Plastics Technology - Dedicated to improving Plastics Processing.
Issue link: http://pty.epubxp.com/i/707262
Phthalate ester plasticizers that long have dominated the flexible PVC market have some serious non-phthalate competition, including some newer alternatives. The phthalates' strong market hold is losing steam —primarily in Europe, but in North America as well— industry sources say, because of health and environmental concerns, regulatory scrutiny, and increased consumer awareness. While phthal- ates constitute an extensive family, the two most important in terms of consumption are longtime industry workhorse di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, aka DOP) and DINP (di-isonolyl phthalate). Last year, Houston-based IHS Chemical (ihschemical.com) reported that phthalates accounted for 70% of the world's consumption of plasticizers in 2014, down from about 88% in 2005, and are projected to drop to 65% in 2019. An important IHS caveat, however, is that China accounts for such a large share of the total market. The 2015 IHS report placed DEHP at 37% of the global market, down from about 54% in 2010, and DINP now accounts for about 16%. In Europe and North America, the phthalate debate has centered on allegations that some of them are human endocrine disruptors or probable human carcinogens. Regulatory actions that have been taken and/or are underway involve the ortho-phthalates, starting with DEHP, the By Lilli Manolis Sherman, Senior Editor New and improved formulations are displacing leading plasticizer DEHP; DINP's future is also now shakier. Health, Environmental Concerns Give Non-Phthalate Plasticizers a Push Phthlalates have already been regulated in children's toys. Perstorp's Pevalen polyolester is being used in toys and flooring, and food- contact approval is now being sought. 42 AUGUST 2016 Plastics Technology PTonline.com ADDITIVE S