Perstorp’s New PVC Plasticizer Based on Renewable Carbon Content

Latest non-phthalate grade ‘merges high performance with sustainable sourcing’

Swedish chemicals company Perstorp Group has introduced a new, more sustainable grade of PVC plasticizer. Pevalen Pro 100 features 100 percent renewable carbon content based on mass balance, applying chemical and physical traceability.

By factoring in the biogenic CO₂ uptake from its renewable raw materials, Pevalen Pro 100 offers a product carbon footprint reduction of about 80 percent relative to its fossil-based equivalent from cradle to Perstorp gate. (Biogenic CO₂ uptake refers to the CO₂ captured by the plant/biomass from the atmosphere, during the photosynthesis process, while growing.)

Perstorp, based in Malmö, terms the development “a significant advancement in non-phthalate plasticizers.” It says the additive –– with its innovative chemical composition –– sets a new benchmark in the industry of flexible PVC. It does so by offering a solution that is not only 100 percent renewable-based but also does not compromise on performance or safety.

Improving on flexible PVC

Linda Zellner, innovation director at Perstorp, stated: “We know that PVC can be a valuable resource, if it is made, used and disposed of thoughtfully. Flexible PVC is incredibly useful and would be hard to replace. Plus, it’s a material that already offers excellent recyclability if produced in the right manner and with the right ingredients. The launch of Pevalen Pro 100 is a big milestone to contribute to this journey. It delivers greater durability using less material, lasts longer and also offers a significantly better environmental profile.”

Perstorp lists the following as key features of the new grade:

• Fully based on mass-balanced ISCC PLUS-certified raw materials.
• Low carbon footprint to reduce CO₂ emissions throughout the value chain.
• Drop-in replacement for easy adoption in formulations.
• True non-phthalate plasticizer.
• High plasticizing efficiency enables faster processing and requires less material and energy.

The latest addition to the Pevalen range

Martin Hansson, business manager for plasticizers at Perstorp, notes that the firm launched the Pevalen range in 2014 as a premium performance alternative to phthalates. Even then, he said Perstorp had plans to continue developing the product and add grades with better environmental credentials.

“This became reality in 2019 when Pevalen Pro 36 was launched,” he said, “Now we are proud to lay out the last piece of the puzzle and complete the product range with Pevalen Pro 100.”

Being ISCC PLUS-certified means that all renewable and recycled raw materials used are ISCC-certified in all parts of the value chain –– back to the point of origin. Every customer of what Perstorp calls its Pro-Environment products receives information about the product’s carbon footprint.

Pevalen Pro 100, said Hansson, responds to the increasing demand for sustainable materials that offer both a low carbon footprint, as well as an improved eco-toxicity profile and safer handling.