The production and consumption of PPF is a complex, systematic project. Only through the synergy of excellent materials, excellent manufacturing, and excellent installation—the “Three Excellences”—can PPF deliver superior protection for vehicle paint and meet the evolving, quality-oriented consumption demands of car owners.
Lubrizol White Paper: “New-Quality Consumption—New Growth Drivers for the PPF Industry”
“Materials are the cornerstone of quality.”
Taking PPF as an example, the choice of materials for each layer directly determines the product’s performance, aesthetics, and installation quality. It’s worth noting that materials must not only fulfill the functional requirements of individual layers, but also exhibit strong compatibility between layers. This ensures the overall performance of the film and the reliability of installation.
A high-quality PPF results from the synergy of advanced materials and sophisticated processing. From specialized TPU raw material, through cast extrusion of the TPU base film, to the coating and lamination of surface functional layers and pressure-sensitive adhesive layers, the production of PPF is a highly technical process.
Every step requires precise equipment and strict process control. Only through meticulous refinement can the final product’s performance and quality be guaranteed.
With excellent materials and manufacturing as the solid foundation, high-quality PPF, combined with superb installation techniques, offers long-lasting protection and enhances vehicle aesthetics.
As the industry matures, differences in application techniques are becoming smaller. This means the consumer experience is increasingly influenced by product quality itself. If the film has inherent flaws, no amount of installation skill can prevent issues like yellowing, bubbling, wrinkling, or edge lifting.
Compared to the more common aromatic TPU, aliphatic TPU offers higher transparency and, due to its benzene-ring-free chemical structure, is resistant to irreversible yellowing from UV exposure and heat—ensuring long-lasting clarity and aesthetics.
Specially designed aliphatic TPU also boasts excellent physical properties, fully meeting the functional expectations of consumers.
It’s worth mentioning that even with the same type of TPU, slight differences in formulation, raw material selection, and synthesis processes among manufacturers can result in significant performance variations. This explains why products claiming to use the same TPU material can vary so much in quality.
The TPU base layer plays a vital role in linking the performance of the surface coating and adhesive layers. Its processability also impacts subsequent production stages—such as the continuity and efficiency of coating and lamination, production losses, process design, and the precision and quality of functional equipment units.
Among the many factors influencing PPF performance, TPU selection is fundamental, defining the product’s overall performance from the source.
More and more consumers are recognizing the importance of materials in determining PPF quality.
Lubrizol’s consumer survey shows that 65% of respondents find it helpful to know the key material supplier when choosing a PPF product.
As a market leader, Lubrizol was the first to launch the “Made With ESTANE® TPU” initiative for the PPF industry in 2019. By clearly indicating material origin, this initiative helps consumers easily identify PPF products made with Lubrizol’s premium TPU, reducing uncertainty and enhancing purchase satisfaction.
From innovation in materials, to collaboration with top-tier manufacturers, and clear material sourcing—Lubrizol is committed to the “Three Excellences” philosophy, helping the industry deliver high-quality TPU-based PPF that meets evolving consumer needs and drives sustainable, healthy development for the entire sector.