2023-11-13 10:30:48
Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used as plasticizers in plastics. The use of some of them is subject to restrictions because of their toxicity for humans and the environment. Cetim has published a study on the subject in which it lists, among other things, the numerous existing solutions to replace them.
These chemical compounds are made up of a benzene nucleus and two ester groups placed on the ortho nucleus and whose size of the alkyl (hydrocarbon compounds) or aryl (aromatic compounds) chain can vary. To date, 14 phthalates are subject to authorization and can therefore no longer be used, unless an application for authorization has been submitted and/or granted by the European Commission. “They have clearly been identified as being toxic for reproduction and are also considered endocrine disruptors,” explains Olivier Santraine, expert in the Polymers and Composites Engineering department at CETIM. The molecule has a shape very close to those present in the human body and during the growth of the fetus and the child, it replaces itself and gives bad messages to the body and ultimately this creates disturbances. »
These 14 phthalates have the particularity of being made up of short alkyl chain compounds whose carbon number is less than 7. Since 2005, their market volume has fallen from 30% to a few residual percent in 2020. For manufacturers, the The simplest substitution route consists of replacing them with ortho-phthalates, that is to say by phthalates having alkyl groups greater than seven carbons, because they are not currently subject to restrictions. But some of them are starting to be in the sights of the REACH regulation, which has published a list of 17 phthalates, classified among SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern), that is to say as substances of extremely high concern. which may cause harmful effects on humans and the environment.
“This candidate list of 17 phthalates is currently the subject of studies and we can imagine that they will be subject to authorization in the future,” adds the Cetim expert. Some of these compounds have very long carbon chains, so it is necessary to find other substitutes. Given that it is mainly the benzene nucleus which is responsible for endocrine disruption, manufacturers can then turn to other chemical compounds, such as adipates, citrates and acetates which are more difficult to assimilate by the human body. »
Alternatives to phthalates are already available on the market
Ineris makes available on its website a summary table of the various families of alternative molecules to phthalates. For example, for those used in PVC to manufacture floor, wall or roof coverings, the Institute recommends replacing them with linear trimellitate containing alcohol functions. The alternative may also be to completely replace the original material. This is the case in the medical sector where infusion tubes, catheters and infusion bags made from PVC containing phthalates can be replaced by thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a family of copolymers or mechanical blends of polymers.
“Unlike other products affected by restrictions, such as bisphenol or polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS), where it is complicated to find lasting substitutions, in the case of phthalates, there are many solutions which are not covered by the regulations and which seem to be low-toxic, analyzes Olivier Santraine. We are not in need of R&D, because these solutions are available on the market. Manufacturers obviously have to modify the formulation of their products, but not that much, because phthalates are mainly used as additives to create plasticization. »
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