks. The choice depends on application needs and sustainability priorities.

PE and PVC Film Chemical Composition and Structure

Polyethylene (PE) Films

Polyethylene is a simple thermoplastic polymer made up of repeating –CH₂– units and is mainly divided into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) grades; LDPE has more branching with lower crystallinity and higher ductility, whereas HDPE has linear chains with higher tensile strength and stiffness.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Films

PVC is composed of vinyl chloride monomers (–CH₂–CHCl–) polymerized into rigid chains; to manufacture flexible films, PVC is blended with plasticizers (such as phthalates) that lower its glass transition temperature and impart flexibility.

• ‌PVC (polyvinyl chloride): contains chlorine atoms, requires added plasticizers (e.g., phthalates) to enhance flexibility. Material has higher hardness, excellent acid/base resistance, and wear resistance.
• ‌PE (polyethylene): contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms, does not add harmful plasticizers, is non-toxic, and has good flexibility.

PE and PVC Film Mechanical Properties

Cling Film and Stretchability

PE films have good stretchability and high elasticity, especially LDPE films used for stretch packaging, with elongation rates up to 150-300% without tearing. In contrast, PVC films are ready to use immediately but have limited elongation (about 100-150%) and are less suitable for bundling heavy objects.

Tensile Strength and Puncture Resistance

HDPE films have higher tensile strength but lower puncture resistance compared to PVC cling films. PVC cling films are thicker and can withstand greater point loads, but their stretchability decreases.

PE and PVC Film Barrier Properties

Oxygen and Moisture Permeability

PVC films generally have higher oxygen and moisture permeability than PE films, while PE films have lower permeability, resulting in better long-term shelf life.

Breathability and Food Contact

PE has lower gas permeability, making it ideal for fatty or oily foods by reducing oxidation; PVC has higher gas permeability, which is beneficial for "breathing" fresh produce but may shorten the shelf life of oxygen-sensitive foods.

PE and PVC Film Temperature Resistance and Stability

PE and PVC Film Chemical Resistance

• PE: Excellent moisture resistance; poor oil and solvent resistance.
• PVC: Excellent chemical resistance (due to chlorine content), making it suitable for fats, acids, and alcohol.

PE and PVC Film Thermal Performance

PE film typically operates at temperatures from -40°C (freezing) to +100°C (heat sealing) without obvious brittleness or deformation. PVC film has a narrower applicable temperature range (-10°C to +60°C), becoming brittle at low temperatures and deforming at high temperatures, limiting its use in extreme environments.

PE film is widely recyclable, with low energy consumption and minimal toxic byproducts after processing. PVC film contains chlorine and plasticizers, releasing dioxins and phthalates when burned; recycling is difficult due to the need to separate additives. Regulatory trends increasingly restrict PVC use in food and medical packaging.

• Melting point: PE has a lower melting point (about 120°C), easy to heat seal. PVC withstands higher temperatures but releases toxic hydrogen chloride gas when burned.
• Shrinkage: PVC shrinks at low temperatures, suitable for shrink packaging (e.g., electronics). PE requires higher temperatures to shrink.

PE and PVC Film Physical Performance Comparison

‌Transparency‌: PVC has higher transparency

‌Tensile Strength‌: PE has greater transverse/longitudinal elongation and more stable mechanical properties

‌Combustion Characteristics‌:

PVC burns with black smoke and a pungent chlorine odor

PE is flammable, drips when burning, and has a candle-like smell

Flexibility: PE inherently has flexibility. PVC requires plasticizers to achieve flexibility.

Transparency and Gloss: PVC film is usually more transparent and glossier, very suitable for retail packaging. PE tends to be more transparent or milky white.

Density: PVC is denser and heavier than PE.

PE and PVC Film Cost

PE film is generally more affordable and supplied in large volume rolls, making it more cost-effective for industrial use. Due to plasticizers and processing steps, PVC film unit cost is higher but offers excellent transparency and tactile feel in retail outer packaging applications.

PE and PVC Film Applications

• PE film: pallet stretch film, freezer bags, heavy-duty bundling film, agricultural mulch film, geomembrane.
• PVC film: pharmaceutical blister packaging (rigid PVC without plasticizers), fragile item shrink packaging, household food cling film, retail pallet outer packaging (meat, cheese).

PE and PVC Film Safety and Environmental Considerations

PVC Film‌

• Contains plasticizers, which may migrate into food at high temperatures or upon contact with fats; long-term exposure can affect the endocrine system.
• Burning produces toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride; difficult to degrade; poor environmental performance.

PE Film‌

• No plasticizers, safe for use at room temperature, meets food-grade standards.
• Biodegradable, high recycling rate, environmentally friendly.

PE and PVC Film Purchasing Recommendations

• ‌Avoid PVC: When in contact with food, prioritize choosing PE or safer materials such as PVDC/PMP.
• ‌Heating scenarios: PE is only suitable for short-term microwave heating (≤110℃), while high-temperature steaming requires PVDC.
• ‌Industrial use: PVC can be selected when corrosion resistance or wear resistance is needed.

PE is superior to PVC in terms of safety, environmental friendliness, and versatility, but PVC still has cost advantages in specific industrial scenarios. The actual choice needs to be based on specific requirements and safety considerations.