Hexamoll DINCH is a nonphthalate plasticizer developed, in particular, for applications involving close human contact. Introduced in 2002, Hexamoll DINCH has become an established plasticizer in food packaging, medical devices, and toys, according to BASF. Demand for the material has also been growing for flooring and wall coverings.
There have been longstanding concerns regarding DEHP-type plasticizer migration and its potential interference with the endocrine system. Increasingly, health authorities in Europe and the United States are recommending that the use of classified phthalates in medical devices be phased out.
Hexamoll DINCH has been used to produce a range of medical devices, including enteral feeding and respiratory tubes, dialyzer systems, and breathing masks, BASF's Andreas Gryger told PlasticsToday. Moreover, "because it was specially developed for products that come into close human contact, flooring and wallpaper applications have also become popular," he says. The material's toxicological profile and low migration rate are great selling points, adds Gryger.
"In the last few years we have been experiencing a strong customer demand for alternatives to traditional phthalates and a market change to nonphthalate plasticizers," said Rainer Diercks, President of BASF's Petrochemicals Division. "With our second Hexamoll DINCH plant and the doubled capacity we support our customers in managing this change and making the move to Hexamoll DINCH."
