Which material is commonly recognized for its flexibility in product design?

Polymers are commonly recognized for their flexibility in product design due to their molecular structure, which allows them to bend and stretch without breaking. This characteristic makes polymers suitable for a wide range of applications, such as packaging, textiles, and molded parts. Their ability to be manipulated during processing also enables designers to create intricate shapes and forms that would be challenging with more rigid materials.

In contrast, metals are typically known for their strength and durability but often exhibit less flexibility under stress. Ceramics, while strong in compression, are usually brittle and can crack under tension, making them unsuitable for applications where flexibility is required. Composites can offer a range of properties depending on their constituents but do not inherently possess the same level of flexibility as polymers. This makes polymers the material of choice when flexibility is a critical factor in product design.