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        # Safety First: The Critical Role of ESBO in Food-Grade PVC

        

**Topic:** Technical

        

When it comes to food packaging and medical tubing, there is zero room for toxic migration. Are your plasticizers safe for human contact?

        
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## Problem

Standard phthalate plasticizers are increasingly restricted in food-contact and medical applications due to health concerns. However, finding a non-toxic alternative that also provides stability during processing is a challenge for many manufacturers.

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## Likely cause

This issue often stems from inconsistent compounding temperatures, inferior raw material purity, or unbalanced stabilizer ratios within the formulation matrix.

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## Corrective direction

NBT ESBO (Epoxidised Soybean Oil) is a non-toxic, bio-based plasticizer that is FDA-approved for food contact. It serves a dual purpose: it provides secondary plasticization and acts as a synergistic stabilizer, capturing HCl released during processing. This ensures the safety and longevity of the final product.

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          ## Frequently Asked Questions

          
### Can ESBO be used as a primary plasticizer?

It is typically used as a secondary plasticizer (2-5 PHR) alongside a primary non-phthalate like DOTP.

### Does it help with UV stability?

Yes, ESBO provides some inherent resistance to light-induced degradation.

        
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By NBT Technical Desk · Updated 2026-06-07

        

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