Interview: How Proviron Supports the Switch from Phthalate Plasticizers to Innovative Alternatives

SpecialChem: As a Plasticizer supplier, how would Proviron like to be perceived by the market, and what is your vision?

Peter Van Elslander: Proviron was established in 1977. It is certainly not a coincidence that our company name Proviron is made of two words : "Process" and "Environment". Ever since, Proviron has been bridging the gap between environment, health and safety on one side, and chemical solutions on the other. In this environmentally and health conscious industrial world, Proviron is fully going onto phthalate alternatives and "green" plasticizers. This has led us not only to a portfolio of reliable and well-tested plasticizers, well adapted to general and specific needs, but also to the continuous investment in product improvement and innovation, and the development of new sustainable drop-in replacement plasticizers.

Proviron wants to be perceived as the plasticizer company that makes phthalate alternative plasticizers and even bio-based, helping the market in this transition by offering economical and high performance substitutes, without compromising the product value. Our mission is to provide solutions for tomorrow's challenges, and to extend our portfolio with continuous product improvements.

SpecialChem: How a company like Proviron can differentiate from other Plasticizer suppliers? What are your main strengths?

Peter Van Elslander: With more than 40 years of experience and an established portfolio of major products for different types of polymers, Proviron delivers an existing range of high quality products with proven technologies and reliable performances. But as a mid-size player in the market, we deliver a human and tailor-made approach. Away from standard offers, we take the time to listen to our customers. New products are offered in joint development programs, based on tailor-made technical support and close follow up of trials by an experienced technical team, and guided by a flexible commercial approach.

More than words, Proviron acts, invests in partnerships with our customers. Proviron wants to understand your needs and is well-equipped to assist you. As a European company, but worldwide present with factories in Belgium and the US, a sales office in Asia and world-wide partnerships, Proviron combines the strength of quality products with local neighbourhood. Different forms and weights of packaging, sent from the heart of Europe, make Proviron a flexible partner. Proviron demonstrates that we understand your needs. The success of Proviron is not only defined by our professionalism, but also by the inspiration and the passion of our people.

SpecialChem: What types of plasticizers Proviron supplies today ?

Peter Van Elslander: As a diversified company, and with a capacity of 60.000 MT per annum, Proviron offers a broad portfolio of reliable and well-tested plasticizers.

We are particularly strong in nylon plasticizers, where Proviron has proven to be the preferred supplier since early days, and with products being the benchmark in the industry. Our Proviplast® plasticizers are used in PVC, PA, PVB, Rubber, PLA, PUR and for different applications in coatings, inks, adhesives and sealants.

For PVC, where the most commonly used plasticizers are phthalates, with a concern regarding potential toxicity of certain of them, and increasing pressure from both public or legal authorities and customers, Proviron is supporting the market in offering sustainable, economical, drop-in alternatives for phthalate or non-bio-based plasticizers.

Also for other polymers, demanding specific plasticizers, Proviron provides a solution, and this for a vast array of applications. From general purpose to niche plasticizers, from liquids to masterbatches, from commonly used to high demanding plasticizers, from the need of a high thermal stability to a better low temperature flexibility, Proviron offers a wide range of plasticizers with a solid track record of commercial success. And our success depends on the success of our customers !

SpecialChem: You have recently launched 2 new bio-based soy bean based plasticizers, what are the main benefits of these 2 grades and what value do they bring compared to other bio-based plasticizers?

Peter Van Elslander: Proviplast® PLS Green is a range of newly developed bio-based PVC plasticizers. Proviron and Petrom, a leading Brazilian producer of plasticizers, have partnered up to introduce this "green" plasticizer, made from renewable resources, and with a much better carbon footprint.

The bio-based content for Proviplast® PLS Green 5 is 100%, for PLS Green 8 is 68%. These products with proven applications in the South-American market, have confirmed their excellent performance as general purpose plasticizer under a wide range of applications, such as stretchable films, shoe soles, hoses, toys, laminates, coated fabrics, calendaring, as well as in wires and cables.

Proviplast® PLS Green is a safe alternative to phthalate plasticizers, and its use requires little or no change to the formulation and processing conditions. Compared to other bio-based plasticizers available on the market, Proviplast® PL S Green exhibits less volatility during processing. Additionally, a high thermal stability and a better flexibility at low temperature bring an added value.

With a competitive price and no high green price premium, compared to some other alternatives in the market, Proviron helps customers to succeed in their financial goals. Our presence at the PVC Formulation Conference at Düsseldorf in March 2013, with an exhibition stand and a official presentation, provides an excellent forum to introduce our Proviplast® PLS Green to the market. I would say, discover our Proviplast® PLS Green now, and ask for more technical info or a sample. With Proviplast® PLS Green, the idea of a sustainable "green" bio-based general purpose plasticizer becomes reality!

Peter Van Elslander Business Manager, Polymer Additives Proviron