Phthalate Free PVC & Plastics Australia

In June 2013, Plastics Australia was the first Stationery manufacturer in Australia to offer Phthalate Free PVC Ring Binders (pronounced fal-ate) to the general public.
The Double Duty® Range, our standard range of A4, A3 and A5 insert style binders, uses ONLY PVCs which comply with REACH* standards.
In addition, this PVC also has a 40% recycled component further adding to its environment and sustainability credentials.

What are Phthalates?

Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is a rigid product. To make it soft and pliable, plasticisers are added during manufacture. The most common compounds used for this purpose are Phthalates. These are colourless, odourless liquids produced by the reaction of alcohols and phthalate anhydride with water extracted. Phthatates have a very low volatility, do not readily dissolve in water are not persistent in the environment.
Concern in the general population has been raised regarding the effects plasticisers used in PVC may have on humans and the environment. These concerns are that certain phthalates may cause health problems. Plasticised PVC has been in use for more than 50 years WITHOUT a single known case of any ill-health in humans. We do however believe that removing phthalates is a significant contributor to our environmental responsibility.

*REACH

In June 2007, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the auspices of the European Union (EU) instigated the REACH Regulation. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
REACH is the EU’s major regulation for chemicals involving the registration and evaluation of the thousands of chemicals which are used in many everyday products and articles which are place on the European Union market. The regulation covers items manufactured in the EU as well as those which are imported. REACH is the most comprehensive product safety regulation anywhere in the world, and is supporting the safe use of chemicals in the European Union.