Hanwha Solutions to Quadruple Production of Eco-Friendly Plasticizers

EcoDechi production facility at Hanwha Solutions Ulsan Plant

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hanwha Solutions announced on the 25th that it has increased the annual production capacity of its plasticizer ‘Ecodechi,’ which eliminates harmful substances, to a maximum of 65,000 tons.

Plasticizers are additives that soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics used in wallpaper, flooring, and other materials. Traditionally, phthalate-based products, which have been controversial due to environmental hormone concerns, have been mainly used. Phthalate plasticizers are regulated because they disrupt the endocrine system, causing atopic dermatitis, asthma, and reproductive organ disorders. Recently, in South Korea, phthalate plasticizers were detected in baby bathtubs at levels 600 times above the standard, sparking controversy.

Hanwha Solutions’ Chemical Division succeeded in the commercial production of Ecodechi in 2017 and has since invested 45 billion KRW to increase production capacity. Previously, the annual production was about 15,000 tons. Ecodechi is produced by adding hydrogen, a technology rarely used worldwide. As an eco-friendly product that eliminates harmful phthalate components, it has passed safety tests by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been approved in Europe for use in food packaging materials. The company expects Ecodechi to replace phthalate-based plasticizers as it can be used in various fields such as wallpaper, flooring, mats, and toys, where interior demand is recently increasing.

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