ECPI welcomes ECHA’s opinion proposing Authorisation to three companies to supply DEHP for the continued use in PVC applications, and one company to supply DBP for continued use in specific applications

Brussels 19 September 2014: ECHA's Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) have issued draft opinions expressing their support to authorise the continued use of DEHP in many PVC applications and DBP in specific solvent, propellant and ceramic applications. The final decision on Authorisation rests with the European Commission.

Use of DEHP is proposed to be authorised for three companies: Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Kędzierzyn Spółka Akcyjna, DEZA and Arkema, for use in the formulation of compounds, dry-blends and plastisol formulations, and in the industrial use in polymer processing to produce PVC articles. In addition it proposed that three recycling companies Vinyloop Ferrara, Stena Recycling and Plastic Planet are authorised for recycling i.e. to use PVC compounds containing DEHP in compounds and dry-blends for the formulation of recycled soft PVC, as well as the industrial use of recycled soft PVC containing DEHP in polymer processing to produce PVC articles. Both plasticisers DEHP and DBP are proposed to be authorised for one company DEZA to supply for use in ceramic sheets and printing pastes for production of capacitors and lambda sensor elements.

These proposed Authorisations are time limited and company specific. The proposed Authorisations have no impact on the existing restrictions on DEHP and DBP in toys and childcare articles, and cosmetics.

“We are pleased to see the REACH Authorisation process moving along” said ECPI’s General Manager, Stéphane Content. “A thorough evaluation and strict regulation of the use of these plasticisers in specific applications is a positive signal alongside the major progress already made by the plasticiser industry over the last 20 years in the development of alternatives. The alternatives include non-classified high phthalates, cyclohexanoates, citrates and terephthalates which are in widespread use in flexible PVC and other applications. This will allow our industry to continue ensuring the safe and sustainable use of its products”.

Following comments from the applicants, the opinions will be finalized by ECHA RAC and SEAC and then sent to the European Commission for finalization of the Authorisation applications.

Substance
Uses applied for

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

  • Formulation of DEHP in compounds, dry-blends and Plastisol formulations
  • Industrial use in polymer processing by calendering, spread coating, extrusion, injection moulding to produce PVC articles [except erasers, sex toys, small household items (
  • Industrial use of DEHP in ceramic sheets and printing pastes for production of capacitors and lambda sensor elements

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

in recyclate

  • Formulation of recycled soft PVC containing DEHP in compounds and dry-blends.
  • Industrial use of recycled soft PVC containing DEHP in polymer processing by calendering, extrusion, compression and injection moulding to produce PVC articles

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

  • Use of DBP as an absorption solvent in a closed system in the manufacture of maleic anhydride.
  • Use of DBP in propellants Formulation: Industrial use of DBP as a burning rate surface moderant, plasticiser and/or coolant in the formulation of nitrocellulose-based propellant grains.
    Use at industrial site: Industrial use of DBP-containing propellant grains in manufacture of ammunition for military and civilian uses, and pyrocartridges for aircraft ejection seat safety systems [includes propellants for police force ammunition and excludes propellants intended for manual, private reloading of ammunition cartridges by civilian users, i.e., licensed individual sports shooters and hunters. No direct consumer use of DBP or its mixtures is covered by this Use.] Industrial use of DBP in ceramic sheets and printing pastes for production of capacitors and lambda sensor elements.