Fears on health and environmental concerns shift dynamics of DOP to alternate plasticizers

Over the last two decades, Pthalate Plasticizers have come under considerable concerns over health and environmental issues. Consequently, phthalates have been researched in great depth to assess their risk to humans. The studies have shown conclusively that Phthalates are not carcinogenic. The effect of Phthalates, particularly of higher molecular weight Phthalates such as DINP/DIDP, on reproductivity too has not been proven. However BBP/DBP/DOP have been classified as category 3 for BBP/DBP and category 2 of DOP. These categories essentially indicate that there is a serious concern and suspicion about a possible effect of BBP/DBP more than DOP on intrinsic hazards on reproductivity. Higher Phthalates are however considered to be safe.

Studies on the impact of Phthalates on the environment have not shown any conclusive evidence that they cause any toxicity problems to the aquatic organisms. This, because Phthalates have poor solubility in water. Hence Higher Phthalates are bound to have lower solubility. The lower molecular weight BBP/DBP/DOP have been classified as substances that are considered to be of some suspicion.

All these studies have not provided any conclusive evidence. It is therefore not surprising that phthalates continue to have more than 80% share of the total plasticizer consumption. However over the last few years DINP/DIDP have grown much faster compared to DOP. Infact, DOP's share has been going down to almost 35 - 40% from 60-65% over the last decade. Interestingly nonphthalate plasticizers have not been gaining any higher market share. Several nonphthalate plasticizers like citrates or sulfonates have been unable to replace phthates on account of cost performance.

BASF has recently developed a new plasticizer called DINCH (Di lsoNanylCycloHexane Dicarboxylate). This is a general purpose plasticizer like Phthalate and has no reproductivity toxicity. DINCH is likely to be targeted at medical products, toys and food products. The first plant of 25kt capacity is being commissioned by BASF this year. The convertors of toys or medical products certainly would have another option in place of Phthalates.

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