TPU fabric supplier for waterproof and EU-market bags
TPU Laminated Fabric: Waterproof, Weldable and PVC-Free for Dry Bags and Roll-Tops
TPU - thermoplastic polyurethane - is a film laminated to a woven base that makes the fabric fully waterproof and lets seams be heat- or RF-welded instead of sewn. It does what PVC does without the chlorine, and it stays flexible at -20 C.
Senszx Fabrics stocks TPU on 210D, 420D and 840D polyester and nylon bases in matte and gloss, 0.3 to 0.8 mm film thickness. It is the specification behind every dry bag, roll-top and cooler liner that has to pass EU retail compliance.
TPU fabric specifications at a glance
- Film thickness
- 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.8 mm
- Base fabric
- 210D, 420D, 840D polyester or nylon
- Weight
- 250 - 650 gsm
- Waterproof rating
- > 5,000 mm hydrostatic head
- Seaming
- RF / hot-air welding or sewn + taped
- Cold flex
- Flexible to -20 C
- Stock colours
- 8 (black, grey, navy, olive, orange, yellow, red, white)
- Cost vs 600D polyester PU
- 2.5x - 4x
TPU weights and variants we stock
Each variant below is held in stock or dyed to order. Weights are with standard coating; uncoated rolls run 10-15% lighter.
| Variant | Weight | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 210D TPU (0.3 mm) | 250-280 gsm | Ultralight dry bags, packing cubes, wet pockets | Light; single-side film |
| 420D TPU (0.5 mm) | 380-420 gsm | Roll-top backpacks, bike panniers | Most common dry-bag spec |
| 840D TPU (0.5-0.8 mm) | 550-650 gsm | Waterproof duffels, motorcycle bags, boat bags | Heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant |
| Double-sided TPU | 400-500 gsm | Cooler liners, food-contact interiors | Both faces sealed; wipe-clean |
| TPU on ripstop nylon | 180-220 gsm | Ultralight adventure packs | Tear-resistant and waterproof |
| Translucent TPU | 300-350 gsm | See-through pouches, stadium bags | Frosted or clear |
Where tpu wins - and where it does not
Strengths
- Fully waterproof at seams when welded - not just water-resistant
- PVC-free: passes EU REACH, no phthalates, no chlorine
- Stays flexible in cold where PVC cracks
- Recyclable as TPU; often specified for eco claims
- Matte finish looks premium; gloss looks technical
Watch out
- 2.5-4x the cost of PU-coated polyester
- Gloss finish shows scuffs; matte hides them
- Welding requires dedicated RF or hot-air equipment - not every bag factory has it
- Higher MOQ on custom colours (2,000 m) because lamination is a separate run
Coatings and finishes for tpu
The back-coating or finish decides water resistance, cold-weather behaviour and, often, whether the bag passes EU retail requirements. Cost is relative to the uncoated base fabric.
| Finish | Effect | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Matte TPU | Soft-touch, hides scuffs, premium | - |
| Gloss TPU | Technical look, easier to wipe | - |
| Embossed TPU | Carbon, diamond or leather texture | + |
| Double-sided lamination | Both faces sealed for food-safe liners | ++ |
| Anti-UV TPU | No yellowing on white and light colours | + |
What bags are made from tpu
These are the builds our sister factory Senszx approves most often for tpu. Each links to the matching production page if you need the bag made, not just the fabric.
Dry bags and roll-top backpacks
420D TPU with RF-welded seams and a roll-top closure is the only construction that is genuinely submersible.
waterproof hiking backpacks
Waterproof duffels and travel bags
840D TPU survives boat decks, motorcycle racks and airport tarmac while keeping contents dry.
waterproof travel bags
Cooler bag liners
Double-sided TPU or TPU-laminated 210D is the leak-proof, food-safe liner for cooler backpacks and lunch bags.
cooler backpacks
Gym wet pockets and shoe compartments
A 210D TPU wet pocket keeps swim kit away from the rest of a gym duffel.
gym duffel bagsHow every tpu roll is tested
Test reports ship with the order. Third-party tests (SGS, BV, Intertek) for REACH, CPSIA or Prop 65 are arranged on request.
- 01Film thickness (micrometer) against spec
- 02Hydrostatic head > 5,000 mm on every lot
- 03Weld seam peel and shear strength on pre-production sample
- 04Cold-crack test at -20 C (24 h flex)
- 05Colour vs standard in D65 cabinet
- 06REACH / phthalate screening report per lot on request
Once the roll is approved it can go straight into the fabric cutting room and through the six-gate bag inspection process without a second incoming check.
TPU fabric FAQs
Compare with other bag fabrics
Nylon Fabric
420D, 1000D Cordura-type, ripstop
RPET Recycled Fabric
GRS-certified recycled polyester
PVC Coated Fabric
Tarpaulin 450-900 gsm
Free colour card and swatches
Get tpu swatches and a quote in 12 hours
Tell us the bag type, quantity and destination. We send a colour card, tpu swatches and two or three build proposals.