Plasticisers

Plasticisers are used primarily in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but also in other types of polymers, such as polyurethanes and various elastomers. Plasticisers are added as additives, meaning that they are not chemically bound to the polymer and can therefore migrate out of the material throughout its service life. They are often used in high concentrations; in some cases, plasticisers can account for more than half of the material's composition.
Several different groups of substances are used as plasticisers. Two of these groups, which include substances with hazardous and particularly hazardous properties, are described below.

Phthalates

Phthalates are used as plasticisers in plastics and rubber, as well as in paints and adhesives. They may also be present in cosmetics and perfumes. Because they are relatively inexpensive and compatible with a wide range of polymers, they are used in large volumes both within the EU and globally. Their use is particularly common in PVC products, such as vinyl flooring, construction materials, cables, hoses, toys, sandals, exercise equipment, and plastic prints on clothing.

The phthalates that have received the most attention are the ortho-phthalates, several of which are toxic to reproduction and have, or are suspected of having, endocrine-disrupting properties. For this reason, a number of phthalates are currently regulated under chemicals legislation.

Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation contains several restrictions on phthalates. For example, Entry 51 covers four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP) and prohibits their use in concentrations above 0.1% by weight in plasticised materials in articles. Another example is Entry 52, which restricts three phthalates (DINP, DIDP, and DNOP) in toys and childcare articles.

Several phthalates also require authorisation for use under Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation, and a number of them are included on the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). In addition, phthalates are subject to regulatory requirements under other legislation.

Chlorinated paraffins

Another common group of substances used as plasticisers is chlorinated paraffins, which are classified according to their carbon chain length as short-chain (SCCPs), medium-chain (MCCPs), or long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs).
This group of substances is also used as flame retardants. Due to their hazardous properties, SCCPs have been restricted under the POPs Regulation since 2012, and MCCPs are in the process of being similarly regulated. Both SCCPs and MCCPs are also included on the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
LCCPs are not currently subject to specific restrictions under legislation, but they may often contain impurities of both SCCPs and MCCPs.
Chlorinated paraffins can be found in various types of soft plastics and artificial leather, as well as in products such as paints, adhesives, sealants, and jointing compounds.

Examples of other groups of substances used as plasticisers, and which in some cases have replaced substances that are now restricted under legislation, include cyclohexanoates (such as DINCH), trimellitates, benzoates, and phosphate esters. Some substances within these groups also have hazardous properties. For example, certain phosphate esters are associated with health and environmental concerns.

Important to know!

lthough many hazardous plasticisers are now regulated by legislation, they continue to be frequently identified in inspection projects carried out by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI), often at concentrations that exceed the applicable legal limits. In many cases, these substances are found in articles manufactured outside the EU, where different chemical regulations may apply.
If you manufacture, import, or distribute products containing plasticisers, you should therefore ensure that the plasticisers used comply with the legislation in force in the market where the products are sold. Keep in mind that these requirements also apply to recycled materials.

More about identifying hazardous substances in legislation 

More about substances to be phased out

Find alternatives to hazardous substances