Sheet Protector Materials

There are differnet materials that sheet protectors can be made from. On the market today, there are 4 types of sheet protectors available: PVC, polyethylene, polyester, and polypropylene. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are used more often than other while some are preferred over another. First let’s have a look at polypropylene. 

Polypropylene

Polypropylene or PP sheet protectors are probably the most used type. This is because they offer great durability and clearness, while at the same time being the most economical. What’s also important is that they are acid free, which means they are archival safe and will not cause any damage to the contents that are stored inside. In contrast, something like PVC sheet protectors are NOT archival safe and can create irreversible damages, but more on that later.

Forumla: (C3H6)n

Polypropylene Forumla (C3H6)n

Polyethylene

Another type of material that is used to make sheet protectors is polyethylene, or PE. Compared to PP, PE is a less durable material and often results in a murky finish that is hard to see through. PE is the cheapest of all the material types. If you’re on a tight budget or can stand poor quality sheet protectors, then PE is your choice. 

Formula: (C2H4)n

Polyethylene Forumla (C2H4)n

Polyester

The most expensive of all the materials is polyester, or also known as Mylar. In fact it’s so expensive to produce, only a hand full of manufacturers offer them. Expect to have excellent quality sheet protectors if you choose polyester. They are durable, has great on hand feel, and are crystal clear for viewing. If you have artworks that you want to showcase then polyester sheet protectors might be your choice. 

Polyethylene Terephthalate Forumla