Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or V): Properties and Cosmetic Packaging Applications

What Is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?

Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly abbreviated as PVC or V, is a plastic packaging material that offers good transparency. However, it is relatively brittle and has little memory, meaning it does not readily return to its original shape after deformation. As a result, PVC packaging can crack or break if dropped.

Key Properties of PVC

Transparency
PVC can provide clear packaging, making it suitable where visibility of the cosmetic product is desired.

Limited Flexibility
Compared with more flexible packaging materials, PVC has little memory and is more susceptible to cracking or breaking when subjected to impact.

Colour Options
PVC can be coloured using pigments, allowing different packaging appearances to be created.

Cosmetic Packaging Applications

PVC is commonly used for:

• Shampoo bottles
• Conditioner bottles
• Lotion bottles
• Mascara tubes
• Lip gloss packaging

Its transparency and ability to be coloured make it suitable for a variety of cosmetic packaging designs.

Ingredient Information

Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or V)
CAS: 9002-86-2
EINECS/EC: 618-338-8

References

Cosmetic Formulation Principles and Practice – Heather A.E. Benson, Michael S. Roberts, Vânia Rodrigues Leite-Silva, Kenneth A. Walters.