REACH to impose stricter controls on phthalates - leatherbiz: Leading Leatherbiz

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REACH to impose stricter controls on phthalates

11/05/2018
Calls that the government of Denmark made in 2014 for the European Union to eliminate phthalates from consumer products looks close to becoming a reality. Phthalates are widely used to make plastic materials, especially PVC, flexible, soft and pliable, properties valued by brands that have turned to plastic as a cheap substitute for leather.

Proposed changes to REACH legislation include important changes to controls of phthalates that are already in place. The changes include adding phthalates not currently listed, and expanding the scope of REACH restrictions beyond toys and other items for children to plasticised parts in all articles.

The new restrictions look likely to come into force in the second half of 2018.

UK-based research and testing body BLC said in response to the news that finished product manufacturers face fines, product recall and reputational damage if testing shows their products contain excessive levels of phthalates.

This seems to be yet another reason why companies that have used PVC and other plastics in car interiors, shoes, apparel, furniture and other applications should substitute the substitutes with leather.



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