Yes, when compliant with regulations, organotin stabilisers are safe for use. Organotin compounds account for only 6%, but still play an important role in certain applications as they ensure transparency and work even under harsh processing conditions. As mentioned above, the use of additives in PVC and other plastics is regulated by REACH, which means that manufacturers must prove that the substances are safe before they are placed on the market. This also applies to stabilisers, which are always used to process the PVC plastic and to achieve the desired properties of the product. Stabilisers make up a very small amount of the product’s weight and are tightly bound in the polymer matrix, so migration is minimal. Some organotin compounds are restricted, while others may continue to be used in critical applications such as food contact materials, medicine blister packs and medical devices. There is still significant use of organotin stabilisers outside the EU, including in North America, where the use of such products is based on risk assessments demonstrating safe use and regulatory approvals, such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

When it comes to lead, Europe and North America have been leading the phase-out, but the rest of the world is well on its way. The conversion rate from lead to calcium-based stabilisers has moved from around 40% to 80% since 2017. This is partly due to bans on their use in drinking water pipes in India and China, as well as increased global exchange of knowledge and technology in the PVC field.

Cadmium is only used in very limited quantities in PVC worldwide, making it difficult to obtain accurate tonnage data.