How to choose your PVC or TPU Manufacturer?

Coated textiles such as PVC fabric and TPU are used across a wide range of industries. Medical products, boating supplies, industrial processes, and everyday things like pool liners and hospital mattresses. The advantage of these coatings is that they enable your products to last longer, confer water resistance, and increase durability in harsh conditions.

If you are sourcing PVC alloy or PVC  fabric for a technical application, you know that the look, feel, and functionality of your end product are set by the quality of the textile you choose. That’s why it’s so important that manufacturing businesses considering new suppliers for coated textiles carefully consider what they need.

That includes both general factors, such as reliability and overall quality, as well as factors specific to the unique conditions and needs of the finished product. For example, manufacturers need to look for fabric that meets the unique functional goals for the end product, is tested based on a number of different international standards, and will address end consumer demand for responsible production.

In this article, we’ll take a look at three important factors to consider when selecting a PVC and polyurethane coated fabrics manufacturer.

PVC Fabric Functionality

The most important aspect to consider when sourcing a new coated technical textile is the specific functionality required to become part of your end product. Depending on your goals, the fabric must be able to hold its shape and withstand a variety of harsh outdoor conditions.

Look for multipurpose membranes that can be used on products that are subject to extreme cold or heat, chemicals, and other stressors. Depending on the intended use of the end product, high resistance to stresses like UV radiation or abrasion may also be required. Whether used in marine safety, environmental control, or industrial applications, excellent tensile strength and adhesion resistance is a top consideration. This is particularly important for manufacturers in extreme climates, where end products are subject to extreme weather for much of the year.

As an example, consider copolymer alloy coated textiles. Over the years, new patented technology in the PVC fabric manufacturing process has led to new EVA/PVC copolymer alloy coatings that are high performance and can withstand extensive wear and environmental stress. These blended coating polymers also offer a number of assembly advantages to manufacturers working in often rough conditions.

Working with a reliable and experienced company to source your fabric means you can be confident the end product will have the properties you desire. Look for coated fabrics manufacturers that focus on delivering quality above all else. You need to know that each order you place will be consistent. That way, you are free to focus on your business and rather than worry about potential issues with your coated textile supply.

Testing Methods for TPU and PVC Fabric Alloys

When importing unfinished goods into your country for further manufacturing, you need to ensure that those goods comply with the appropriate regional standards. Often, these standards are designed to ensure product quality and safety, both for you and other manufacturers and for end users. If you also export your finished product to other regions and countries, it is essential to consider coated fabric suppliers that meet multiple safety certifications.

Notably, safety standards can differ widely between industries. For example, marine safety products are regulated according to the CEN, ISO, and UL standards, while textile specifications for food-grade flexitanks and other containers are laid out by EU directives and the FDA. Make sure that your coated fabrics manufacturer is able to meet or exceed all standards for your relevant application and across your entire product line.

In addition to meeting industry standards, consider whether your PVC or PU coated textile supplier performs most or all fabric testing in-house. This is preferred over outsourcing testing to external laboratories where possible. If your supplier conducts testing in-house, they will be able to address any problems that arise with textile quality or the overall manufacturing process directly and efficiently. Plus, maintaining an extensive in-house laboratory demonstrates the type of commitment to technical excellence that you want to see from a performance textile supplier.

Accountability

Interest in corporate and social responsibility has been growing around the world, and particularly in countries with high GDP and high average disposable incomes. More and more, businesses and consumers are asking questions about the supply chains for the products they buy and use. As a result, keeping a supply chain that doesn’t account for environmental and social sustainability can now be a long-term liability for your business.

Manufacturers of coated PU and PVC  fabric are not exempt from the lens of public scrutiny. So, it’s important that you take steps to work with coated textile suppliers that take social responsibility seriously and work continuously to reduce the footprint of their own materials.

That means digging deep into a fabric supplier’s sourcing practices and investigating whether they have a strong history of pushing sustainability measures. Pushing for corporate responsibility in your supplier shouldn’t fall to you. Rather, it should be something that the company is already keenly aware of and working on. This ensures that you can focus on other parts of your supply chain that are more difficult to manage for sustainable practices.

Working with Erez

Manufacturers looking to source high-quality coated PVC alloy or PU  and PVC fabrics should consider Erez as their source. Erez has over 35 years of experience producing coated textiles and offers patented products for industries ranging from boating to medicine to architecture and more. We also pride ourselves on quality and offer the combination of functionality, in-house testing, and supply chain sustainability that you need when sourcing coated fabrics.

Our team will work with you to identify the best fabric for your project from our existing products or create a new product to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to set up an expert textile review with a member of our sales team to learn what Erez coated PU and PVC fabrics can do for your business.