BioVinyl® Sustainable Flexible PVC Compounds with Dow Ecolibrium

BioVinyl® is a flexible PVC compound developed by Teknor Apex that incorporates bio-based plasticizers derived in part from renewable resources. These formulations use Dow Ecolibrium™ bio-attributed plasticizers as an alternative to conventional fossil-based plasticizers while maintaining the performance characteristics expected from flexible PVC.

Compared to standard flexible PVC, the primary difference in BioVinyl® is the source of the plasticizer, not the base polymer. This allows manufacturers to use a material with similar flexibility, processing behavior, and durability while supporting sustainability initiatives related to feedstock sourcing and carbon impact.

For engineers and buyers, this means BioVinyl® can often be evaluated as a drop-in alternative to conventional flexible PVC in applications such as wire and cable, consumer products, and industrial components—helping meet environmental goals without requiring major design or processing changes.

BioVinyl leaves a minimal carbon footprint, rivaling petrochemically-derived polymers and some commercial biopolymers. The bio-based plasticizer in BioVinyl is made from 98% bioderived carbon per ASTM D6866 standards. 

Dow Ecolibrium™ bio-based plasticizers are additives derived in part from renewable feedstocks that are used to provide flexibility in PVC compounds. In BioVinyl®, these plasticizers perform the same core function as traditional plasticizers—reducing stiffness and enabling the material to bend, stretch, and process efficiently during extrusion or molding.

Within BioVinyl® formulations, Ecolibrium™ plasticizers integrate into the PVC matrix to deliver consistent flexibility, durability, and processing behavior. The key difference is their bio-attributed origin, which can help reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs while maintaining expected material performance.

For manufacturers, this means the ability to use flexible PVC compounds that support sustainability goals related to material sourcing, without significantly changing product design or processing conditions

BioVinyl® flexible PVC compounds are engineered to deliver performance comparable to conventional flexible PVC while incorporating bio-based plasticizers. Core material properties—such as flexibility, durability, and processing behavior—are maintained to support typical extrusion and molding applications.

In practice, this means BioVinyl® can provide the same range of flexibility required for soft-touch or bendable components, along with durability under mechanical stress and environmental exposure. Processing compatibility is also preserved, allowing manufacturers to run BioVinyl® on standard PVC equipment with established parameters.

Because the base polymer system remains PVC, performance is primarily influenced by formulation design rather than feedstock source—enabling BioVinyl® to meet application requirements while supporting sustainability objectives.

BioVinyl® flexible PVC compounds can be used in applications where standard flexible PVC is typically specified, with the added benefit of bio-based plasticizer content.

Wire & Cable — Suitable for insulation and jacketing applications where flexibility, durability, and consistent processing are required.

Automotive — May be used in interior components and coverings where flexibility, surface appearance, and compliance requirements are important.

Consumer Products — Applied in flexible components such as tubing, seals, and soft-touch parts where durability and aesthetics are key considerations.

Building & Construction — Used in flexible profiles, membranes, and related products requiring weather resistance and long service life.