New Firm Offers PVC Compounds Free of Phthalates & Heavy Metals

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Axiall Corp., Atlanta, the new company that resulted earlier this year from the merger or Georgia Gulf and PPG Industries’ commodities chemicals business, has developed flexible and rigid PVC compounds that replace phthalates and heavy-metal stabilizers with organic alternatives. The new line of PVC compounds boast up more than 25% renewable content.

The development was started two years ago by Georgia Gulf researchers as part of the company’s sustainability program. There was also increased customer demand for flexible PVC that did not contain phthalate plasticizers, due to health concerns. There has also been increased demand for rigid PVC that does not contain heavy-metal stabilizers, particularly zinc. The metal is under scrutiny for environmental concerns and it also can cause “zinc burning” problems in PVC.
 

Axiall’s new flexible compounds contain plasticizers from renewable feedstocks derived from plants, biomatter, and natural oils, while the rigid PVC compounds use a proprietary organic heat stabilizer made from proteins. All of the compounds contain over 25% renewable content, typically 39.5% to 53%.