As dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is no longer permitted under EU REACH regulations after 21 February of this year, Swedish speciality chemicals producer Perstorp (Perstorp; www.perstorp.com) is promoting its “Pevalen” non-phthalate PVC plasticiser to meet increasing demand for DOP alternatives.

“Pevalen” is derived solely from aliphatic raw materials and is suitable for a wide range of general purpose PVC-applications, the company said. A polyol ester derived from food-approved raw materials, the material is based on reliable chemistry that is already registered under REACH. The process for obtaining food contact approval for the plasticiser is currently underway and should be concluded in 2016.

The company said that the material’s performance is equal to or better than other general purpose plasticisers currently on the market and that its combination of high efficiency and low volatility make it particularly suitable for sensitive applications.