DIBP - Di-isobutylphthlate

Initiative of the European Adhesives and Sealants Manufacturers (FEICA) on the Reduction of Di-iso-butylphthalate (DiBP) in paper and board (Brussels, 8 ApriL 2008)

Background

Di-iso-butylphthalate (DiBP) is used as a plasticiser in some adhesives, which among others are used for converting paper and board. Recent studies have shown that DiBP has a similar toxicological profile as Di-butylphthalate (DBP) and can therefore cause effects on reproduction and development.

The German federal institute for risk assessments (BfR) requires therefore decreasing as far as possible the migration of DiBP from products made of paper and board. This concerns in particular food contact packaging.

The German environment agency (UBA) encourages a general avoidance of DiBP when paper and board is converted in order to ensure the continued use of end-products made from recycled paper and board.

In order to reduce DiBP in paper and board EU wide, FEICA recommends the following:

Voluntary Initiative on the reduction of Di-iso-butylphthalate (DiBP)

FEICA recommends to its members that they will work with their member companies towards a situation where no Di-iso-butylphthalate should be added to adhesive formulations to be used in the paper and board applications such as the lamination and sealing of packaging. Also it should not be replaced by any substance which has similar detrimental effects according to today’s state of the art.

FEICA recommends to its members that they will report on an annual basis on measures taken and they will keep records of the progress made on the implementation of this initiative.