Over the last few years, several new plasticizers have been introduced, positioned as alternatives to the ortho-phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP, DBP, and BBP) that have been restricted in the EU and more recently in North America. Alternative chemistries include conventional esters (such as adipates and citrates), naturally-derived plasticizers (such as Danisco's vegetable-oil based Grindsted® Soft-N-Safe), BASF's Hexamoll DINCH (Diisononylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate), terephthalates (such as DOTP and DEHT), and alkyl sulfonic ester derivatives. Suppliers of alternative plasticizers have responded to recent increases in demand with increased supply as well as new products. For example, Lanxess completed debottlenecking operations for its MESAMOLL and other phthalate-free alkyl sulfonic ester derivatives last year. Eastman Chemical introduced Eastman™ DBT, a high solvating, non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer for PVC plastisols and water-based adhesives, in the EU last year. Eastman also completed a debottlenecking project to increase plasticizer production, and recently increased storage capacity in the EU for DBT and the company's established non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers TXIB™ and Eastman 168™, in response to increasing demand in applications like toys, childcare articles, and medical devices.
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Sound science - Jun 17, 2010
posted by Anonymous
For a plasticizer to fall into the "safe category", it outght to be registered under REACH, dispose of large amounts of toxicological data and be risk assessed (extensive regulatory review of extensive toxicological data and studies based on current use and exposure). This is the case for example for the high molecular weight phthalates.
Terephthalates are not registered under REACH and have not been risk assessed. If their metabolism is different it does not imply by definition that they are safer. Sound science will tell.
posted by Carlos Lopez, Marketing / Sales at SGS Polimeros Ltda.
I agree with Naert Didier.
There are other alternatives phthalates-free in the market.
There is Olvex 51 from SGS Polimeros (Brazil) that is a soybean based primary plasticizer that can replace 100% DEHP, DOA, DINP, etc. in PVC applications and others. But it isnt registered under Reach yet.
posted by Ralf Kron, Marketing / Sales at Biesterfeld
“PHTHALATES” are esters of phthalic acid (benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid) also ortho-phthalate.
Terephthalates are esters of terephthalic acid (benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid). After polymerization it is known as poly (ethylene terephthalate) PET used for fibers, bottle resins, films etc.
Ortho-phthalates (so called "PHTHALATES") are omnipresent in the environment.
After degradation in creatures this “PHTHALATES” are under strong suspicion being a metabolism active toxicant.
This article is about NON- “PHTHALTES” (eg. Terephthalates, DINCH, Citro… etc ). They have totally different degradability in humans body’s, creatures and environment. By way of precaution the European Union, United States and PVC Producer worldwide are restricting “PHTHALATES” like (DEHP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP, DBP, and BBP).
posted by Marzio Bussola, R&D - Applied/ Formulation/ Product development at Parker ITR s.r.l.
REACH shows that many phthalates are safe and are not classified as Substances of Very High Concern. Only DEHP, DBP and BBP are in SVHC List and need Authorisation for their use. The restriction mentioned for other phthalates (DINP, DIDP and DNOP) is only for toys and childcare articles which can be placed in the mouth by children.
posted by Saikat Chatterjee, Technical Service/ Customer Assistance
C4 Terephthalate and DOTP are definitely Phthalate derivatives, so it is not clear how come these two are out of scope of phthalate deterrence ?
it would had been also interesting to know the platicizing effieciencies of the alternative plasicizers and volatility in comparison with general purpose phthalate plasticizers like DOP?
Are they also successful in wire n cable applicaton?
posted by Naert Didier, R&D - Applied/ Formulation/ Product development
Probably need to revise my chemistry but since when are C4 Terephthalates (DBT) or C8 Terephthalates (DOTP) non-phthalates ?
Good to note that two of the mention phthalates (DINP,DIDP) are registered under REACH, not classified , not CMR and their comprehensive EU risk assessment confirmed they are safe. The restriction mentioned in your introduction cover toys/childcare articles intended to be put in the mouth, so probably less than 0.5 % of the flexible PVC end-uses !
posted by Ralf Kron, Marketing / Sales at Biesterfeld
I launched a DOTP named SASAPlus88 in European Market very sucessfully. I can confrim that no application and no customer has to take the risk of ortho-phthatales any longer. The available alternatives are competitive to the old and restricted technology in any case.
Yes! I would like to be alerted on new publications.
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