The History of Tygon® Tubing
The History and Future of Tygon® Tubing: More Than Eight Decades of Innovation
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Saint-Gobain ICS
Published on
22 April 2026
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Saint-Gobain ICS
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Tygon® Tubing History

For more than 80 years, Tygon® tubing has been one of the most trusted and recognizable names in flexible polymer tubing. Known for its clarity, performance, and industry‑specific engineering, Tygon® has played a crucial role in fluid‑handling systems across medical, laboratory, food and beverage, industrial, and chemical processing markets. Behind its success is a remarkable history of materials science innovation, customer‑driven development, and the constant evolution of polymer technology.

Early Foundations: Building a Legacy in Flexible Polymer Science

The origins of Tygon® date back to the mid‑20th century, when Saint‑Gobain’s polymer scientists began developing flexible PVC formulations to meet emerging needs in laboratory and industrial environments. These early materials offered a unique combination of flexibility, transparency, and chemical compatibility by allowing customers to visually monitor fluid flow without sacrificing performance or durability. Although the Tygon® brand would evolve significantly over the decades, this commitment to engineered materials became its foundation.

Innovation Accelerates: The 1970s

By the 1970s, the tubing business had expanded rapidly, and demand for specialized materials grew. During this era, Tygon® introduced early fuel‑resistant tubing solutions designed to withstand exposure to fuels, lubricants, and hydrocarbons. This period also marked a shift toward enhanced manufacturing and compounding processes that improved consistency and performance. These early advancements positioned Tygon® as a trusted brand for demanding industrial applications.

Breakthroughs in Medical and Laboratory Applications: The 1980s

The 1980s brought major technological developments. The introduction of SE‑200 (now Versilon®) supported growing needs in medical devices, diagnostics, and laboratory systems. Around the same time, Saint‑Gobain pioneered co‑extruded medical tubing, enabling multi‑layer constructions tailored for specialty requirements such as enhanced pump life, chemical resistance, and fluid purity. These innovations laid the groundwork for Tygon®’s long-standing reputation in healthcare and life sciences.

Expanding the Portfolio: The 1990s

Tygon® Tubing

During the 1990s, Tygon® grew dramatically into high‑performance markets. Reinforced (inner‑braid) tubing was introduced for applications that required higher pressure handling without sacrificing flexibility. Silicone‑based Tygon® SPT-3350 and Tygon® 3370 IB products offered new levels of temperature resistance and biocompatibility, while the Tygon® 2000 Series addressed customer concerns about plasticizers and extractables. Additionally, the launch of Tygon® E-LFL tubing provided unmatched pump life for peristaltic applications, where Tygon® continues to lead today.

This decade also marked early development of multi‑layer chemical‑resistant tubing, paving the way for what would become the Tygon® Chemical product family.

Meeting Industry Demands: The 2000s

With regulations tightening and customer expectations rising, the 2000s saw rapid innovation. The LP Series addressed concerns around fuel permeation and regulatory compliance. Food and beverage manufacturers benefited from the introduction of antimicrobial tubing, which helped maintain hygiene and reduce contamination risks. This period also solidified Tygon®’s expertise in multi‑layer tubing technology, enabling products that balanced long pump life with outstanding chemical resistance.

Modern Materials and Sustainability: The 2010s

Entering the 2010s, global regulations such as REACH drove the development of a new generation of tubing. Saint‑Gobain introduced non‑DEHP medical PVC (the ND Series), reducing patient exposure to traditional plasticizers. Tygon® LCF tubing brought a low‑coefficient‑of‑friction option for medical devices and diagnostics, while new food & beverage‑compliant products (including B‑44‑5X IB and E‑65‑F) were launched to meet international standards.

This era also saw the adoption of bio‑based plasticizer technology, leading to the creation of the Tygon S3™ line, an important step toward sustainable material innovation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tygon® Tubing

Tygon® logos

In 2025, Saint‑Gobain Industrial & Consumer Solutions announced a major global brand refresh for its family of product brands. This initiative represents an exciting new chapter for Tygon®, emphasizing clarity, cohesion, and a modernized visual identity.

As part of the refresh:

  • Updated logos bring Tygon® into closer alignment with the Saint‑Gobain master brand while preserving its distinct identity.
  • Tygon S3™ transitions fully into the Tygon® line, simplifying the portfolio and strengthening the core brand.

The brand refresh is more than a visual update; it represents Saint‑Gobain’s commitment to innovation, customer experience, and long‑term leadership in materials science. The future of Tygon® is one of clarity, sustainability, and continued excellence in engineered tubing solutions.

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Tygon History
Tygon® Timeline

Discover the key milestones that have contributed to Tygon® being recognized as an essential component of fluid management systems.