Diverging trends of plasticizers (phthalates and non
The fate of plasticizers can differ in indoor and aquatic environments, because environmental conditions are not comparable. The predominant fate of phthalates in aerobic aquatic environments is biodegradation [ 102 ], whereas losses in indoor environments caused by microbial degradation could only be demonstrated at elevated humidity [ 16 ].
Handbook of Plasticizers | ScienceDirect
The book covers the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of plasticizers, historical and theoretical background, their effects on process conditions, and health, safety, and environmental issues. Key Features The most comprehensive reference work available, covering the properties and applications of plasticizers
Plasticizers – Benefits, Trends, Health, and Environmental
Plasticizers are colorless and odorless esters, mainly phthalates, that increase the elasticity of a material (e.g., polyvinylchloride (PVC)). Plasticizers soften the PVC to make it flexible and bendable. This opens up a huge range of possibilities for new applications. One of the main benefits of plasticizers is the durability they confer onto
Occurrence and migration of microplastics and plasticizers
Environmental Science & Technology, 50(5): 2685–2691. Article CAS Google Scholar Jiang J, Wang X, Ren H, Cao G, Xie G, Xing D, Liu B (2025). Investigation and fate of microplastics in wastewater and sludge filter cake from a wastewater treatment plant in China. Science of the Total Environment, 746: 141378
CSIRO PUBLISHING | Environmental Chemistry
However, plasticisers are a diverse range of chemicals and with the increasing transfer to non-phthalate alternatives, research into the fate and effects of emerging plasticisers is required to determine their environmental risk and management options.
- What makes a good plasticizer?
- Ideal plasticizers should be highly compatible with polymers, stable in both high and low temperature environments, sufficiently lubricating over a wide temperature range, insensitive to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leaching and migration resistant, inexpensive and should fulfill health and safety regulations.
- How big is the global plasticizer market?
- The global plasticizer market is projected to increase from $17 billion in 2022 to $22.5 billion in 2027. Various emerging/alternative plasticizers entered the market following the ban on several phthalate plasticizers because of their harmful effects. However, there are limited data (especially peer-reviewe 2024 Green Chemistry Reviews
- How do plasticizers affect the environment?
- Human and environmental exposure to plasticizers can occur in different ways. The most prevalent causes of these exposures include point-source pollution from plasticizer manufacturing or plastic formulation, and leaching, migration and evaporation of plasticizers.
- Are emerging/alternative plasticizers harmful?
- Various emerging/alternative plasticizers entered the market following the ban on several phthalate plasticizers because of their harmful effects. However, there are limited data (especially peer-reviewed) on emerging plasticizers’ toxicity and environmental impact.
- Are plasticizers biodegradable?
- Plasticizers are used for biodegradable plastics as well. There are more stringent requirements on these plasticizers, though, since by definition they will be released to the environment during normal product use.
- How to improve the health and environmental issues concerning plasticizers?
- The use of environmentally-benign plasticizers is another way to improve the health and environmental issues concerning plasticizers. Among the number of factors that decide the feasibility of a substance to be used as a plasticizer, toxicological information is an increasingly important one.
