ADDITIVES & FILLERS IN

PLASTICS
 Fillers and Additives
Additives are added to Polymers to Improve
– Processibility Requirements
– Strength and Performance of part,
– Appearance,
– Life and Durability,
– Cost Savings

Added while compounding or processing.

• Weight of Additives < 5-7 % of total weight

• Cost of additives- normally within 10% of cost of plastic
Why do we need Fillers/ Additives/
Additives in plastics are necessary to
• Ease of processibility –Process Aids, Lubricants, Heat stabilisers
• Plastics look Good-Pigments, Colours, Antifogging agents
• To save Money-Mineral Fillers, Extenders,
• Safety in Plastics-Flame Retardants, Anti Static Agents,
• Clean and Healthy Plastics-Anti Fungal, Bacterial, Rodents proof
• Long life of Plastic Parts-Light Stabilisers, UV Stabilisers, Anti Oxidants
• Environment Friendliness- Compatibilisers, Biodegradable Grades,
• Mechanically Stronger Plastics- Various Fiber Reinforcements

However, Reinforcing fibres increase the mechanical properties of polymer composites

while particular fillers of various types increase the modulus of elasticity.
Types of Additives

Types of Additives
• Anti Counterfeiting • Fillers/ Extenders

• Antimicrobials / Biostabilisers • Flame Retardants

• Antioxidants • Fragrances

• Antistatic Agents • Heat Stabilizers

• Biodegradable Plasticizers • Impact Modifiers

• Blowing Agents • Internal Lubricants

• Lubricants- • Light Stabilizers

• Pigments & Masterbatches • Plasticizers

• Process Aids • Reinforcements

Anti Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting –Fraudulent imitation of a product or part

Difficult to check plastic parts for counterfeits, because

• Plastic Material can be obtained from OEMs easily
• By looking at the part, it is difficult to declare the genuineness of the material of the part.
• Even Material Test Certificates can be obtained easily.

Manufacturers will employ technologies and methods to ensure customers are protected and un-
effected by counterfeit products.
Mechanisms will be in-place to identify/ segregate genuine products

However, to reduce counterfeit,

1. Resin Suppliers introduce TAGGANTS, a fingerprint of the material!
2. Genuine products can be identified with the presence of the Taggants.
3. Optical brighteners absorb ultraviolet and violet light then re-emit this energy at a higher
wavelength, normally as a blue glow.
Antimicrobials/ Biostabilisers-1

Fungus/ Bacteria can grow / attack the plastic

part, in the field.
These attacks can cause
• infections to humans or lives
• Discoloration of the part
• Staining of the part,
• Undesirable Odour,
• loss of Aesthetics,
• Loss of Electrical/ Mechanical/ Insulating
properties,
Antimicrobials/ Biostabilisers-2
Market Applications where Microbes are serious are,
– Medical devices,
– Sports and recreation equipment
– Food processing and handling machinery
– Business machines and consumer appliances
– General household goods
– Textile films & fibres
– Transportation interiors
– Construction supplies
– Any outdoor applications
Antimicrobial can be added in the resin or as master batch while Molding/
Processing
Silver is majorly used as Biostatic Agent.
Silver releases ions, on contact with Moisture, as a result of electrochemical reaction.
These ions penetrates Microbes and makes them unable to function/ Grow or Reproduce
 Antioxidants
Some polymers react with oxygen (OXIDATION), in various stages of
processing.
Oxidation causes,
• Loss of Impact Strength,
• Loss of Elongation,
• Development of Surface cracks and
• Part Discolouration.
Antioxidants help prevent thermal oxidation reactions of plastics.
Antioxidants added are,
– Derivatives of secondary aromatic amines
– Hydroquinolines
– Phenols and bisphenols
– Aryl phosphites
 Antistatic Agents

STATIC ELECTRICITY
A stationary electric charge, typically produced by friction, which causes
sparks or crackling or the attraction of dust or hair

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT STATIC ELECTRICITY

• ESD Voltage generated depends on RH. Lower the RH, Higher the ESD
• Walking across carpet generates 35K V at <25%RH and 1500 at >65%RH
• Worker at bench generates-6KV at <25%RH and 100V at >65%RH
• Polybag picked from Bench generates 20KV at <25%RH and 1.2KV at
>65%RH
• Chair with Urethane Foam Generates 18KV at <25%RH and 1.5V at >65%RH
 Antistatic Agents

• Generation of Static Electricity is very dangerous in many applications.

