PVC compounds are at the heart of many everyday products, from pipes and cables to shoes and packaging. For manufacturers and distributors serving African markets, securing a reliable supply of the right PVC compound is critical for quality, cost control and regulatory compliance. Wigmore Trading can help bridge the gap between global producers and African buyers with efficient sourcing and logistics.

What Are PVC Compounds?

PVC compounds are formulations based on polyvinyl chloride resin mixed with additives to achieve specific properties. Instead of buying raw PVC resin and additives separately, manufacturers use ready-made PVC compounds that are tailored for:

• Flexibility or rigidity

• Impact and abrasion resistance

• Weather, heat or chemical resistance

• Transparency or colour

These compounds are usually supplied as granules or pellets, ready for processing by extrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding or calendering.

For businesses in import/export, wholesale distribution, FMCG and manufacturing, PVC compounds offer predictable performance and faster production compared to mixing additives in-house.

Key Types of PVC Compounds

Understanding the main categories helps you choose the right material for your application.

Rigid PVC Compounds (uPVC)

Rigid PVC compounds are used where strength and dimensional stability matter. Typical uses include:

• Pressure and non-pressure pipes

• Window and door profiles

• Conduits and trunking

• Rigid packaging

They usually offer:

• High stiffness and impact resistance

• Good chemical resistance

• Good weatherability (with the right stabilisers)

Flexible PVC Compounds

Flexible PVC compounds are plasticised to make them soft and bendable. They are common in:

• Power and data cables

• Hoses and tubing

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• Footwear soles and uppers

• Automotive interiors

• Seals and gaskets

By adjusting plasticiser type and loading, suppliers can tune hardness (Shore A/D), flexibility at low temperatures and resistance to oils or fuels.

Speciality PVC Compounds

Depending on the end use, you may need:

• Food-grade PVC compounds – for contact with food and beverages

• Medical-grade PVC compounds – for tubing and medical devices

• Flame-retardant cable compounds – for power and communications cables

• Transparent PVC compounds – for clear hoses, packaging or profiles

Wigmore Trading helps clients specify the correct grade and connects them with trusted producers that meet relevant standards and documentation requirements.

Applications in African Trade and Industry

PVC compounds play a vital role in many fast-growing sectors across Africa:

• Construction – water supply and drainage pipes, window profiles, roofing membranes

• Power and telecoms – insulated cables, sheathing compounds for underground and aerial cables

• Agriculture – hoses, irrigation pipes, greenhouse films and profiles

• FMCG & consumer goods – bottles, caps, packaging films, footwear, toys and household items

As infrastructure and consumer markets expand, demand for consistent, competitively priced PVC compounds continues to grow. Importers and distributors who can secure stable supply are better positioned to win contracts and support local manufacturers.

Common Sourcing Challenges for PVC Compounds

Many businesses in Africa face similar issues when sourcing PVC compounds internationally:

• Quality inconsistency – varying hardness, colour, or processing behaviour between batches

• Unclear specifications – missing technical data sheets (TDS) or certificates

• High minimum order quantities (MOQs) – difficult for smaller manufacturers and distributors

• Complex logistics – coordinating shipments, consolidating loads and managing customs

• Price volatility – driven by PVC resin prices, freight rates and currency movements

These challenges can delay production, increase scrap rates and damage customer relationships. Working with an experienced trading partner can significantly reduce risk.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Your PVC Procurement

Wigmore Trading specialises in moving goods efficiently into and within African markets. When it comes to PVC compounds, we can help you:

• Source from vetted manufacturers
  We work with established compounders and producers, helping to ensure consistent quality, reliable supply and documentation for your industry and export market.

• Match the right grade to your application
  Share your product requirements (e.g. pipe class, cable rating, footwear hardness), and our team can help identify suitable PVC compounds and alternatives.

• Optimise logistics into Africa
  From container consolidation to port handling and inland transport, Wigmore Trading can streamline your supply chain, reduce delays and improve landed cost visibility.

• Support smaller and larger buyers
  Whether you are a regional distributor or a mid-size manufacturer, we can often help negotiate practical MOQs and shipment schedules that align with your demand.

• Provide ongoing after-sales support
  If you encounter processing issues or need to adjust a formulation, we liaise with suppliers to troubleshoot and refine specifications.

How to Choose the Right PVC Compound

When evaluating PVC compounds for your business, consider:

• End-use application – pipe, cable, footwear, packaging, automotive, etc.

• Processing method – extrusion, injection, blow moulding, calendering

• Mechanical properties – hardness, impact resistance, flexibility

• Environmental conditions – UV exposure, temperature range, chemicals, moisture

• Regulatory requirements – food contact, medical use, RoHS, REACH, flame retardancy

• Colour and appearance – natural, coloured, opaque or transparent

• Cost and availability – balancing price per kilo with processing efficiency and yield

A clear technical specification allows suppliers to propose the most cost-effective compound that still meets performance and compliance needs. Wigmore Trading can help you refine these specifications and benchmark offers from multiple producers.

Partner with Wigmore Trading for PVC Compounds

If you are importing, distributing or manufacturing PVC products for African markets, reliable PVC compound sourcing is a strategic advantage. From technical specification and supplier selection to logistics and local delivery, Wigmore Trading can help.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your PVC compound needs, explore suitable grades and plan efficient shipments into your target markets.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing.