Where you wouldn't even realise Plastisol is being used.

Over the years there has been a major increase in the need for Plastisol, so much so that at its current market state, many industries are struggling to to retrieve it. However, the reason for its popularity is due to the fact it combines two of the most popular chemicals for manufacturing plastics, which are: PVC and plasticisers.

PVC, being one of the most popular polymers in the world, is incredibly versatile in nature, being used extensively across a broad range of industrial, technical and everyday applications. Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is used so often due to its fluidity and readily available use.

Whilst Plasticisers on the other hand are colourless and odourless liquids used primarily to soften PVC, and are often mixed and then cured into durable PVC applications, which shows why both PVC and plasticisers go hand in hand due to the versatility along with the modification properties required, allowing the resulting material to be optimised for products and specific industries.

Now you have an understanding to what Plastisol is made up of, the question is; why is Plastisol so popular?

Why should you use Plastisol?

There are many reasons as to why businesses and companies should utilise the use of Plastisol, but here are three main reasons we discuss at Polyblend:

The importance of colour

There’s a complex science behind colour perception and multiple factors that impact how we see. At the very least, these differences can cause friendly disagreements. However, if accurate, consistent product colours are a critical part of your company’s success, not accounting for these differences can be a costly mistake. When it comes to Plastisol, not only can you customise it, but with the utilisation of specific colour dispersion technology, you can guarantee reliable colour throughout.

If it’s not long-lasting, why have it?

Not only is plastisol utilised due to its corrosion and wear-resistant properties, but plastisol is also a tough material that is able to withstand impact or consistent interference. Plastisol doesn’t conduct heat or electricity, making it an ideal coating for tools and wires, along with being the reason you are most likely to find it as a coating on frequently touched products such as handles, playground equipment, tool coatings and wires.

Comfort is Key

Plastisol isn’t a cold surface. It’s warm and comfortable, making it hugely popular with grips – especially when combined with its wear-resistant properties too.

Now you have a deeper understanding of why Plastisol is utilised, let’s dive into where it can be used.

Where can I find Plastisol products being used?

Plastisol is actually so popular that I’m going to surprise you with this extensive list on where you can find it.

• Coil Coating
• Fabric Coating / Scrim Coating
• Dip Moulding – grips, handles
• Rotational Moulding
• Flooring
• Medical products – cannulas, endotracheal tubes etc.
• Caps & Closures – food jars
• Jig Coating – electroplating etc.
• Glove & Sock – Anti-slip Dotting
• Automotive Filters
• Wall Coverings

Without even realising, Plastisol is utilised for so many products, with many of them often surrounding you, from the tools you were using at home during DIY Lockdown edition, to the non-slip socks you may now be wearing to a Pilates Reformer Class, to the parts in the car you drive around in, to the handles you touch on your everyday Tube commute.

Plastisol is versatile, hardwearing and utilised for so many elements in our every day, with a long-lasting life expectancy and durability, it’s not only one of the most efficient plastic products going, it’s also more environmentally friendly than many other products in today’s market.

If you’re looking for more information on how Plastisol can be utilised for your product offerings, don’t hesitate to contact myself directly at mark.stewart@polyblend.co.uk – whether looking for technical advice or product offerings, Polyblend can support your needs.