Teknor Apex Now Offers Diverse Range Of Alternatives To Phthalate Plasticizers For Vinyl Toys And Child-Care Products

Now available to manufacturers of toys like small action figures and child care products like baby bibs and crib bumpers is a wide range of vinyl compounds made flexible with alternatives to phthalate plasticizers, it was announced by Teknor Apex Company, which will highlight this supply capability at NPE2009 (Booth 92020). The alternative plasticizers enable customers to comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations that became effective in February of this year.

The Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex has separated production of PVC compounds containing DEHP and other phthalate plasticizers from that of compounds plasticized with phthalate alternatives. The move draws on the expertise of Teknor Apex's Chemical Division, a longtime producer of plasticizers for captive use, including phthalates and all important alternative types.

"While there is no evidence that phthalates traditionally used in toy and child care articles have adversely affected human health in decades of widespread use, Teknor Apex recognizes that manufacturers now require compounds containing alternative plasticizers and has taken the initiative to offer them the broadest choice possible," said John Macaluso, industry manager for consumer and industrial applications. "Besides dedicating production lines to alternative plasticized compounds at three plants in the U.S.A., we are prepared to do so at our facility in Singapore if demand warrants."

New CPSC Regulation Affects Only Two Special Categories of Flexible Vinyl Products
Effective February 10, 2009, the CPSC's Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 places permanent restrictions on the sale of toys for children under 12 and child care articles with concentrations of more than 0.1% of the phthalate plasticizers DEHP, DBP, and BBP. Temporary restrictions are also in effect for concentrations of more than 0.1% of the phthalates

DINP, DIDP, and DnOP in toys or parts of toys that are smaller than 5 cm and can be placed in a child's mouth, and on child care articles. The latter are defined as articles that facilitate sleep or feeding, or help with sucking or teething, for children ages three and under.

"The CPSC ruling does not apply to wire and cable, flooring, furniture and a host of other flexible vinyl applications where phthalates have also long been used with no recorded adverse effects," Macaluso said. "Teknor Apex remains well prepared to supply compounds containing commercial phthalates to these high-volume markets, as applications warrant."

Macaluso noted that in addition to offering phthalate alternatives in vinyl compounds for compliance to the CPSIA, Teknor Apex can supply these same compounds in versions that would be considered low in VOC's (volatile organic compounds) for applications where that characteristic would be important. "And as always," he added, "every vinyl compound supplied by Teknor Apex Company is formulated for recyclability."

About Teknor Apex Company
The Vinyl Division of TEKNOR APEX COMPANY is a leading manufacturer of compounds based on PVC, including Apex flexible vinyl and Flexalloy vinyl elastomers. Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, U.S.A., the Division is an international supplier to the appliance, automotive, construction, medical device, wire and cable, and other industries. In addition to its vinyl business, other Teknor Apex plastics businesses include the Chemical Div., Engineering Thermoplastics Div., Specialty Compounding Div., Teknor Color Company, and Thermoplastic Elastomer Div. International subsidiaries include Singapore Polymer Corp., Teknor Apex Suzhou, and Teknor Apex UK. For more information,Visit www.teknorapex.com.

SOURCE: Teknor Apex Company