The recent global battle between the plastics industry and the legislators over the past few years regarding the use of phthalate plasticizers in PVC has reminded the industry (if it needed reminding) that on all sides it is increasingly challenged by regulations. Many of these have had a stimulating effect, and there is no doubt that some of the considerable technical improvements in the past years are due to legislation. But the severity of the moves to ban certain plasticizers - and the way in which they have suddenly collapsed - is a warning that the basis for good legislation is good evidence, rather than emotional appeals, no matter how worthy. John Murphy reviews the main regulations, relevant to compounders.
Ingredients used in products that come into contact with food and drink have been regulated for many years but, with new materials (particularly additives) constantly being introduced, and also with growing understanding of what actually constitutes a hazard, the legislation is under continuous revision.