Chlorinated polyethylene is made of polyethylene (PE) by chlorination, which has the dual advantages of plastic and rubber.

Due to its soft and rubbery texture, CPE is added to polyvinyl chloride to increase its impact and weather resistance. Furthermore, it is used for softening PVC foils, without risking plasticizer migration.
Chlorinated polyethylene can be crosslinked with peroxides to form an elastomer which is used in cable and rubber industries. When chlorinated polyethylene is added to other polyolefins, it reduces the flammability. Chlorinated polyethylene is sometimes used in power cords as an outer jacket.

Chlorinated polyethylene elastomers (CPE) and resins have excellent physical and mechanical properties, such as resistance to oils, chemicals, and improved thermal properties. They can also exhibit better compression set, flame retardancy, tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

CPE polymers can range from rigid thermoplastics to flexible elastomers, making them highly versatile. These polymers are used in a variety of end-use applications such as wire and cable jacketing, roofing, automotive and industrial hose and tubing, molding and extrusion, and as a base polymer.

CPE blends well with many types of plastics such as Polyethylene, EVA, and PVC. Such blends can be formed into final products with adequate dimensional stability without the need of vulcanization. The excellent additive/filler acceptability characteristics of CPE can provide a benefit in blends where compound performance and economics are critical.