Innovate for Impact:

Tackling the Global Plasticiser Challenge

Background: Plasticisers are vital in providing flexibility and durability to PVC-based materials. However, many traditional phthalate-based plasticisers are restricted in numerous countries due to health and environmental concerns. As industries look to sustainable solutions, there is an urgent need for high-performance, bio-based plasticisers that can meet demanding technical requirements while lowering carbon footprints and safety hazards.

“At NUVANT, we believe that high performance and sustainability must move forward together as part of a shared vision,”

“We see this challenge as an opportunity to turn innovation into real solutions – ones that create positive impact and drive the industry toward a more responsible future.”

“We are excited to collaborate with NUVANT in the search for innovative Sustainable Chemistry solutions for high-performance plasticisers for industrial applications”,

“We are confident that the growing ISC3 network – with its many pioneering young companies supported by our Global Start-up Service – will generate valuable ideas and foster impactful collaborations.”

High-Performance Criteria

Proposed solutions must demonstrate performance comparable to state-of-the-art plasticisers such as DINP (Diisononyl Phthalate) and meet the following criteria:

1. Plasticisation Efficiency: Comparable to DINP.
2. Low Migration, Exudation, and Volatility: Stability within the PVC matrix.
3. Low-Temperature Performance: Withstand impacts at -30°C without brittle failure.
4. Thermal Stability: Act as a co-stabilizer, enabling PVC to endure 500 hours of thermal aging at 110°C without loss of flexibility or colour.

In addition, the plasticiser must be:

• Bio-Based: Ideally derived from waste-based sources.
• High-Performance: Matching or exceeding technical benchmarks of conventional plasticisers.
• Colourless and Transparent: To avoid altering blends.
• Low Odor: Free of unpleasant or unacceptable odours (e.g., fishy, mouldy, sulphur-like).
• Low-Toxicity: A safe substitute for restricted phthalates and SVHCs.
• Recyclability-Friendly: Preferably enabling recyclability or at least not hindering it.

Finalists will be required to submit a 2 kg sample of their proposed plasticiser. NUVANT will cover shipment costs, conduct all testing at no cost to participants, and share results transparently. This pathway provides innovators with a unique opportunity to bring their sustainable solutions to market at industrial scale.

The full requirements for Technical Validation and Testing can be found on the application page:

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