The European plasticisers industry has been adapting to the always-evolving EU legal framework while continuing to respond to consumer and end-user demands. Regulatory changes have had
a major impact on our industry. We have seen a significant decrease in the consumption of low molecular weight phthalate plasticisers such as DEHP after their inclusion in the REACH Candidate List.
Data from the last 15 years shows that the use of some orthophthalates like DINP, DIDP and DPHP has significantly increased while consumption of classified orthophthalates has decreased. In parallel, the use of other plasticisers such as DINCH and DOTP is also on the rise, reflecting our industry commitment to developing new and safe products through important investments in research and innovation.
Safety first
Plasticisers are among the most widely researched chemical substances. In the EU, the safe use of plasticisers is enabled by REACH, the strictest product safety regulation in the world. The European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the EU Member States have undertaken 10-year-long comprehensive scientific assessments of plasticisers. Similar regulatory frameworks are being developed in other parts of the world such as Korea and Turkey. EU manufacturers should have some advantages when entering these markets.
Plasticisers manufacturers have also made large investments in the research and development of new products in order to improve their performance and create new substances that can best respond to current market needs whilst respecting all safety criteria required by REACH. However, in today’s heavily globalised market, competition is becoming increasingly tough and that is why at ECPI we often ask for regulatory uncertainty to be minimised so that European companies can continue to innovate.
Working together with the industry
The plasticiser industry can only remain competitive by continuing to work together with regulators, other industries and associations to ensure that plasticisers retain a key role in modern society. ECPI’s role in particular is to continue promoting the benefits of plasticisers and soft PVC, and raising awareness about their safety and sustainability. We are seeing new specialty additives being developed but at the same time, industry is in need of high volumes of general use plasticisers. I believe there is room for both types of substances to find a place in the market.
Finally, sustainability is one of the key aspects I believe will help European companies remain competitive and differentiate their products. ECPI is one of the founding members of VinylPlus - www.vinylplus.eu - the sustainability programme of the European PVC industry. We have been part of this voluntary initiative since it started in 2000 and its main goal is improve the way PVC is produced across a number of key areas. For example, VinylPlus aims to recycle 800,000 tonnes of PVC a year by 2020. In 2014 alone - and following important growth since 2010 – nearly half a million tonnes (481,018 t) were recycled.
PVC
Dr Stéphane Content is General Manager of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates