Polypropylene or Polycarbonate Chairs: Which One to Choose?

Plastic materials have come a long way. What was once loathed as a material for manufacturing furniture is now the go-to option in the furniture industry because it is lightweight, affordable, durable, and sustainable. When it comes to buying plastic chairs, consumers are presented with a couple of options: polypropylene and polycarbonate. In this guide, you will learn about each type of plastic material and the guidelines for choosing the best chair.

Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate: What’s the Difference?

To help you determine the best type of plastic material for a chair, it is important to know the properties of these two types of plastic materials. Polypropylene and polycarbonate are two materials that are preferred when buying plastic chairs.

Polypropylene (PP) is made of a thermoplastic polymer that was first discovered in the 1950s. It was discovered by a couple of petroleum scientists. Unlike other types of plastics that took plenty of years to grow in popularity, PP did so in a short period of time. In fact, it became the global standard for plastic material when it comes to furniture manufacturing. It is estimated that up to 50 million metric tons of PP plastic are used for furniture manufacturing and other users per year.

Polypropylene is a type of synthetic material derived from petroleum. This makes it easy to shape and mold the material into a variety of shapes, which is a useful property in manufacturing plastic furniture. This particular characteristic of polypropylene plastic material also makes it the go-to material for other industries, not just furniture manufacturing.

The sustainability of this type of plastic is one reason why it has grown in popularity. Other characteristics of this type of plastic include being lightweight and odorless. It is also a non-toxic material. In addition, this type of plastic can be dyed in a variety of colors.

If you are looking for a material that can be molded into different shapes, polypropylene is a smart choice. It has the ability to be molded and shape into various designs without breaking or causing damage to the material.

On the other hand, polycarbonate plastic material is another commonly used material in furniture making. This type of material is made of plastic polymers that in itself are made with carbon elements. It is preferred for furniture manufacturing as it has the ability to resist fire, chemicals, and moisture. A polycarbonate sheet provides maximum resistance to impact and is used for a number of structures like corrugated sheets, flat sheets, and multi-wall sheets.

Polycarbonate chairs are considered a good alternative to polypropylene. But which of these two materials is a good choice for buying plastic chairs?

Why Choose Polypropylene Chairs?

Polypropylene is the number one choice in the manufacture of outdoor plastic chairs and other types of furniture. The reason for this is due to the characteristics of this plastic material that make it highly resistant and resilient to damage.

What are the properties of polypropylene that make it an ideal choice for the manufacture of plastic chairs? Take time to learn more about them closely.

UV Resistance

Outdoor furniture and plastic chairs can be subject to harsh weather conditions such as the UV rays from the sun. Any material that is exposed to UV rays for an extended period of time is prone to damage such as cracks and fading. The quality of the material is also prone to degrade when exposed to UV rays from the sun.

Polypropylene is different, though. This type of material holds up to the harsh UV rays from the sun even with constant exposure; hence, it won’t fade or crack easily. The best part is that the material is able to retain its attractive appearance.

Water Resistance

Aside from the harsh UV rays from the sun, water from the rain or other sources of moisture can also cause damage to outdoor plastic chairs. This is why polypropylene is superior to other materials used in the manufacture of outdoor chairs and furniture as it won’t absorb water. This is important because when water is absorbed by the material, it can grow mold or cause it to warp over time.

Chemical Resistance

Polypropylene chairs are easy to clean because it is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals. Even the most acidic or strongest alkaline cleaning materials won’t cause damage to the chairs as it is highly resistant to chemicals.

Even though the PP chairs are easy to clean with water and cloth, you won’t have to worry about using chemicals for cleaning. It is able to withstand any potential for damage.

Ecological

If you care about the environment and are worried about the harmful effects of using plastics on your family, then there is no need to worry. Polypropylene chairs are highly sustainable and contain non-toxic materials.

In fact, some types of PP materials are made from recycled plastic. The plastic is melted and then injected for molding into your desired shape or size for the chair or furniture. Not only are you reducing waste but you also produce a chair that can last for several decades with proper care.

Longevity

The longevity of polypropylene chairs is another advantage that it has over other types of materials like polycarbonate. Given the properties of PP (such as weather resistance, chemical resistance, and water resistance), it is not prone to damage. It has the ability to withstand tough weather conditions that could easily damage other materials.

For this reason, you do not need to buy other types of furniture as frequently as you often do with other materials. Your investment can go a long way as PP chairs have a long lifespan (versus other materials). With proper care and maintenance, you can even make them last longer such that they could last a lifetime.

Lightweight

PP chairs are also lightweight. This is a practical and functional feature of this material that makes it easy to stack. Since the chairs are stackable, you can store them in an area that protects them from harsh conditions, making them last longer.