Plasticizers
The market is moving to replace phthalates with alternative plasticizers where possible, especially in sensitive applications such as children’s products. BioAmber is developing bio-based succinate esters to replace adipate esters and general-purpose phthalate esters.
Plasticizers are organic esters that are primarily used to make flexible polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is widely used in multiple end-markets because it is low cost, durable and versatile. Bio-succinic acid esters serve as replacements for certain of the major phthalate-based plasticizers, which account for a significant majority of the worldwide demand. There is increasing demand for renewable, phthalate-free plasticizers, particularly in sensitive applications such as children’s toys and childcare articles.
BioAmber is working with Lanxess, a global leader in phthalate-free plasticizers, to develop a portfolio of bio-succinic-based phthalate-free plasticizers that can exceed the performance of general purpose plasticizers at competitive prices. A range of these plasticizers are expected to be ready for sale in 2012.
BioAmber is also collaborating in a separate partnership with Solvay, one of the world’s leading producers of PVC, to tailor certain bio-succinic acid-based plasticizers to the needs of Solvay’s PVC customers.
