Wire and Cable Plasticizers Go Green

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasticizers impart flexibility to wiring and cabling, but contain phthalates that may harm human health. Although phthalates are used in a variety of consumer and commercial products, these esters of phthalic acid have been linked to endocrine disruption, metabolic interference, and childhood asthma. As industrial suppliers across North America and Europe move to phase-out phthalates from everything from adhesives to waxes, the wire and cable industry is also looking for alternatives. Thanks to Dow, more wire and cable customers may "go green" in the future.

Recently, Dow Wire & Cable introduced its line of phthalate-free, bio-based plasticizers. Dubbed "Ecolibrium", they cost more than traditional PVC plasticizers, but are made from nearly 100% renewable feedstocks with a bio-component of modified vegetable oil. Currently, Dow's bio plasticizers are being produced at its North American facilities and used by a select number of customers. According to the company, a global technology leader in wire and cable materials, these bio-based plasticizers provide the same performance as PVC products while meeting regulatory requirements for flame resistance.

But how will so-called "green plasticizers" fare over the long haul? After five or ten years, for example, will these materials still rival PVC plasticizers in terms of performance and reliability?

Sources: Design News and Phthalate