New generation of PVC plasticizers—Evonik expands portfolio to include phthalate-free products

Essen, December 12, 2012 Evonik plans to launch a new generation of PVC plasticizers. Alongside the strategic portfolio expansion, the company will also develop a new brand of products. With this expansion of its product lines, Evonik is broadening its range of sustainable plasticizers.

Production of the phthalate-free plasticizer 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester is slated to begin in the second half of 2013. An annual 40,000 metric tons will be produced in Marl. Evonik began building the production facilities at the Marl Chemical Park this summer. Total investment in the project is in the double-digit million Euro range.

Consistent research will successively add additional innovative products to the new generation of plasticizers. These plans include the launch of bio-based plasticizers.

"By expanding our portfolio to include phthalate-free plasticizers, we’re ideally supplementing our existing and proven VESTINOL® product family," explains Dr. Rainer Fretzen, head of Evonik’s Performance Intermediates Business Line. "With our new plasticizers, our customers will soon be able to choose the plasticizers that meet their exact requirements from an even wider range of products."

Evonik’s plasticizers are primarily used in the plastics industry, as well as in the automotive and construction industries.