PVC compounder Roscom Inc. began production of compounds using non-phthalate plasticizers earlier this year.
Croydon, Pa.-based Roscom devoted one of its five extrusion lines to the new materials after receiving numerous requests from customers, marketing executive Steve Lynch said in an April 7 phone interview. Various health risks have been alleged against DEHP and other plasticizers commonly used in PVC compounds.
Sales of the new materials have been strong since Roscom began production in early February, Lynch added. The non-phthalate compounds are being sold into a wide range of applications in automotive, construction, electrical and other markets. “Our customers like that we made the switch,” Lynch said.
In the last year, Roscom also has installed new blending and mixing equipment. The firm employs 50 and has annual sales of about $30 million. It shares an 80,000 square-foot space with sister firm Tek Tube Inc., a maker of PVC hose for the pool and spa market. Tek Tube already is using some Roscom non-phthalate compounds in its products.
Roscom generates about 10 percent of its sales from toll compounding, but is looking to grow in that area, Lynch said. The firm's overall sales are expected to be up about 5 percent in 2014, he added.
