Phthalate

Phthalates have the following properties, which make them particularly useful in the plastics industry:

• Plasticising effect: reduce the brittleness of plastics and increase their flexibility.

• Long service life: contribute to the stability and durability of plastics.

• High chemical stability: resistant to heat and light.

• Low production costs: phthalates are cost-efficient plasticisers.

Phthalates are used in numerous products and industries:

Plastics industry

• Flexible PVC products: cable sheathing, hoses, floor coverings, wallpaper.

• Packaging materials: flexible PVC for food packaging.

Medical technology

• Medical devices: infusion tubing, blood bags and other flexible medical products.

Toy industry

• Soft plastics: phthalates are used to make pliable, flexible toys.

Phthalates are suspected of having negative effects on health and the environment:

Health effects

• Hormonal effect: some phthalates act as endocrine disruptors and can disturb the hormonal system.

• Reproduction: effects on fertility and development, particularly in men.

• Allergies: phthalates can cause skin irritation or respiratory complaints.

Environmental effects

• Bioaccumulation: phthalates can accumulate in the environment and in organisms.

• Water pollution: phthalates frequently enter rivers and oceans via waste and harm ecosystems.

Because of the potential hazards, phthalates have been regulated or banned in many countries:

Regulation

• EU REACH Regulation: certain phthalates such as DEHP, DBP and BBP are severely restricted in the EU.

• Toy Safety Directive: strict limits for phthalates in children’s toys and baby articles.

Alternatives

• Citrate-based plasticisers: environmentally friendly alternatives such as acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC).

• Phosphate plasticisers: high thermal and chemical resistance.

• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): replace PVC and do not require plasticisers.

Although alternatives exist, there are some challenges:

• Costs: alternatives to phthalates are often more expensive to produce.

• Technical properties: not all alternatives offer the same soft, durable properties as phthalates.

• Conversion effort: adapting existing production processes requires investment.

• Which products contain phthalates? Phthalates are found in many flexible plastic products such as cables, hoses, toys and medical devices.

• Are phthalates banned? Some phthalates are regulated or banned in certain applications, such as toys and baby articles.

• How can I recognise products without phthalates? Products labelled “phthalate-free” or made from materials such as TPE or silicone are safer.

• What are the safest alternatives to phthalates? Plasticisers based on citrates or phosphates, or thermoplastic elastomers, are suitable alternatives.

Phthalates are widely used, cost-efficient plasticisers, but they pose health and environmental risks. Their use is increasingly regulated, and environmentally friendly alternatives are gaining in importance. Companies and consumers should make a conscious choice in favour of safe alternatives to minimise damage to health and the environment without sacrificing the quality and flexibility of products.