DOTP/DEHT Plasticizer Conversion Up Nine-Fold

Conversion to non-phthalate plasticizers in flexible PVC applications is picking up in pace over the last few years as reported in PT’s August cover story, “Health, Environmental Concerns Give Non-Phthalate Plasticizers a Push.” Last year, Houston-based IHS Chemical reported that phthalates accounted for around 70% of the world’s consumption of plasticizers in 2014, down from 88% in 2005, and projected a drop to 65% in 2019. A correction needed in the body of the text which was inadvertently attributed to Mark Brucks, market-development representative for plasticizers at Eastman Chemicals, Kingsport, Tenn., is as follows:Non-phthalate DOTP (diethylhexyl terephthalate, aka DEHT), according to recent industry reports from IHS and others, indicate a nine-fold increase in consumption for overall DOTP/DEHT conversion in North America and Europe combined.