Plasticisers are chemical substances essential to soften PVC, also known as vinyl, and make flexible and durable goods such as floors, cables and wall coverings. Phthalates, the most common type of general plasticisers, are divided into two distinct groups with very different applications and classification
Low molecular weight phthalates are those with eight or less carbon molecules. Their use in Europe has been limited to certain specialised applications.
Low phthalates include: DEHP, DBP, DIBP, BBP
High molecular weight phthalates are those with nine or more carbon molecules. They are safely used in numerous everyday and industrial applications.
High phthalates include: DINP, DIDP, DPHP, DIUP, DTDP
Specialty plasticisers are those used to give PVC very special and essential physical properties such as the ability to cope with low temperatures, increased flexibility or fire resistance.
Specialty plasticisers include adipates, citrates, benzoates and trimellitates
Latest News
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ECPI statement on the ECHA draft Substance Evaluation List
Monday 5 December 2011Read more | Download documentOn 21 October 2011, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted the first draft Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) of Substance Evaluation to the EU Member States. It listed 91 substances, amongst which were a number of phthalate plasticisers, including four high phthalates (see Attachment I). The Member States Committee will prepare an opinion on the draft CoRAP in February 2012, and – on the basis of the Committee’s opinion – ECHA will then adopt the final plan for substance evaluation by 28 February 2012.
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International experts debate the future of plasticisers
Wednesday 16 November 2011Read moreThe European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI) partnered up with Crain Communications and European Plastics News to organise the Plasticisers Conference 2011 which took place in Brussels this week. During two days, close to 60 international experts discussed about the future of the industry, its products and their applications.
An initiative of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI)