Rubber Bands: Crepe vs. Compound

Crepe and Compound rubber bands- how are they different from one another?

CWC rubber bands are a crucial component in a wide range of industries from newspapers, to produce, to floral arrangements. Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you decide which type of rubber band is best for your product.

Crepe Rubber Bands (PCI)

• What it’s made of: High concentration of pure rubber content
• Number of Bands/Pound: approx. 35% more bands/pound than Compound 
• Cost: pound for pound, more expensive than Compound bands (but you get more bands per pound)
• Shelf Life: last longer than Compound bands

Compound Rubber Bands (NCI)

• What it’s made of: Mixture of rubber, additives, and inert ingredients
• Number of Bands/Pound: approx. 35% fewer bands/pound than Crepe
• Cost: pound for pound, less expensive than Crepe bands
• Shelf Life: maintain elasticity for a shorter time period than Crepe bands

Crepe bands are about 15% higher in price/pound than Compound bands, but Crepe bands are less expensive on a band per band direct price comparison, 

• Example for size 16 bands:
• 1 lb of Crepe bands = approx. 2,395 bands
• 1 lb of Compound bands= approx. 1,535 bands

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you supply rubber bands with extended shelf life? 

Yes, UVI  (ultra violet inhibitor additive) can be added to bands to increase the shelf life. Let your sales person know if you need this additive to ensure that our rubber bands last properly for your intended application.

I need custom rubber bands. Is it possible to print on them? 

CWC is able to supply you with custom printed bands. Printed bands are available at an additional charge as a mill order.  

Why would I need to print on rubber bands? 

This is a very common practice in the produce industry, as well as many others. In the produce industry, PLU codes are printed on the rubber bands.

How do I know if my current bands are Crepe or Compound? 

Drop the band in water. If it floats, it’s a crepe band. If it sinks, it’s a compound band.

Do Crepe and Compound bands come in colors?

Yes. CWC supplies both Crepe and Compound bands in natural, and in multitude of colors. Check them out online to see our color options: Crepe Colored  |  Compound Colored

What are the most popular sizes? 

14, 16, 32, 33, 62 and 64.