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 following the publication of the ECHA draft report on DINP and DIDP Toy Restrictions Re-evaluation
Monday 7 May 2012Read more | Download document
On 7 May 2012 the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the launch of a public consultation on the ECHA draft report on the Toy Restrictions Re-evaluation of DINP and DIDP. This re-evaluation of the restrictions on non-classified high phthalates in toys and childcare articles which can be placed in the mouth is required by entry 52 of Annex XVII of REACH, which incorporated the original restrictions in Directive 2005/84/EC.
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High phthalates are not endocrine disruptors
Thursday 12 April 2012Read more | Download documentAt the recent event “Hold-up sur la fertilité! Phtalates et perturbateurs endocriniens, de la recherche scientifique à l’action” organised by RES and WECF at the French National Assembly in Paris on 10 April, participants presented all phthalates as a single category of substances with potential endocrine disruptive effects. However, it is important to note that phthalates are a large and diverse family of chemicals and to use the generic term “phthalates” in this context is simply not correct.
An initiative of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI)