Number

371-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

PVC and phthalates have been extensively used for plastisol prints in textile applications. This case story describes the substitution of PVC and phthalates by silicon prints.

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

CMR
ED

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: The main problem with PVC is the plasticisers, such as phthalates which might be endocrine disrupting. Many of the substituted phthalates are on the Substance Database. According to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Dibutyl phthalate is a reproductive toxicant category 1B (CLP Regulation), on edlists.org: Substances identified as endocrine disruptors at EU level (Health Effects) and an endocrine disruptor category 1 (EU EDC database) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is a category 2B carcinogen (IARC), an endocrine disruptor category 1 (EU EDC database), on edlists.org: Substances identified as endocrine disruptors at EU level (Health + Environmental Effects) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Diisononyl phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate are endocrine disruptor (SIN List), endocrine disruptor category 2 (EU EDC database) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substances: The alternatives dimethyl siloxane, hydrogen terminated and dimethyl methylhydrogen siloxane have no official classification and are not on the SDSC.

Description of Substitution

PVC is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticisers, the most widely-used being phthalates. In this form, it is used in clothing and accessories. It is commonly used in coats, jackets, aprons and bags. The global phase-out of PVC is advocated because it is claimed that dioxin is produced as a by-product of vinyl chloride manufacture and from incineration of waste PVC in domestic garbage. Phthalates are a class of organic compounds added to plastics to increase flexibility. In textiles and apparel, phthalates can be associated with flexible plastic components, trims, screen and plasticol prints. Several phthalates are known to be reprotoxic and can cause birth defects and changes in hormone levels. G-Star is continuously striving towards sustainable solutions and achieving the goal of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in its supply chain. One of these goals is completely phasing out PVC and phthalates. Intensive investigations using accredited third party testing institutes showed that part of the prints used on products did not meet the requirements as laid down in G-Star's Restricted Substances List (RSL). With the cooperation of the suppliers a broad research program was initiated. This resulted in a successful replacement of PVC and phthalates in High Density Plastisol prints by High Density Silicon prints. The substitution process started in March 2012 and is ongoing in the global supply chain, in which the company works closely with suppliers, technicians and ink suppliers. Research is ongoing to find suitable ink and paste for the different product groups in the supply chain. Dimethyl siloxane, hydrogen terminated and dimethyl, methyl hydrogen siloxane can replace phthalates without major process changes. A number of phthalates are listed on the Candidate list for SVHC, Annex XIV the Authorisation list and/or in Annex XVII REACH.

Case/substitution evaluation

This case story describes the phaseout of PVC and its associated phthalates in textile plastisol prints. A number of widely used phthalates (DEHP, DIBP, BBP, DBP) are on the REACH authorisation list. The concentration of these phthalates in products produced and placed on the market after 7th of July 2020 is limited below 0.1% by weight by a restriction REACH (Annex XVII, entry 51). Silicon prints were found suitable as substitutes. The mentioned siloxanes have no official classification nor are on the SDSC.

State of implementation

In use

Enterprise using the alternative

www.g-star.com

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

www.g-star.com

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021