Oxea claims fears over phthalates has prompted huge rise in speciality esters

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Speciality chemicals manufacturer Oxea says that fears over the use of phthalate plasticisers has provoked a huge rise in demand for its range of speciality esters.

The Germany-based company is doubling the production capacity on the back of the increased demand and says it is also evaluating the construction of a new production facility to meet further anticipated demand.

“The increase in demand for the speciality esters Oxea supplies coincides with growing concerns over the mounting toxicity issues concerning phthalate plasticisers in a variety of applications,”​ said Oxea marketing manager Jacco de Haas.

The company says that from the second half of 2011 the capacity of its production unit in Overhausen, in Northern Germany, will be extended by approximately 40 per cent, while it is also evaluating the construction of a second facility in proximity to the existing one.

Demand will lead to further production expansion

The company, which generated revenue of €1.4bn in 2010, says subject to planning regulations, the second facility will start production in the second half of 2012.

“These substantial capacity expansions support the increasing market shift to phthalate-free plasticisers,”​ said Miguel Maritas, executive director of sales and marketing at Oxea.

“And important part of our derivatives strategy is based on the fact that we produce the precursors for the ester production ourselves. This makes us more independent from third party suppliers and improves Oxea’s supply flexibility,”​ said Dr. Marina Floel, spokesperson for the Oxea board of directors.

Phthalates fears prompts search for alternatives

Phthalate plasticisers are used in a number of industrial applications, but Oxea says it is focused mainly on providing alternative applications for the automotive, construction, food and medical sectors.

However, the cosmetics and personal care industry is also an important niche area for applications, as phthalate plasticisers are commonly used in applications such as nail varnish, hairspray and some fragrances, as well as for plastic packaging.

A number of studies have claimed that exposure of pregnant women to phthalates can be linked to birth defects and affect infant behaviour, but some critics have said this research cannot be fully substantiated.

Related news

Show more

Related products

Collagen Reimagined, Discover Biodesigned Type XXI

Collagen Reimagined, Discover Biodesigned Type XXI

Content provided by Geltor | 20-Mar-2024 | Product Brochure

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein and a mainstream ingredient for beauty. Type XXI collagen transcends a common protein into a powerful bioactive

Empowering natural barrier function for future-proof skin

Empowering natural barrier function for future-proof skin

Content provided by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics | 14-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Corneopeptyl™ is a new patented peptide biomimetic to the LCE6A protein, obtained by green chemistry-based synthesis. By mimicking the LCE6A protein activity,...

Tagra Launches New Water-Soluble Biotin Revolution

Tagra Launches New Water-Soluble Biotin Revolution

Content provided by Tagra Biotechnologies | 05-Apr-2023 | Product Presentation

Biotin (vitamin B7) helps improve hair health, skin’s pigmentation, and nail’s appearance. Biotin occurs as a crystalline powder with very little solubility...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Podcast

Beauty 4.0 Podcast