TPE and PVC each include many formulations. Comparisons should identify the grade and finished part rather than infer that a whole category is halogen-free, plasticizer-free, free of heavy metals or non-toxic.
Compare hardness, density, low-temperature behavior, touch, abrasion and slip requirements, as well as processing and cost. Material substitution also requires checking tooling, processing and service performance.
The original article mentioned processing methods such as micro-injection and slush molding without identifying formulations or conditions. These examples do not establish whether every TPE can or cannot use a particular process.