• Can be an issue for hygiene and aesthetics.
• Plastic being an insulator, can help build-up the static charges.
• ESD is measured by surface resistivity of the part, in Ohms per Square CM
109 – 1012 Ohms per Sq Cm-ANTI STATIC
106 – 109 Ohms per Sq Cm- DISSIPATIVE
101 – 106 Ohms per Sq Cm-CONDUCTIVE
 ESD Table
Conductor Conductor Static Dissipaters Antistatic Insulator
Surface Resistivity 106 102 - 106 106 - 1010 1010- 1012 1015 - 1017
-ASTM D257-
(Ohm/Cm)
Materials Most Conductive Plastics* Filled Plastics** Filled Plastics** Most Unfilled
Metals (Filled with Carbon (Filled with Carbon (Filled with Carbon Plastics
Powder/ Carbon Powder/ Carbon Powder/ Carbon
Fiber and SS) Fiber/ Coated with Fiber/ Coated with
carbon Fiber) carbon Fiber)
•ABS •ABS •ABS
•Acetal •Acetal •Acetal
•Polycarbonate •Polycarbonate •Polycarbonate
•Polypropylene •Polypropylene •Polypropylene
•PDVF (Kynar) •PDVF (Kynar) •PDVF (Kynar)
•UHMW-PE •UHMW-PE (Tivar •UHMW-PE
Antistatic)
Fragrances
• Fragrances and deodorants for plastics are used in a variety of applications and
products for the home.
• Due to the temperature sensitivity of Fragrances, they are usually added to polyolefins
rather than high temperature materials, such as nylon.
• Initially it was directed towards bin liners and, in particular nappy disposal bags. It has
now progressed to scented discs to place in clothes drawers and wardrobes and some
room fragrance diffusers.
• Some domestic applications include manufacture of laundry baskets, sink plugs, fridge
fresheners and pet tags.
• Industrial applications include incorporating fragrances into plastics around public
areas of hotels and offices.
• Some stores have also incorporated fragrances into plastic parts to create a mood.
• Some experiments have been carried out with beverage and food packaging as a way
of attracting consumers attention
• Masking unpleasant odours, for example in PVC, fragrances are used to cover the smell
of sulphur based stabilisers.
Extenders
Natural substances used to improve strength and lower the cost of
the material.
Usually mineral-based, fillers/extenders literally increase the overall
"bulk" of the plastic.
• Be spherical to permit retention of anisotropic properties.
• Have an appropriate particle size distribution for particle packing.
• cause no chemical reactivity wit the polymer or the additives
• Have low specific gravity.
• Have desirable refractive index and colour.
• Be low in cost.
Ex: Talc powder,
 Foaming/ Blowing Agents
Foaming Agents are chemicals added to the plastic.
– Also called as Pneumatogens (Air Generators!)
– The Fillers form Gases to produce Cellular Structure (spongy
Structure) in Plastics,
– Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide are Gases Released, by breaking
down on heating at a pre-determined temperature and form a
foam structure within the plastic's polymer matrix.
– Will be less Uniform throughout the part.
– Expensive than Gas Blowing Process for Foaming
– Plastics Available with Foaming Agents are
– PP, LDPE, PVC, TPU, PS-PP Alloy,
– Chemical Foaming Agents (CFA)- added to the resin OR even
while processing (Injection Molding or Extrusion)
 Foaming/ Blowing Agents
Foaming/ Blowing Agents
Purpose of using Foaming Agent is
• Reduce the Weight
• Heat Insulation
• Sound Absorbency
• Elasticity
• Permeability
• Electrical Insulation
• Excellent Textures
• Wood Grain
• Shock Absorbency or Shock Resistance
– Chemical Foaming Agents (CFA) generally used are
• Azod-icarbonamide,
• Sodium Bicarbonate,
• In-organic Foaming Agents using Phosphorous Compounds,
Foaming or Blowing Agents

Physical Blowing is a process of blowing inert gases into the resin

– Economical,
– Gives Uniform Distribution of Gas,
– Good Control on Process
– Separate Equipment Setup is required to process Blowforming
– Gases Used are
• Carbon Dioxide,
• Nitrogen,
• IsoButane,
• Isopentane
• HCFC-Hydro Chloro Fluro Carbons & Etc
Heat Stabilisers

To prevent decomposition of the polymer during processing.

