What is Tyvek?

“Tyvek” is the brand name of this unique material used primarily as an air barrier in building construction. It is a “non-woven” plastic that feels like something between paper and fabric but is more durable, waterproof and tear resistant. You may recognize the name but can’t place it… think of houses under construction that are covered in blue or white plastic-looking sheeting. 

“Tyvek” was originally produced in 1955 in Luxembourg and is still largely produced there, as well as in Richmond, VA, in the US.


How is Tyvek Used? / What is it used for?

Tyvek has primarily been used as an air barrier, but since its invention almost 60 years ago, has been used in a wide range of applications and fields, from construction to medical, entertainment to shipping. As an air barrier, it is sandwiched between the cladding and internal components of a constructed wall (like insulation and framing) to protect from damaging moisture.






Material Properties

Tyvek has a number of properties that make it superior in utility to other similar materials. It is extremely strong, which is why it has been used so extensively in the construction industry. It is tear resistant, so that even if slightly damaged it does not fall apart. It is also completely waterproof, and keeps all of its strength when wet. Tyvek is easy to sterilize, and once made into packaging or PPE is able to maintain sterility for many years.

Tyvek material is a nonwoven, synthetic substance. No binders are used to hold the material together, so it is chemically inert. Tiny perforations remain in sheets of Tyvek, meaning that water vapor is able to permeate thin sheets of the material, but liquid water is not. Being essentially a thermoplastic, Tyvek returns to a semi-solid state when sufficient heat is applied to it, and this property can be used to bond sheets together. Tyvek can resist repeated folding and flexing without tearing. It can also be glued, laminated, sewn, stapled and fixed.

It is made of high density polyethylene. At a fundamental level, it is composed of spunbound olefin fibers. These microscopic fibers are 0.5 – 10 µm in diameter—some 10 times smaller than a human hair. After production of the fibers themselves, they are spun, pressed and bonded together under great heat and pressure, which is why it is called a nonwoven material.Tyvek is tear, puncture, water, UV and chemical resistant. Tyvek is not affected by most acids, bases and salts. It has excellent rot and mildew resistance and resists soiling and staining. Tyvek can endure temperatures ranging from -70°C to +118°C. However, some deformation may occur, at around 80°C. (Do not iron Tyvek!) Tyvek is made from high density polyethylene, which can burn; thus Tyvek should not be considered fire resistant.



Recyclability / Sustainability

Tyvek is made of high-density polyethylene fibers (plastic), making it 100% recyclable just like most recyclable plastic products. Tyvek as a company offers its own recycling program, accepting qualifying used Tyvek and turning them into products such as shipping pallets, park benches and playground equipment. Because Tyvek is a high-value recyclable material, recycling is encouraged and possible. However, if landfilling is necessary, Tyvek is an inert material, which means it will not leach harmful compounds into groundwater, like other chemical-based products.


Alternative Uses

Tyvek is the primary material used for PPE and other medical protective garments, as well as mailing envelopes and event bracelets because of its tear- and water-resistant properties.
Campers have deployed the material for drop-cloths. 
New Zealand used to use Tyvek for its driver's licenses from 1986 to 1999.
Today, DuPont Tyvek corporation holds design competitions for innovative uses for the material, the majority of the submissions fall into the apparel and accessories department. 


Tyvek as a Garment… The Tyvek Trench

The Tyvek Trench quickly rises to the top of quality garments based on all the aforementioned performance properties. Coupled with its silver facing, the Tyvek Trench becomes the ultimate performance jacket, highly visible, lightweight, water- and tear-proof. It can be an ideal piece for architects, contractors, and visitors to construction sites that may have exposure to weather and elements.