An alternative to PVC and Phthalates in high density plasticol prints
Abstract
PVC and phthalates have been extensively used for plasticol prints in textile applications. This case story, provided by GStar, describes their substitution of PVC and phthalates by silicon prints.

Substituted substance(s)Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
CAS No.9002-86-2
Chemical group: Polymers
Classification
The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLPRegulation)
ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Dibutyl phthalate
CAS No.84-74-2 EC No. 201-557-4 Index No.607-318-00-4
Chemical group: Phthalates
Classification: R-phrases
R50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms
R61 May cause harm to the unborn child
R62 Risk of impaired fertility
Classification: hazard statements
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility
Other adverse effects
The substance is: on the OSPAR list of substances of possible concern, endocrine disruptor cat. 1 (EU EDC database)as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
CAS No.117-81-7 EC No.204-211-0 Index No.607-317-00-9
Chemical group: Carboxylic acid esters
Classification: R-phrases
R60 May impair fertility
R61 May cause harm to the unborn child
Classification: hazard statements
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child
Other adverse effects
The substance is: 2B carcinogen (IARC), on the OSPAR list of substances of possible concern, endocrine disruptor cat.
1 (EU EDC database) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).

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Di-''isononyl'' phthalate
CAS No. 28553-12-0 EC No. 249-079-5
Chemical group Phthalates
Other adverse effects
The substance is: endocrine disruptor (SIN List), endocrine disruptor cat. 2 (EU EDC database) as listed in theSubstance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Classification
The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLPRegulation)
ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Di-''isodecyl'' phthalate
CAS No. 26761-40-0 EC No. 247-977-1
Chemical group Phthalates
Other adverse effects
The substance is: endocrine disruptor cat. 2 (EU EDC database) as listed in the Substance Database according toSUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Classification
The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLPRegulation)
ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Alternative substance(s)Dimethyl siloxane, hydrogen terminated
CAS No. 70900-21-9
Chemical group Organosilicon compounds
Classification
The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLPRegulation)
ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Dimethyl, methyl hydrogen siloxane
CAS No. 68037-59-2
Classification
The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLPRegulation)
ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Hazard assessment

Many of the substituted phthalates are classified as toxic to reproduction and are on the "Hazardous substance
database” according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). The alternatives have no official classification and are
not on the SDSC.

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Substitution description

PVC is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers, themost widely-used being phthalates. In this form, it is used in clothing and accessories. It is commonly used in coats,jackets, aprons and bags. The global phase-out of PVC is advocated because it is claimed that dioxin is produced as abyproduct of vinyl chloride manufacture and from incineration of waste PVC in domestic garbage.
Phthalates are a class of organic compounds added to plastics to increase flexibility. In textiles and apparel, phthalates
can be associated with flexible plastic components, trims, screen and plasticol prints. Several phthalates are known to be
reprotoxic and can cause birth defects and changes in hormone levels.
G-Star is continuously striving towards sustainable solutions and achieving the goal of zero discharge of hazardous
chemicals in its supply chain. One of these goals is completely phasing out PVC and Phthalates. Intensive investigations
using accredited third party testing institutes showed that part of the prints used on products did not meet therequirements as laid down in G-Star's Restricted Substances List (RSL). With the cooperation of the suppliers a broadresearch program was initiated. This resulted in a successful replacement of PVC and Phthalates in High Density
Plasticol prints by High Density Silicon prints. The substitution process started in March 2012 and is ongoing in theglobal supply chain, in which the company works closely with suppliers, technicians and ink suppliers. Research isongoing to find suitable ink and paste for the different product groups in the supply chain.
Dimethyl siloxane, hydrogen terminated and Dimethyl, methyl hydrogen siloxane can replace Phthalates without major
process changes. A number of Phthalates are listed on the Candidate list for SVHC, Annex XIV the Authorisation list
and/or in Annex XVII REACH.

Case/substitution evaluation

This case story describes the phase out of PVC and its associated phthalates in textile plasticol prints. Silicon prints werefound suitable as substitutes. The mentioned siloxanes have no official classification nor are on the SDSC.

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