PVC plasticisers | additives
The changing face of plasticisers
The move away from low molecular weight orthophtha- late PVC plasticisers, typified by products such as DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), continues. As regulations tighten – in Europe at least – and consumer attitudes harden, increasing development activity is being directed at alternatives that offer equivalent or better properties. There is considerable activity in bio-based plasticisers, for instance, but it is not proving a smooth ride; raw material availability problems have had major effects on plasticiser supply and prices. This article takes a look at some of the most recent events. Environmental concerns continue to be a critical
factor in the plasticiser market, says Emerald Kalama Chemical, supplier of the K-Flex line of phthalate-free plasticisers based on dibenzoate chemistry. “Since the early 1980s when Greenpeace suggested threads between phthalates and toxicity, use of phthalates in particular has continued to decline thanks to the confla- tion of hazard with risk, perceived risk driving NGO action, and new regulations restricting their use,” the company says. While phthalates still represent the lion’s share of
the plasticiser market, that share is on a downward track. In the US, for instance, phthalate plasticisers accounted for near 58% of consumption in 2014 but by 2019 that figure is expected to drop to 54%. Absolute
www.compoundingworld.com
Consumer and regulator concern continues to drive change in the
plasticisers industry, with suppliers working to develop cost effective
alternatives that meet demanding performance requirements. Peter Mapleston reports
growth of phthalate plasticisers (excluding terephtha- lates, which are considered by suppliers and by the US EPA as non-phthalates) remains positive, according to a 2015 IHS report, but at 1.0% was below total market growth of 2.3%. Emerald highlights a number of significant US
events in recent years that have likely contributed to driving adoption of phthalate alternatives. In 2015, for example, the US stores Lowes and Menards followed Home Depot in signalling their intention to eliminate flooring products containing phthalates from their offerings. And in 2016, two major discount chains made
Main image:
Flooring may be a small plasticiser
market but it is proving to be a driver in
plasticiser substitution
August 2017 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 41
PHOTO: EXXONMOBIL
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