“Phthalate-free” has become one of the most asked-about topics around PVC and plastisol in recent years. Brands, producers and purchasing teams increasingly ask which plasticizer their plastisol is made with. This article explains what phthalate-free plastisol means, the DOTP- and DOA-based options, and the phthalate-free PVC paste we use in our own production.
Phthalates in plastisol
Plastisol is made by dispersing PVC paste resin in a plasticizer, which forms the liquid phase of the paste and makes the final product flexible. In the past, plasticizers of the ortho-phthalate class were widely used in plastisol formulations. Today many producers and brands are turning to formulations made with non-phthalate plasticizers. “Phthalate-free plastisol” describes plastisol made with such plasticizers.
DOTP-based plastisol
DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate) is a phthalate-free, general-purpose plasticizer, and DOTP-based plastisol is used as a general-purpose option in many applications. For details, see our DOTP plasticizer page and our article What Is DOTP Plasticizer?
DOA-based plastisol
DOA (dioctyl adipate) is a phthalate-free plasticizer known for flexibility in the cold. DOA-based or DOA-modified plastisol is considered for products where flexibility at low temperatures matters. For details, see our DOA plasticizer page.
DOTP and DOA blends
Many formulations use DOTP and DOA together: DOTP forms the backbone of the formulation while DOA supports cold flexibility. The blend ratio is set according to the product’s needs. Our plasticizer option can be DOTP-based, DOA-based or a blend of the two.
Phthalate-free plastisol in our own production
At ASLAB we use phthalate-free plastisol in our own production: in the rubber labels, patches, footwear parts, keychains, coasters, trivets and spoon rests we make by micro-injection. Our plastisol is prepared with DOTP or DOA and contains no phthalates. We also prepare the same plastisol as a raw material for companies making their own products.
What “phthalate-free” does and does not mean
“Phthalate-free plastisol” means the plastisol is made with non-phthalate plasticizers instead of ortho-phthalates. On its own, the term does not mean the product complies with a particular standard or regulation. If requirements apply to a specific market or product group, these need to be assessed separately. Share your needs and target market at the quote stage, and we will clarify together what information can be provided.
Where is it used?
- Micro-injection rubber labels and patches
- Footwear parts and appliqués
- Keychains and promotional products
- Coasters, trivets and similar home products
For brands and producers
For brands that want phthalate-free materials in their products, knowing which plasticizer the plastisol is made with matters. A brand ordering rubber labels or patches may want to know the label is made with a phthalate-free formula. Producers who use plastisol in their own products may treat the plasticizer type as a deciding criterion in sourcing. You can also browse our rubber label models made with a phthalate-free formula.
Steps for switching to a phthalate-free formula
A step-by-step approach is recommended for producers switching to a phthalate-free plastisol formula. First, the expected properties of the current product are listed: hardness, flexibility, surface appearance and colour. Small-scale trials are then run with phthalate-free plasticizers and compared with the current product. If needed, ratios and heat treatment conditions are adjusted.
When trials are positive, production scale follows. Your technical team’s assessment and your own test methods are decisive in this process. You can send your plastisol or plasticizer supply needs via the quote form.
Frequently asked questions
Which plasticizer is your plastisol made with?
Our plastisol is prepared with DOTP or DOA; the plasticizer option can be DOTP-based, DOA-based or a blend of the two.
Can I buy phthalate-free plastisol as a raw material?
Yes. We also prepare the plastisol used in our own production for you. Packaging and quantity are clarified in the quote.
Conclusion
Phthalate-free plastisol is PVC paste made with non-phthalate plasticizers such as DOTP or DOA. See our PVC plastisol page for details, and send your needs via the quote form.