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Last updated: April 2026
Strip curtains are available in two main materials: PVC and rubber. Both create effective barriers against draughts, temperature loss, dust, noise, insects and vehicle access — but they serve different applications. This guide gives you a straight comparison.
The Core Difference
PVC strip curtains are transparent or semi-transparent, flexible thermoplastic panels. Rubber strip curtains are opaque, highly flexible elastomeric panels. Both hang vertically in overlapping strips, but their material properties make them suited to different environments.
PVC Strip Curtains: Key Strengths
- Visibility — clear PVC allows people and forklift operators to see through the curtain
- Temperature resistance — standard clear PVC works from -5°C to +60°C; polar/freezer grade down to -30°C
- Food-safe grades available — FDA/EU food contact compliant PVC
- Lower cost — PVC strips are generally 30–50% cheaper than equivalent rubber strips
- Wide range of specialist grades — anti-static, ribbed anti-insect, polar, welding screen, coloured
- Easy DIY installation — lighter weight and simple hook-on systems
Rubber Strip Curtains: Key Strengths
- Superior chemical resistance — resistant to oils, solvents, acids and alkalis
- Higher impact tolerance — more resilient to repeated physical impact
- Better UV/ozone resistance — natural and EPDM rubber outperforms PVC in outdoor UV
- Acoustic performance — rubber provides better sound attenuation
- High temperature environments — handles sustained temperatures above 70°C
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Property | PVC Strip Curtain | Rubber Strip Curtain |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Clear/transparent | Opaque |
| Forklift safety | Excellent (see-through) | Poor (opaque) |
| Cold temperature (min) | -30°C (polar grade) | -40°C (EPDM) |
| High temperature (max) | 60°C | 120°C (EPDM) |
| Chemical resistance | Good | Excellent (oils, solvents) |
| Food safety | Food-grade available | Food-grade available |
| Cost | Lower | 30–50% higher |
| Weight/install ease | Lighter, easier | Heavier |
When to Choose PVC
PVC is the right choice for the majority of UK industrial, commercial and food applications — any opening where forklift or pedestrian safety visibility is required, cold rooms, food manufacturing, warehouses, and any application where budget is a primary consideration.
When to Choose Rubber
Rubber earns its premium in chemical plants, paint shops, sustained temperatures above 60°C, outdoor UV/ozone exposure, and acoustic isolation applications.
Browse our PVC strip curtains collection.