Phthalate replacements and renewable esters

The phthalate replacement trend really began when the European Union put a ban on DOP, DBP and BBP in all but critical-use applications, effective 2015. With formulas and compounds mixed all over the globe, many manufacturers began to proactively eliminate these and other phthalates, just to avoid potential regulatory problems. The product shift moved from DOP to DINP, DIDP and DOTP, but in other cases, it moved to non-phthalate chemistry as well as more environmentally-friendly products, to renewable/sustainable esters. This trend will continue as environmental and sustainability concerns increase. Since Hallstar does not manufacture any phthalates, virtually every plasticizer we have is a phthalate replacement.

These polymers, made from renewable (plant based) raw material streams, often require a plasticizer to gain some functionality. Since these are biopolymers, using a synthetic (petroleum) based plasticizer, or a phthalate, doesn’t make much sense. That’s where bio-based plasticizers are needed. Hallstar has developed a full line of both monomeric and polymeric USDA-certified renewably sourced plasticizers. Some are also biodegradable according to ASTM D6400.