Performance Materials welcomes ECHA decision on plasticizers

The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki has rejected a proposal by the Danish environmental authority to classify the plasticizer diisononyl phthalate (DINP) as reprotoxic in category 1B. DINP belongs to the group of phthalates and is used as a plasticizer in the production of PVC products and other polymer applications.

In its hazard assessment, carried out in accordance with the rules of the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation, the RAC concluded after evaluation of all the relevant data that a hazard classification was not necessary.

Evonik Performance Materials GmbH and the European Plasticisers Association welcomed the RAC’s decision. As a member of the industry association, Performance Materials had participated intensively in technical discussion on the classification of DINP. Dr. Hendrik Fischer of Product Stewardship at Evonik says: “The RAC’s evaluation confirms the results of our many years of research in this area: DINP can be used with complete safety in all of its various applications and contributes toward improving our everyday lives.”