Processing usually results in temperatures well above 180
deg celsius, which without the addition of heat stabilisers
would result in the plastic material literally falling apart
Eg: Organic, Lead; Calcium/Zinc and Tin based oxides
Lubricants-
• To enhance flow properties of plastics by reducing the friction to
flow.
• To reduce damage to plastic or Molds/tools while processing.
• Lubricants helps to reduce friction between
• Polymer to Polymer
• Polymer to Metal
• Polymer to Filler
• Filler to Filler
• Filler to Metal

Two types of Lubricants are used in plastics industry

• External Lubricants
• Internal Lubricants
External Lubricants-
Provides lubrication between the polymer and the metal surface of
the processing equipment/ tool.
• Provide easy metal release
• Help reduce process temp
• Can plate out
• Slow fusion/recrystallization
• Can cause delamination
• Can lower weld line strength
• Can cause surging

Example-Polyethylene waxes Oxidized Polyethylene waxes, Metal

Soaps, Esters (high esterification), Amides, Fatty Acid, Natural
Paraffin/ Synthetic Paraffin/ Polyethylene Wax
Internal Lubricants-
Compatible with Plastics and Semi-soluble Materials.
Reduce bulk viscosity through partial compatibility with the polymer, thus opening
the polymer chain with the lubricant’s soluble component while providing
intermolecular lubrication with the less soluble portion of the molecule.
– Promote flow
– Exhibit good clarity
– Promote weld line strength
– Minimize sink marks
– Improve die filling
– Reduce die swell
– Reduce head and back pressure
– Lower HDT
Example-PE, PP, Waxes, Stearic Acid/ Hydroxy stearic Acid/ Ethylene Stearamide/ Fatty Acid
Esters/ Long Chain Esters, Fatty alcohols, Esters (low esterification), EVA Wax
Flame Retardants

Why Flame retardants?

Many Applications of Plastics like construction, electrical and transport
applications, needs to meet fire safety standards either by mandatory
regulations or voluntary standards.
Flame Retardants are required to prevent ignition or spread of flame in
plastic material.
 Combustion of Plastics
Actual Combustion Process of Plastics is COMPLEX but Most of the Plastics
Generally Follows 6- stages

1. Primary Thermal-
Ignition Source heats the bulk plastic and leads to raise in Temperature of
Bulk Plastic

2. Primary Chemical
The Heated plastic starts to degrade. Due to supply of High Energy,
degradation releases Gases and Chemical Radicals to surrounding

3. Polymer Decomposition
Plastic Starts decomposes into Mix of Molecules of Lower Molecular
Weights like Gases, Liquids, Charred Solids and Smoke
 Combustion of Plastics
4. Ignition-
The combustible Gases start to burn in the presence of Ignition. Liquids
and Gases start burning, but bulk plastic does not burn

5. Combustion:
Burning happens near the bulk plastic and process can be self sustaining
if the energy released is sufficient

6. Flame Propagation:
based on type of plastic, combustion produces Flames which can
propagate to layers of charred materials and releases smoke and toxic
gases
Mechanism of Flame Retardants

• Vapor Phase Inhibition

During combustion, flame retardant additives react with the burning polymer in the
vapor phase disrupting, at a molecular level, the production of free radicals and shuts
down the combustion process. This mechanism is commonly used with halogenated
flame retardant systems.
• Solid Phase Char-Formation
Char-forming flame retardant additives react to form a carbonaceous layer on the
material’s surface. This layer insulates the polymer, slowing pyrolysis, and creates a
barrier that hinders the release of additional gases to fuel combustion. This method is
commonly deployed by non-halogen systems using phosphorous and nitrogen
chemistries.
• Quench & Cool
Hydrated minerals make up a class of halogen-free flame retardant systems commonly
used for extruded applications like wire and cable. These systems use an endothermic
reaction in the presence of fire to release water molecules that cool the polymer and
dilute the combustion processs
Flame Retardants…Contd

Popular Flame Retardants

• Primary (sterically hindered phenols)
• Secondary (thioesters, phosphites)
• Alumina trihydrate
• Antimony trioxide
Pigments & Masterbatches
Are used to give various color or special visual effects to plastic
Color in plastics can also be provided by OEM Resin Suppliers OR can be
colored by customer directly in his processing shop. But needs
additional facilities to obtain and certify specific color
OEM Supplied colored plastics are slightly expensive, but are more
uniform and consistent in quality of color produced
OEMs color the plastics by Adding Pigments during processing of
polymers.
Pigments- Tiny particles (or Powder form) of additives used to obtain
customised colors in plastics.
Pigments are added to plastic granules, before Pre-Drying or Molding.
Any color can be obtained by mixing different color of pigments.
The quantity of pigment added and the type of mixing the pigments, is
necessary to ensure better color quality
Pigments and Masterbatches

