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R. Tesser et al.
addition of plasticizers to be processed. Moreover, for soft and flexible applications,
the plasticizers have an effect on the rigidity of PVC. There are many plasticizers
used for PVC, the most common being based on phthalate esters. These esters of
phthalic acid show the largest market share (about 80%) in the global production
of plasticizers: di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) and di2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DHEP) are the widest used. However, for these plasticizers,
there are some problems concerning their well-known toxicity, causing disorders in
the human reproduction system and endogenous hormones, due to their migration
from polymer matrix [65, 167].
Thus, six phthalates have been banned in Europe and America, for application
in toys, childcare supplies, cosmetics and medical devices. For these uses, it is
recommended to use bio-based alternatives instead of phthalates.
Other important plasticizers are based on carboxylic acid esters with linear or
branched alcohols of medium-chain lengths (C6–C11), such as adipates, benzoates,
citrates or alkane-dicarboxylic, glycols and phosphates [27].
8.5.3 Market of Plasticisers
The global market of plasticizers has been estimated at USD 12.23 billion in 2017,
and it is predicted to reach USD 16.15 billion by 2022 [74, 75], with an increase
of the global demand to about 9.75 million tonnes in 2024. The rising demand for
plasticizers for the soft PVC is expected to drive the plasticizers market during the
forecast period (a demand about 87% of the global market) [78]. The Asia Pacific
area held over 59% of global demand in 2016, followed by Western Europe and
North America.
As the phthalates, the most common PVC plasticizers, have been banned, because
they are considered harmful for health and environment, it is expected an increase in
demand for alternative phthalates. In fact, it has been recorded a loss of market share
for DEHP in 2016 and a similar destine is forecast for other two important phthalates
such as diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).
In this scenario, the global bio-plasticizers market shows a noteworthy position
with 1.243 billion USD in 2016 and an amount of 887 kilotons, and it is expected to
reach USD 2.68 billion in 2025. Over the past, there has been an increase in demand
of bio-plasticizers as an alternative to phthalates. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO)
has dominated the relative market, with a demand of 328.8 kilotons in 2016 and a
worth of USD 395.7 million, and it is projected to grow at a rate of 13.5% during the
forecast period of 2016–2024 (Report review 2017).
R. Tesser et al.
addition of plasticizers to be processed. Moreover, for soft and flexible applications,
the plasticizers have an effect on the rigidity of PVC. There are many plasticizers
used for PVC, the most common being based on phthalate esters. These esters of
phthalic acid show the largest market share (about 80%) in the global production
of plasticizers: di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) and di2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DHEP) are the widest used. However, for these plasticizers,
there are some problems concerning their well-known toxicity, causing disorders in
the human reproduction system and endogenous hormones, due to their migration
from polymer matrix [65, 167].
Thus, six phthalates have been banned in Europe and America, for application
in toys, childcare supplies, cosmetics and medical devices. For these uses, it is
recommended to use bio-based alternatives instead of phthalates.
Other important plasticizers are based on carboxylic acid esters with linear or
branched alcohols of medium-chain lengths (C6–C11), such as adipates, benzoates,
citrates or alkane-dicarboxylic, glycols and phosphates [27].
8.5.3 Market of Plasticisers
The global market of plasticizers has been estimated at USD 12.23 billion in 2017,
and it is predicted to reach USD 16.15 billion by 2022 [74, 75], with an increase
of the global demand to about 9.75 million tonnes in 2024. The rising demand for
plasticizers for the soft PVC is expected to drive the plasticizers market during the
forecast period (a demand about 87% of the global market) [78]. The Asia Pacific
area held over 59% of global demand in 2016, followed by Western Europe and
North America.
As the phthalates, the most common PVC plasticizers, have been banned, because
they are considered harmful for health and environment, it is expected an increase in
demand for alternative phthalates. In fact, it has been recorded a loss of market share
for DEHP in 2016 and a similar destine is forecast for other two important phthalates
such as diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).
In this scenario, the global bio-plasticizers market shows a noteworthy position
with 1.243 billion USD in 2016 and an amount of 887 kilotons, and it is expected to
reach USD 2.68 billion in 2025. Over the past, there has been an increase in demand
of bio-plasticizers as an alternative to phthalates. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO)
has dominated the relative market, with a demand of 328.8 kilotons in 2016 and a
worth of USD 395.7 million, and it is projected to grow at a rate of 13.5% during the
forecast period of 2016–2024 (Report review 2017).