When sourcing toilet seats for commercial projects—whether for a 5-star hotel, a hospital, or a high-traffic office building—the material choice is critical. The two most common contenders are Polypropylene (PP) and Urea-Formaldehyde (UF/Duroplast).
As a manufacturer producing over 100,000 units monthly, at Fujian Chuangshi Sanitary, we hear this question daily: “Is the extra cost for Urea worth it?”
Here is the honest breakdown from the factory floor.
1. What is PP (Thermoplastic)?
PP (Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic material. Think of it as a “soft plastic.” It is injection-molded, lightweight, and flexible.
Pros: Unbreakable (very flexible), low cost, shiny finish.
Cons: Scratches easily, feels “cheap” or lightweight, prone to static (collects dust), can yellow over time with UV exposure.
2. What is Urea (UF/Duroplast)?
Urea (also known as Duroplast or Thermoset) is a high-quality material that feels and looks like ceramic. It is compression-molded under high heat and pressure.
Pros: Scratch-resistant (you can’t scratch it with a key), ceramic-like texture, heavy and solid feel, antibacterial, UV resistant (won’t yellow/fade).
Cons: Brittle (can crack if hit with a hammer, like ceramic), higher cost than PP.
The Comparison: PP vs. Urea
| Feature | PP (Thermoplastic) | Urea (UF/Duroplast) |
| Scratch Resistance | Low (Scratches easily) | High (Ceramic-hard) |
| Weight & Feel | Light, Plastic-like | Heavy, Premium feel |
| Durability | High (Flexible) | High (Hard surface) |
| Rental apartments, Residential | Hotels, Airports, Luxury Projects |
The Verdict: Which should you choose?
Choose PP if:
You are sourcing for low-budget public housing or rental properties.
Cost is the only deciding factor.
Choose Urea (UF) if:
You are sourcing for Hotels, Commercial Buildings, or Retail Brands.
You need a product that stays white and scratch-free after 3 years of heavy use.
You want to match the premium quality of Duravit or Kohler toilets.
Conclusion
For commercial projects, Urea is the industry standard. It reduces long-term replacement costs because it doesn’t degrade or look “old” quickly.
Looking for a factory that manufactures both?
Fujian Chuangshi Sanitary offers OEM services for both PP and Urea seats.
👉 [Contact us for a Free Sample Kit] to feel the difference yourself.