Masterbatch (MB) is a solid or liquid additive for plastic used for coloring
plastics.
They can also be used for imparting other properties to plastics (Additive
Master batches)
Specific Carrier Material are used in master batch, to match the type of
polymers.
It can slightly alter the processing behavior of the plastic, customer needs to
clarify his requirements while finalising the master batch.

Colors can be
• Custom Colors- Customer has the option of selecting the specific color or
finish required
• Standard Colors- Customer will select from the group of colors listed by
OEMs of resin
Pigments and Master-batches

• Pigments do not have much effect on the properties of plastic

• Master batches do influence the mechanical properties of the plastic.
Generally it reduces mechanical Strength, Elongation, Impact
Strength. Hence care should be taken to limit the quantity of master
batch to recommended value only.
• Supplier should provide details about the effect of master batch on
plastics, as the composition is only known to him.
Tips for color selection
• End Use Application
• Base Resin System & Specific Grade.
• Processing Method
• Type of Color Target
• Match Type
• Opacity
• Part Thickness
• Supply Method
• Regulatory Compliance
• Additional Properties
• Visual Standards
• Evaluation Light Source
• Spectrophotometer
• Instrumental Evaluation
• Texture
• Disposition
 Plasticisers
• Plasticisers make the polymer Extensible, Flexibility at wide range
of temperature and Moldable and Processable.
• Strength of plastics can also be reduced by use of plasticisers.
• Plasticisers, as a concept, allow the long polymer chains to slip
easily one with another, enhancing its fluidity.
• Without plasticisers, plastics could not have been such a friendly
material to process into parts. Oils, banana Oils have been used,
with no good results.
• Without Plasticisers, PVC could have been brittle and Fragile.
• First Plasticiser is Camphour used by Hyatt brothers for making
nitrocellulose malleable.
• Some plasticisers can also work as Flame Retardants
• Specific Plasticisers are used in specific polymers
 Plasticisers
• PVC parts contain more than 50% of plasticisers. Elastomers
contain 60% Thermoplastics contain 10% and Paper contains
5% plasticisers.
• Phthalates and Dicarbonates are used in PVC Extensively as
plasticisers. For Health reasons, Phthalates are replaced by
Alkyl Sulphonates
• Fatty Acid Esters are used in Rubber processing.
• Epoxidised soya bean oil
• Adipic acid for the production of PVC plasticisers
• More than 400 Plasticisers are used today.
• >60% of plasticisers are used for PVC alone
Impact Modifiers

• Impact Modifiers are rubbery or elastomeric materials added to

Brittle and Hard plastics, to improve impact sensitivity, Notch
Sensitivity to make Host Plastic to absorb shocks and resist impact
without cracking.
• Many thermoplastics can also be used as impact modifiers for hard
& brittle polymers.
Eg: EPDM in PP,
• Maleic Anhydride grafted EPDM, Polyolefines or Sterene Block
Copolymers are impact modifiers for Nylon
• ABS and methyl methacrylatebutadiene-styrene (MBS) are largest
used impact modifiers
UV/ Light Stabilisers

Mechanism of UV Effects
• Carbon bonds of some polymers, are the centres of attack
• Ultraviolet rays interact with these bonds to form free radicals,
which then react further with oxygen in the atmosphere,
producing carbonyl groups in the main chain.
• The exposed surfaces of products may then discolour and crack,
and in extreme cases, complete product disintegration can occur.
• Different places have different extent of UV exposure ratings for
the part. Different Plastics have different levels of sensitivity to
UV of different wavelengths. (Degrading UV is within 280-315nM
of Wavelength)
 UV/ Light Stabilisers
Types of UV stabilisers
– UV Absorbers-
• Absorb UV Light and dissipate as Heat to surroundings.
• cheap UV stabilisers but for short term use.
• Not suitable for thin walled products (<100 Microns)
– Eg-Carbon Black, Hydroxy Phenyl Benzo Triazole & Etc
– Benxo Quenchers-Help is cooling UV -agitated links of polymers to reduce carbonyl
formation. Eg: Nickel Quenchers-Gives Tan or Green Tinge to the product

– HALS-Hindered Amine Light Stabilisers

• Hindered amine light stabilizers mop up the free radicals which are a result of UV
exposure and can also sometimes also protect against heat degradation
• 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine ring structure
• Hydroxybenzophenones
• Hydroxyphenylbenzoates
• Carbon black
• Rutile titanium oxide (rutile TiO2)
Fillers and Reinforcements- Glass Fibres

Function:
Used to reinforce or improve tensile strength, flexural strength and
stiffness of the material. Often fibre-based .

