The changeover has taken place at two Teknor Apex compounding plants in the United States and could be carried out at Teknor's facility in Singapore if demand warrants, according to industry manager Peter M. Galland. In addition to supplying medical-grade vinyl compounds worldwide, Teknor Apex also produces plasticizers for captive use and for sale on the merchant market, including phthalates and all important alternative types.
"While DEHP has been used in medical devices for half a century with no recorded adverse human health interactions, regulatory initiatives like the European Union labeling requirement for DEHP, effective in 2010, compel some device manufacturers to look for compounds containing alternative plasticizers," said Galland. "Teknor Apex is well prepared to supply medical compounds regardless of plasticizer type, including DEHP, other phthalates, and the full range of non-phthalates."