Excessive Levels of Phthalates in Shoe Components - make sure you are compliant!
Phthalates are used in many types of consumer products due to their ability to make a variety of plastics more flexible and durable for their intended application. Many types of shoe components may contain phthalates including artificial leathers, soling materials (e.g. EVA, PU foam, Polymerics and PVC) coatings, prints and adhesives.
As phthalates are not chemically bound into the plastic, they tend to migrate over a period of time which can lead to performance issues such as ageing / hardening of the host plastic. This migration also leads to exposure of phthalates to both consumers and the environment.
Importantly, many phthalates are regulated under EU and global legislation due to their ability to disrupt human hormonal systems including sexual development and infertility. Some are also implicated in causing allergies such as asthma whilst others damage the environment. The placing of consumer products on the market which contain phthalates is restricted in many countries in the world and can lead to legal action, financial penalties and brand damage.
Eurofins I BLC can offer you full support in understanding the legislative requirements in your country of retail and provide appropriate compliance and due diligence testing to mitigate your risk. Contact our Chemical Experts for a testing quotation and for chemical compliance support on +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or email [email protected].
11 July 2022