PVC originates from two main components: ethylene (a hydrocarbon derived from oil or natural gas) and chlorine (produced via saltwater electrolysis). These combine to form vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is then polymerized into PVC resin.

“Vinyl” is a shorthand for Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). Essentially, “vinyl” refers to the same basic polymer as PVC, just under a more colloquial term.

No. PVC resin is a neat polymer and needs various additives (stabilizers, pigments, lubricants, plasticizers) to become a usable PVC compound. Only after compounding can it be processed into pipes, sheeting, or coatings..

PVC can be formulated in rigid or flexible variants, depending on plasticizers and other additives. Rigid forms include pipe and siding, while flexible forms appear in hose, vinyl flooring, and tarpaulins—even vinyl records.

• Lower K-value (Lower Viscosity Resins): Easier to process, ideal for rigid products (pipe, siding, rigid sheeting).
• Higher K-value (Higher Viscosity Resins): Better mechanical strength and plasticizer absorption, suited for flexible applications like wire insulation, calendaring, and premium coatings.