Cutting-Edge Heat Stabilizers for PVC Wire & Cable

Ahmad Yasyri Bin Ahmad Mahaiyuddin – SONGWON Industrial Group

In the past, most heat stabilizers for PVC wire and cables were lead-based. As awareness of safety and health issues grows around the world, health and environmental regulations are becoming more and more stringent every day. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) notes in a risk management option analysis (RMOA) that lead and lead compounds are classified under the CLP Regulation as category 1A substances toxic to reproduction, toxic following prolonged and repeated exposure, and hazardous to aquatic life. Lead stabilizers are therefore now banned for various applications in many countries and have been replaced by alternatives.

Processors can easily switch from lead to calcium zinc (CaZn) stabilizers as no major changes need to be made to processing machinery and there is very little diff erence in costs. Today, the entire market is using solid CaZn heat stabilizers. In line with the trend in the European and USA regions, Asia is now also rapidly replacing lead stabilizers.

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