Non Phthalate Plasticizers
The global plasticiser market size is around 6 million tons in 2011. Plasticisers are additives that increase the flexibility of a material. 96% of plasticisers are consumed in flexible PVC applications including cables, PVC films, roofing, flooring and wall covering.
There are three groups of plasticisers: low phthalates, high phthalates and non phthalates. They can be substituted by one another, depending on cost, performance benefits and legislation.
Di-octyl phthalate (DOP) is a low-phthalate plasticiser that is most widely used in Asia.
Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) is a high-phthalate plasticiser and the second largest plasticiser in Asia.
Di-octyl terephthalate (DOTP) is a non ortho phthalate plasticiser that used to be insignificant, but has undergone dramatic growth in Asia especially China, driven by good feedstock PTA availability, falling cost, and the classification of DOTP as a more environmentally friendly plasticiser than DINP.
Feedstocks for DINP include phthalic anhydride (PA) and isonananol (INA).
Meanwhile, feedstocks for DOTP are purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH).
ICIS pricing quotes DINP, DOTP and DOP in Asia-Pacific.
Frequency:
Published weekly on Friday.
Di-isononyl Phthalate (ASIA-PACIFIC)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Spot Price
- DEL East China (CNY/MT)
- CFR China (USD/MT)
- FOB NE Asia
Di-octyl Terephthalate (ASIA-PACIFIC)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Spot price
- Ex-tank East China (CNY/MT)
- CFR China (USD/MT)
- DOP (ASIA-PACIFIC)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Spot price
General Information:
Assessment window:
Price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Friday at 1700 hours in Singapore and Shanghai.
Specification:
| Product Specifications | Premium | First Class |
| Colour Degree < |
30 |
50
|
| Ester Content % > |
99.5 |
99 |
| Density (20C) |
0.973-0.977 |
0.973-0.977 |
| UV Reflection Degree |
1.484-1.488 |
1.484-1.488 |
| Water Content % < |
0.1 |
0.4 |
| Flash Point C |
219 |
219 |
| Colour degree after neat treatment < |
75 |
|
Volume resistance Perimeter
(ohm.cm)> |
1.1001 |
|
| Acid Content < |
0.1 |
0.1 |
Timing:
China imported cargoes are assessed for loading or delivery 2-4 weeks forward from the date of publication, and domestic cargoes are assessed for loading within 7 days after full payment from the buyers.
Terms:
Typically 30-60 days after bill of lading date. The price range is based on credit terms of LC 90 days. Confirmed deals with differing credit terms will be factored into the assessment but will be adjusted to LC 90 days equivalent.
Tariff, tax exemptions, import duties factored in.
China domestic prices refer to deals in which the buyers accomplish the full payment ahead of or on the cargoes loading.
Standard cargo size:
For CFR China, cargoes assessed are typically above 300 tonnes.
FOB NE Asia, cargoes assessed are above 100 tonnes.
China domestic cargoes assessed are 50-200 tonnes
Assessment basis:
The ICIS pricing di-isononyl phthalate report examines trade flows to mainly China and exports from NE Asian producers. While business to other markets is covered comprehensively, the report focuses mainly on China as this represents the main market for di-isononyl phthalate and di-octyl phthalate plasticisers.
The price assessment CFR China indicates current prices of exported material from NE Asia bound for China. The main NE Asian export markets are Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.
Domestic China DEL represents the current market price for di-isononyl phthalate and di-octyl phthalate produced within China and delivered to domestic PVC markets.
Price assessments are based on information gathered throughout the week from market participants including producers, consumers, traders and distributors. In the event of a lack of trades, the published price range represents the highest bids received and the lowest sell indications for the week.
The report offers market commentary that where appropriate includes details of traced transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information, general sentiment for price direction, comments on up and downstream market developments and other factors impacting the market.
Although China is the key market for di-isononyl phthalate and di-octyl terephthalate in Asia, information in the Asia report also covers Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. Materials from Asia to other regions are included at times when such trade flows can be confirmed.