Alternatives to phthalates

PVC INDUSTRY WELCOMES ALTERNATIVE TO PHTHALATES IN TOYS, MEDICAL ITEMS... 

Several alternatives to phthalate esters have been promoted, primarily due to the considerable media, legislative and scientific attention on phthalates. Most suggested alternatives already have a niche use in specific PVC-P applications. 

Phthalate plasticisers have historically served as the preferred plasticisers to impart flexibility to PVC and several other polar polymers. They provide a desirable balance of cost and performance properties. Their acceptable and safe use is unmatched in medical appliances, food processing and packaging applications, as well as many other end uses. Potential alternatives do not have the historical record of acceptable performance found with phthalate plasticisers. Nevertheless, the Precautionary Principle has caused certain segments of society to clamour for alternatives to phthalate plasticisers. Known non-phthalate plasticisers are reviewed, and comparisons to the traditional General Purpose (GP) phthalate plasticisers are provided General Purpose plasticisers are those that impart optimum overall performance properties in PVC at lowest cost. 6 refs. USA... 

Danish Environmental Protection Agency (2001) Environmental and Health Assessment of Alternatives to Phthalates and to flexible PVC. Environ Project No. 590. 

Krauskopf, L. G., How About Alternatives to Phthalate Plasticizers J. Vinyl Addit. Tech., 9, 159, 2003. 

In the field of plasticizers for PVC, some isosorbide esters give functional performance equivalent to some of the most widely criticized phthalates, such as DEHP. ° As phthalates are used in a wide number of applications (PVC plasticizer, cosmetics, inks, lubricants, etc.) there is significant potential for isosorbide derivatives as an alternative to phthalates. 

Krauskopf, L.G., 2003. How about alternatives to phthalate plasticizers J. Vinyl AddiL Techn. 9, 159-171. 

Trimellitates with improved extraction resistance and reduced volatile loss have been developed as alternatives to phthalates in automotive and furniture upholstery, wire insulation and gaskets. Morflex Inc. sells tri-n-hexyl and tri-isodecyl trimellitates. 

The plasticising qualities of sorbitol and its compoimds have been known for many years. The Dutch agricultural research institute, ATO, is commercialising sorbitol-based plasticisers as alternatives to phthalates. 

Benzoate based plasticizers, e.g., Benzoflex 2888 which is a blend of diethylene glycol dibenzoate, triethylene glycol dibenzoate, and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, have been developed to account for the leaching problems. Benzoflex seems to be a good alternative to phthalates in flexible toys due to its ease of processing, final product performance, low toxicity and fast biodegradation. Toxicity tests showed a low acute toxicity and no evidence of reproductive toxicity (2). 

Joshi, M. Benzoates an economic and environmentally friendly alternate to phthalate plasticizers . Plasticizer 2004 Conference September 28-29,2004. 

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