Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemical substances used as plasticizers to give resin flexibility, and depending on the applications and the country of sale, they are substances subject to content restrictions in textile products and accessories.
![GINGA-064 NEW Grand Prix [Non-Phthalate Leather]](/img/item/thumb/OKURA/1096302_t2.jpg)
![GINGA-055 Gran Silk [Non-Phthalate Leather]](/img/item/thumb/OKURA/1096246_t2.jpg)
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Phthalates are a generic term for plasticizers used mainly to soften resins such as polyvinyl chloride and to adjust processability. They may be contained not only in the fibers of the fabric itself but also in coatings, laminates, prints, synthetic leather, and resin accessories.
Phthalates are not a certification name; they are a classification name for chemical substances. “Non-phthalate” is an expression indicating that specific phthalates are not used, and it does not by itself guarantee the overall safety of the product or compliance with other regulated substances.
Regulated Substances and How to Think About Standards
The regulated substances, concentration standards, target age, target parts, and test methods vary depending on the country or region of sale and the product category. For products for children, products that are likely to come into contact with skin or the mouth, and toy-related applications, stricter verification may be required.
For verification, consider not only the fabric but also the materials that make up the finished product. It is important to identify components that may contain plasticized resin, such as outer fabric, lining, prints, coatings, adhesives, patches, resin buttons, and polyvinyl chloride parts.
- Country or region of sale and product category
- Types of phthalates subject to regulation
- Content information and test scope for each component
- Whether compliance judgment for the finished product is required
Checks for Fabric Procurement and Product Manufacturing
When procuring fabric, confirm whether the scope of non-phthalate coverage applies to the entire fabric or is limited to surface finishing or the polyvinyl chloride layer. If you make specification changes or secondary processing such as dyeing, printing, or laminating, you need to recheck regulatory compliance in the processed state.
It is important not to judge the compliance of the finished product based only on the fabric certificate. If accessories or prints are sourced from different suppliers, manage declarations, test reports, applicable lots, applicable substances, and the test date for each component together with the specification sheet.
Notes on Labels and Certificates
When labeling something as “non-phthalate,” clearly specify the substance group covered, the applicable components, and the supporting documents. For example, even if the polyvinyl chloride coating is non-phthalate, the same may not apply to other components in the product. Vague labeling should be avoided.
For test reports, confirm the sample name, the tested component, the analyzed substances, the detection limit, the test method, and the issue date. Even with a report, if the production lot, formulation, or processing conditions change, it may not serve as evidence of the same compliance.
Differences from Similar Terms
Polyvinyl chloride is a type of resin, while phthalates are plasticizers that may be added to resins. Therefore, being made of polyvinyl chloride does not mean the product contains phthalates. There are also non-phthalate polyvinyl chloride materials.
REACH is the European framework for chemical management and may include restrictions on phthalates. OEKO-TEX is a testing and certification for harmful substances in textile products, and it is handled separately from the name of phthalates themselves and from individual regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the fabric is non-phthalate, does the finished product also comply with regulations?
Not necessarily. Finished products use multiple components such as prints, coatings, resin parts, and adhesives. In light of the regulations in the country of sale and the product category, identify the applicable components and, as needed, check test results or certificates for the finished product or for each component.
What materials or processing steps are more likely to require phthalate verification?
Components that are likely to be subject to verification include polyvinyl chloride coatings or laminates that may use plasticizers, soft resin prints, synthetic leather, and resin accessories. However, you cannot determine this from appearance or material name alone, so confirm the formulation and regulatory compliance documents with the supplier.
What should be checked in a supplier’s non-phthalate certificate?
On the certificate, confirm the applicable product or component, the applicable lot, the phthalates covered, the test method, and the issue date. It is also important to check whether it matches the substances and standards specified by the customer. Do not reuse a fabric certificate as evidence for a finished product that includes separate processing or separate accessories.
