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tpu vs pvc bags

A short guide to the two materials behind the Jelly Firkin Bag.

Jelly bags come in two materials: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They look similar at a glance, but they feel different in the hand and behave differently over time. Here is how we think about it at Firkin World, where we sell both.

What is TPU?

TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane. It is a flexible polymer that holds shape well, takes colour cleanly, and can be produced translucent or opaque. TPU is generally more abrasion-resistant than PVC and has a slightly springy, dry feel. It is the material we use for our translucent jelly bags and our opaque structured colours like Navy, Pistachio, Nude and Black. See the full TPU line at /tpu.

What is PVC?

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a softer, glossier polymer with an opaque finish. PVC is cheaper to produce than TPU and is the material behind our scalloped silhouette in colours like Mint, Apple Green, Peach, Baby Blue, Lime and Magenta. PVC tends to feel slightly warmer to the touch and has a softer hand. See the full PVC line at /sale.

Side-by-side: how they compare

  • Feel. TPU is firm and slightly dry. PVC is softer and glossier.
  • Look. TPU can be translucent or opaque. PVC is opaque only.
  • Silhouette. Our TPU bags have a clean bucket shape. Our PVC bags have a scalloped silhouette.
  • Durability. TPU is more abrasion-resistant and generally lasts longer with daily use.
  • Care. Both wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid solvents and direct heat.
  • Price at Firkin World. TPU is £180. PVC is £140.
  • Dimensions. Both share a 35 × 25 × 14 cm standard size. A few PVC styles come in a larger 45 × 35 × 14 cm size.

Which should you choose?

If you want a translucent bag or a clean, more structured silhouette, choose TPU. If you want a softer hand-feel, a scalloped shape, or a lower price point, choose PVC. Both share the same underlying bucket form and the same colour philosophy — the choice is mostly about material preference.

Care

Both materials are wipe-clean. Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap if needed, then dry with a clean cloth. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners, solvents and direct heat. Store away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve colour — this matters most for the translucent TPU finishes.

Browse the bags

Shop the translucent bucket line at /tpu or the scalloped PVC line at /sale. See the full range at firkin.world, common questions at /faq, and the brand story at /about.