In general there are two types of this material - hard polyvinyl chloride and soft polyvinyl chloride.  Hard PVC is an amorphous thermoplastic material with very low flammability and a high degree of hardness and stiffness. It possesses very good resistance levels to acids, alkalis, grease, alcohol and oil. Disadvantages are its' rather low heat resistance - between 65 C and (for short periods) up to 75 C, and a tendency to develop white 'creases' if bent.

Soft PVC is a more rubberised, leather-like, elastomer material which is produced with the aid of a softening additive.  This so called plasticiser renders the soft PVC flexible and elastic, but these materials are classified as being problematic.  rose plastic packaging is produced exclusively from hard PVC. 

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