Number

084-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Arnitel® XG, produced by DSM, is an engineering plastic completely free of halogens, BFR´s (brominated flame retardants), PVC and plasticizers. The applications of the plastic are primarily in wires and cables intended for use in consumer electronics. Although the plastic is free from brominated flame retardants it still possesses good flame retardancy, as well as chemical and temperature resistance. These properties make Arnitel XG a possible alternative to PVC in wires and cables.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

PBT

Hazard Assessment

The disclosed alternative is not in the database of hazardous substances according to SUBSPORT screening criteria (SDSC) and holds no official risk or hazard classification.

Description of Substitution

DSM´s corporate mission is to create sustainable growth by generating value via its products and services. To do so, the company strives to achieve a productive and sustainable balance between the needs of people, planet and profit. DSM´s Bright Science Brighter Living approach to sustainable product and process design includes four key tenets: reducing the use of hazardous substances; improving overall eco-efficiency; promoting recycling; and developing bio based polymers. For the past eight years, the company has consistently earned a top Dow Jones Sustainability Index ranking.

Leading the change to bromine- and chlorine-free plastics components

DSM´s long history of and commitment to product stewardship has guided its journey in developing new materials for electronic products. By carefully listening to its customers and keeping abreast of market trends, DSM recognized the value of developing solutions to replace bromine and chlorine in electronic connectors and cables. Over the past years, growing demand for bromine- and chlorine free products justified the investment required to develop a range of new halogen-free products, including polyamides (46, 4T, 6 and 66) and polyesters (TPC, PET, and PBT). Until recently, the electronics industry generally considered brominated flame retardants and PVC plastic to have an ideal performance/safety balance. However, the inappropriate incineration of end-of life electronics equipment via informal recycling carried out at temperatures below 800°C has led to a growing concern that these materials pose risks to health and the environment. DSM recognized this concern as the result of several Original Equipment Manufacturers bringing it to the company?s attention. By working together with partners throughout its entire value chain, including OEMs as well as suppliers, DSM developed and now produces new bromine- and chlorine- free flame retardant engineering plastics that meet high technical and environmental performance standards. These solutions enforce the competitive advantage for the emerging market demand for BFR- and PVC-free products in the electronics sector. DSM was among the first chemical companies to offer a complete portfolio of engineering plastics that are free of bromine and chlorine.

A key halogen-free DSM product with desirable qualities for electronic cables:

Arnitel XG (www.arnitel.com)" is a high-performing thermoplastic co-polyester that connects to a more sustainable future by containing no BFRs, PVC, halogens, or plasticizers. The product has been successfully commercialized for PVC replacement and approved for use with electronics wires and cables by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the world's largest, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.

Moving forward

DSM´s achievements would not have been possible without a forward-thinking management team who supported this work even through the economic downturn, when many other companies were cutting research and development expenses. By actively driving the development of chlorine- and bromine- free plastics components for the electronics sector, DSM was able to achieve breakthroughs that enabled the company to leap ahead of its competitors. DSM fully intends to continue developing sustainable solutions that meet the emerging market demands for eco-friendly products. In keeping with its corporate motto Bright Science Brighter Living, the company expects to continuously improve the quality of its halogen-free portfolio. DSM is also active in developing biobased engineering plastic polymers that avoid or reduce the use of petroleum, as well as improving the recyclability and eco-efficiency of its engineering plastics.

Case/substitution evaluation

This is a case story from a producer, describing an alternative material to PVC for wires and cables. PVC and the plasticizers used to make cables flexible are of health and environmental concern. We do not have access to the full chemical content of the material, but the substances disclosed pass SUBSPORT criteria.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Producer/Provider

https://www.dsm.com/corporate/home.html

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor

Contact

https://www.dsm.com/corporate/home.html

Further information

DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.?
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials.
DSM?s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of around ?9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

This case story is also a part of case story 114-EN, which describes PVC substitution from a users perspective.

Date, reviewed

February 27, 2020