HDPE vs PVC Tarpaulin: Which One is Right for You?
Both are waterproof. Both last years. But their sweet spots are very different — here's the honest comparison.
HDPE tarpaulin is a woven high-density polyethylene fabric with a laminated LDPE film on each side. It is light, cheap to produce at scale, and dominates the agricultural and general-purpose market in India.
PVC tarpaulin is a woven polyester scrim with plasticised PVC coated on both faces. It is heavier, more expensive, and dominates the truck, industrial and defense market.
Choose HDPE when: (1) budget matters, (2) the cover is seasonal, (3) weight matters — one person must handle it, (4) UV, not abrasion, is the main enemy.
Choose PVC when: (1) the tarp is fixed on a moving vehicle, (2) fire-retardancy is required by law, (3) the cover will be welded or RF-sealed rather than stitched, (4) 5+ year service life is expected.
A good supplier stocks both and will not push you toward whichever is on the truck that morning.
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