PLASTICISERS | PVC
Plasticisers continue to trend away from low molecular weight orthophthalate- based chemistries to alternatives seen as safer, particularly for consumer and medical uses. Jennifer Markarian reports
Plasticiser developments follow sustainable path
The PVC plasticisers industry continues to work on development and application of alternatives to low-molecular weight (LMW) orthophthalate-based plasticisers, which do a very effective job but face increasing regulatory restrictions. Today, high molecular weight (HMW) orthophthalates and a range of non-orthophthalate alternatives, including bio-based plasticisers, are already being used. Europe has led the shift away from LMW
phthalates. Some LMW phthalates — benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) — have been restricted through their inclusion in Annex XIV of the Authorisation list in the REACH regulations as Category 1B due to reproductive effects. As a consequence there is very limited production and use of these LMW phthalates in Europe today and biomonitoring studies show a significant decrease in exposure, according to European Plasticisers, a sector group of Cefic (the European Chemical Industry Council).
www.compoundingworld.com
An additional restriction, under REACH Annex XVII, covering the same plasticisers came into effect in July 2020. This restricts, with some exceptions, their use to less than 0.1% in articles for the EU market. According to European Plasticisers, these latest restrictions are intended primarily to target imported products. Enforcement is down to member states. In addition, the European Chemicals Agency
(ECHA) submitted a recommendation to the European Commission (EC) in July 2019 to amend the Authorisation List (Annex XIV of REACH) entries by adding endocrine disrupting properties to the BBP, DBP, DIBP, and DEHP entries. “Once the Commission decides on the amendment, some previously exempted uses will require authorisation. For example, [if] DEHP is listed as endocrine disruptor for the environment, authorisation applications will have to be submitted for its use in food-contact materials and medical devices,” says Michela Mastrantonio, Manager at European Plasticisers.
� August 2020 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 39
Main Image: The PVC industry is moving away from low molecular weight
plasticisers as the regulatory environment continues to tighten
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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