• Glass Fibers
• Carbon Fibres,
• Aramid Fibres,
• Mica
• Calcium Silicates
• Graphene (new Generation Material-Graphite in nano size)
Fillers and Reinforcements- Glass Fibres

• Glass, Aramid, and Carbon fibers are the only fibers of importance
for the reinforcement of plastics
• 90% of glass fibers is Aluminum Boron Silicate Glass
• R and S glass fibers for increased strength – 50% higher
• ECR glass for high acid resistance
• Zirconium oxide for high alkaline environment
• D-glass for improved dielectric properties
• C-glass to build up anticorrosion layer against aggressive media
Fillers and Reinforcements- Glass Fibres

I. Advantages
1. Increased Strength
2. Increased stiffness
3. Increased HDT
4. Reduced Shrinkage
5. Reduced coefficient of thermal expansion
6. Increased dimensional stability
7. Reduced cycle times
8. Reduced weight
J. Disadvantages
1. Reduced impact strength
2. Directional warping
3. Increased abrasion
4. Reduces surface appearance quality
Fillers and Reinforcements- Carbon Fibres

Carbon Fibers
A. Produced from either Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch
(mainly pitch)

B. Forms
1. Filament yarns (woven) – 320k filaments (1-12k used in plastics)
2. Short fibers – 3-6 mm long

C. Safety considerations

1. Special exhaust units used to evacuate dust

2. Dust is highly conductive and electrical equipment
3. Skin irritation
Fillers and Reinforcements- Carbon Fibres

D.Advantages
1. Increased strength
2. Increased extension at break
3. Increased modulus (stiffness)
4. Electrical conductivity
5. Reduced coefficient of thermal expansion
6. Reduced weight
Fillers and Reinforcements- ARAMID Fibres

Aramid Fibers
1. Melt at 500ºC
1. Two forms
a. Unoriented – type A
b. Oriented – higher modulus
– type B
2. Types
a. Kevlar
b. Nomex
3. Will absorb moisture – properties will fail in a strongly
acidic or alkaline environment
Fillers and Reinforcements- ARAMID Fibres

F. Advantages
1. Increases strength
2. Increased modulus
3. Reduced coefficient of thermal expansion
4. Reduced weight
5. Greatly increased impact strength at elevates stress rates –
antiballistic
6. Lubricational effect when surfaces containing Aramid
fibers rub together
Fillers and Reinforcements- CHALK

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (Chalk)

1. Mostly used as an extender– most important filler used
2. Low cost
3. High chemical purity
4. Does not form agglomerates
5. High degree of whiteness – Pastel colors – Vinyl siding
6. Mildly abrasive – gentle on machinery – toothpaste
7. Good dispersion
8. Increase in stiffness and Modulus of Elasticity
9. Reduced Shrinkage
10. Improvement of surface finish
11. Lower plate out
12. Increased impact strength (coated grades)
13. Improved stability and aging resistance (coated grades)
14. Nontoxic, odorless, heat resistant up to 600º F
15. Low cost (~Rs 9000/ Metric ton)
Fillers and Reinforcements- CHALK

Talc – used Extensively in PVC & PP!

1. Very finely ground talc has a nucleating effect
2. Increase in stiffness and flexural modulus
3. Reduction of creep
4. Improves HDT and dimensional stability
5. Reduces overall shrinkage
6. Increases surface hardness
7. Good thermal conductivity
8. Decrease in tensile and impact properties
9. Lower MFR
10. Changes color – brown tint
11. May not be suitable for contact with food
12. Abrasive
Fillers and Reinforcements- SILICATES

Silicates (glass spheres –hollow or solid)

