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In recent years, China has emerged as the largest producer and consumer of plasticizers in Asia. As global awareness of environmental protection continues to rise, industries such as pharmaceuticals, food packaging, daily necessities, and toys have imposed stricter requirements on the purity and hygiene of key plasticizers like DOP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate). However, the primary plasticizers currently produced by domestic manufacturers often lack the necessary safety and environmental standards, particularly in terms of low toxicity and health compliance.
The potential toxicity of DOP has drawn significant international attention. While debates still exist regarding its carcinogenicity, many countries have taken precautionary measures due to its possible risks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has banned the production of six new phthalates, based on findings from the National Cancer Institute. In the U.S., DOP is restricted to use in high-water-content food packaging, and meat packaging must use non-toxic alternatives. Similarly, in Europe and other regions like Japan and South Korea, studies have shown that DOP (DEHP) is more harmful than DOA (DEHA). For instance, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets a safety threshold of 0.3 mg/kg for DEHA, while DEHP is considered unsafe at levels above 0.05 mg/kg.
Both DOA and DOP are widely used in China’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) food cling films. Among the ten approved plasticizers for PVC cling film, DOA is listed first, while DOP and DBP are among the last three. These phthalates are more toxic than DEHA, but due to higher production costs, most domestic companies prefer using DOP and DBP. This can lead to increased migration of plasticizers into fatty or oily foods when heated in a microwave, potentially posing health risks. However, using these films for vegetables or uncooked foods is relatively safer.
Internationally, measures have been implemented to limit DOP usage. The U.S. has halted the industrial production of several phthalates, Switzerland has banned DOP in children's toys, and Germany prohibits its use in food-related plastics. In Japan, DOP is limited to industrial applications. Globally, research into non-toxic plasticizers is accelerating, especially for products with high hygiene demands. Despite this, in China, DOP and similar plasticizers remain dominant in the market, largely due to their low cost. Over 80% of plasticizers sold domestically are DOP and DBP. Although the national standard allows DOP for food packaging, the growing concern over health and environmental safety calls for urgent development and promotion of safer alternatives.
October 08, 2025