What are PVC Shoe Granules?

PVC shoe granules are plastic compounds used as raw materials in the production of products such as shoe soles, boots, slippers and sandals. The granules, which can be produced in transparent, colored or black forms, can have different degrees of hardness. The hardness level of the granule is determined according to the function of the product to be produced.

While a high level of hardness is preferred for shoe soles, a soft structure that can stretch is at the forefront in slippers or PVC boots. In addition, PVC granules produced in accordance with EN ISO 20345 standard can be enriched with features such as antistatic, UV-added, non-slip according to customer demand.

PVC Granule Types and Usage Areas

PVC compound is successfully used in the following product groups for the footwear industry:

Insoles PVC Granules

PVC sole granules gain flexibility thanks to the foaming agents added to their content. They are frequently preferred in various shoe models due to their impact-resistant lightweight structure and cost advantage.

During the production process, it is possible to enrich them with different features according to customer demands. The requested composition is prepared in accordance with international standards through a professional process and quality control stages.

PVC Slipper Granules

The flexible PVC compound used in PVC slippers is produced in transparent or carbonate-added forms. The foaming agents increase the lightness and flexibility of the slipper. Additives that facilitate the injection process also improve the production quality. The entire process is shaped according to the required mechanical properties. Controlled production is ensured in accordance with international standards.

PVC Boots

PVC compound is one of the preferred materials for the production of garden, industrial and waterproof boots. In recent years, the interest of the fashion industry in plastic boots has led to an increased demand for these products. PVC granules are also used in the production of plastic boot soles. A rigid structure is generally preferred for boot soles and special additives are added to facilitate the injection molding process.

Things to Consider When Choosing PVC Granules

The choice of PVC granulate has a direct impact on the quality of the shoe soles and the production process. The following criteria should be considered when selecting the PVC-based compound:

Hardness Degree Suitable for the Area of Use (Shore A)

The hardness of the granules affects the comfort and durability of the shoe. For example:

• Shore A 60-70 soft granules are preferred for lightweight sports shoe models such as walking or running.

• Shore A 70-85 hardness level is suitable for products to be used in sectors requiring occupational safety such as mining, industry and construction.

Compounds containing TPU blends can improve both softness and durability with their shock absorbing properties.

Resistance to Climate Conditions

PVC granules should be formulated to be heat and UV resistant. Resistance to cracking, especially in cold weather, is important for outdoor footwear. PVC blends with TPU additives can perform better by maintaining flexibility even at low temperatures.

Color and Surface Quality

Uniform color distribution and surface quality are important in compounds using recycled PVC. Properly processed PVCs can provide products with non-porous and smooth surfaces. For products where transparency is not required, rPVC can provide a cost advantage.

Compatibility with Production Method

The choice of PVC granules should be determined by the production technique to be used, such as injection molding, extrusion, dipping, etc. TPU/PVC or TPU/rPVC blends developed for injection molding processes offer advantages such as low density, miscibility and suitability for processing temperatures.

REACH and RoHS Compliance

PVC granules must comply with the European Union's chemical regulations such as REACH and RoHS, especially for export manufacturers. In compounds containing recycled materials, care must be taken to ensure that no harmful additives are present.

Advantages of PVC Granules in Shoe Production

The use of PVC raw materials for the production of footwear has many advantages;

 - Provides long-term use in harsh conditions, resistant to wear and tear.
- It offers high comfort with its structure that adapts to foot movements.
- Allows large production volumes thanks to its affordable cost.
- Provides energy efficiency with its low melting temperature and facilitates the production process.
- Easily adapts to different demands in terms of color, texture and hardness.
- Supports sustainable production with its recyclable structure.
- It can be used outdoors with its resistance to chemicals and moisture.
- It can be processed at high efficiency with modern molding systems.

Special PVC Granules for Shoe Manufacturers from Lys Polychem

Lys Polychem offers PVC granule samples in formulations specially prepared for shoe manufacturers. Granules sent for testing before production help to determine the right composition. With the selection of granules suitable for the mold, waste rate is reduced and product quality is increased.

Granules are shipped in 25 kg bags or 1000 kg big bags. Domestic deliveries are realized within 2-4 business days, while full support is offered in logistics and customs procedures for export orders. Although the minimum order quantity varies according to the granule type, solutions are provided for small-scale and mass production companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PVC shoe granules and TPU?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) shoe granules are particularly favored as cost-effective, lightweight and easy-to-process compounds. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) offers higher mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and elasticity. PVC is common in products such as slippers, sandals and casual shoes, while TPU is often used in shock-absorbing soles, safety shoes and sporty models. TPU also offers better cold resistance but costs more than PVC.

At what temperature are PVC shoe granules processed?

PVC granules are usually processed between 125 °C and 160 °C. This temperature range varies depending on the additives in the granulate composition, the type of plasticizer used and the production method. Mixtures with foam additives or TPU may require precise temperature control. In injection molding machines, screw temperature, mold temperature and injection time directly affect the desired final product quality.

Does using recycled PVC granules affect product quality?

Recycled PVC, which has been processed in a quality manner and stabilized with appropriate additives, can be safely used in certain footwear applications. However, the color uniformity, mechanical strength and surface quality of PVC can be variable compared to raw PVC. For this reason, rPVC is generally preferred for products where transparency is desired, medium hardness and solid color. If appropriate quality control processes are not applied, undesirable results such as surface roughening or loss of durability may occur.