1. Uniform shape
2. Transparent
3. Compression resistant
4. High thermal stability
5. Do not have a big effect on material flow
6. Distribute stresses
7. Provide uniform shrinkage
8. Increase tensile and compressive strength – also flexural modulus
9. Commonly used with a silane coupling agent
10. Hollow spheres add less weight to finished articles
Silane- (SiH4) Colourless, Flammable Gas with a sharp, repulsive smell, similar to that of
acetic acid. Silane helps in binding Polymers with FIbers
Fillers and Reinforcements- KAOLIN & MICA

Kaolin – hydrated aluminum silicates

1. Improves electrical properties and chemical resistance
2. Lowers crack tendency
3. Improves shock resistance
4. Improves surface quality
5. Improves permeability of base
material
Mica
1. High stiffness
2. High dimensional stability at elevated temps
3. Good dielectric properties
Fillers and Reinforcements- OTHERS

Other fillers
1. Precipitated Calcium Carbonate – finer particle size, very
pure, more $$
2. Dolomite – more abrasive, less weather resistance than
CaCO3
3. Gypsum – Calcium Sulphate – increased acid resistance
4. Asbestos – greatly increases stiffness – health hazard
5. Carbon Black - conductivity
6. Graphite - lubricant
7. Metal Flake - conduction
8. Magnetic fillers
Fillers and Reinforcements- OTHERS

• PE, PS, and PVC are generally not reinforced, because

improvements in mechanical properties do not justify the
additional cost
• But, PA, PC, PET, PBT & POM the cost is usually justified.
• In PP, SAN and ABS, the glass fiber reinforced form possesses
properties that approach those of engineering plastics.
• Generally the addition of glass reduces the toughness of a
polymer.
Fillers and Reinforcements- Other Fibers

Ceramic fibers – high temperature, very abrasive

1. Aluminum Silica
2. Aluminum Oxide
3. Silicone Carbide
4. Zirconia Silica
Metal Fibers – high strength, abrasive
1. Aluminum
2. Nickel
3. Stainless Steel
Polymer Fibers
1. Nylon
2. PP
3. PET
Fillers and Reinforcements-Remarks

Considerations when specifying fillers

A. Optimum particle size distribution
B. Possible catalytic activities at filler’s surface
C. Bonding properties with plastics’ matrix
D. Abrasive action in processing machinery
E. Properties of the compound
F. Problems with industrial safety
G. Cost
 Effects of additives, fillers, and reinforcements on polymer properties

Additives/
Fillers/ Common materials Effects on polymer properties
Reinforcement

Increases tensile strength.

Reinforcing Boron, carbon, fibrous Increases flexural modulus.
fibers minerals, glass, Kevlar Increases heat-deflection temperature (HDT).
Resists shrinkage and warpage.

Conductive Aluminum powders, Improves electrical and thermal conductivity.

fillers carbon fiber, graphite
Improves interface bonding between polymer
Coupling agents Silanes, titanates matrix and the fibers.
 Effects of additives, fillers, and reinforcements on polymer properties
Additive / Filler /
Common materials Effects on polymer properties
Reinforcement
Chlorine, bromine, Reduces the occurrence and spread of
Flame
phosphorous, metallic combustion.
retardants
salts
Calcium carbonate, silica, Reduces material cost.
Extender fillers
clay
Monomeric liquids, low- Improves melt flow properties.
Plasticizers molecular-weight Enhances flexibility.
materials
Provides color-fastness.
Colorants
Metal oxides, chromates, Protects from thermal and UV degradation (with
(pigments and
carbon blacks carbon blacks).
dyes)
Gas, azo compounds, Generates a cellular form to obtain a low-density
Blowing agents
hydrazine derivatives material.
Regulations applicable to use of Additives

• EU Directive 2002/96/EC WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) that establishes limits
for the content of a product that must be recyclable or reusable.
• EU Directive 2003/11/EC ROHS (Restriction Of the use of certain Hazardous Substances) restricting
the use of six toxins from most electronic and electrical equipment
• EU Directive 90/128/EC for monomers and additives for plastics intended for food contact
• EU Directive 2002/72/EC relating to plastic materials and articles intended to come in contact with
foodstuffs
• EU Directive 2002/61/EC Aryl Amine Breakdown Products in Azo Dyes ➢ EU Directive 67/548/EEC
Carcinogenic and Regulated Dyes
• FDA and The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – 21 CFR Parts 175-178 to regulate
adhesives, Components of coatings/ paper / paperboards, polymers and adjuvants and production
aids.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) – Methods 606, 506-1 and 8061 regulating
Phthalates and Adipates
THANK
YOU
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