Artificial Christmas Trees: PVC, PP and PE explained

When it comes to artificial Christmas trees, most of us just want one as realistic looking as possible that can be depended on year after year to watch over all the Christmas presents. If you’re shopping for a new tree this year, you might have noticed the material that makes them is more prominent. Most artificial Christmas trees for sale in the UK will be made from PE (Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene) or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) but this doesn’t mean you need to brush off your secondary school science just to buy a Christmas tree.

All these letters mean is how realistic looking the tree is.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
This is what the Christmas trees that most of us grew up with were made from. PVC means the individual needles are made from several sheets of PVC that have been pressed together before being cut into flat uniform rectangles. They’re then twisted round the branches and from a distance, they look like convincing trees but up close, it’s very obvious they’re artificial.

If you’re after a budget friendly artificial tree that can be adorned with a plethora of festive decorations, the PVC Christmas tree could be just what you’re after.

PP (Polypropylene)
Somewhere between PVC and PE are PP artificial Christmas trees. PP are a little bit stronger and more realistic looking than PVC trees, but they’re not quite as realistic as PE (polyethylene) trees which are considered the most realistic tree on the market today.

PE (Polyethylene)
PE artificial trees offer a more realistic looking tree and as such, they’ve become incredibly popular. Instead of pressing flat layers of PCV, PE is poured into a mould of a real tree brand. This results in a 3D branch which even up close, looks extraordinarily realistic.

Due to the fact PE Christmas trees are made from the moulds of real trees, you can get a much wider variety of tree and the 3D branch also makes it easier to hold Christmas decorations.

PE trees can be more expensive than PVC trees but this is because it’s a newer technology and the end result is a more realistic looking tree.

Here at Longacres, we offer a range of artificial Christmas trees for all styles, budgets and sizes. If you’d like more information about finding your perfect Christmas tree, get in touch and one of our friendly customer service team will be happy to help.