page_title: Phthalate
section_title: Table of the most common phthalates
hierarchical_section_title: Phthalate / Table of the most common phthalates
caption_attribution_description: English: Market trend in decreasing use of low orthophthalates including DEHP
context_page_description: Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic anhydride. They are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride.
  Lower-molecular-weight phthalates, those derived from C3-C6 alcohols, are being gradually replaced in many products in the United States, Canada, and European Union over health concerns. They are being replaced by high-molecular-weight phthalates, as well as alternative plasticizers not based on phthalic anhydride. In 2010, the market was still dominated by high-phthalate plasticizers; however, due to legal provisions and growing environmental awareness and perceptions, producers are increasingly forced to use non-phthalate plasticizers. This transition to phthalate-free plasticizers has prevented manufacturers from using post-consumer recycled plastic as that recycled content would likely contain phthalates. Thus, manufacturers have moved to use only virgin plastic in their products.
caption: Market trend in decreasing use of low orthophthalates including DEHP
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