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Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC): Quick Facts & Q&A

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC): Quick Facts & Q&A

2025-12-29
What is ATBC?

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC) is a non-phthalate plasticizer made from citric acid.
It is designed to make plastics more flexible while offering a safer and more environmentally responsible profile than traditional plasticizers.

Why is ATBC considered safer?

ATBC has low toxicity, low odor, and low volatility.
It does not belong to the phthalate family, which has been associated with health and environmental concerns. Because of this, ATBC is approved in many regions for food-contact, medical, and cosmetic applications.

How does ATBC work in plastics?

ATBC molecules insert themselves between polymer chains, allowing them to move more freely.
This results in:

  • Increased flexibility
  • Improved softness
  • Better durability
  • Minimal impact on transparency
Is ATBC environmentally friendly?

Yes. ATBC is:

  • Derived from citric acid
  • More biodegradable than many traditional plasticizers
  • Suitable for applications aligned with sustainability and circular-economy goals
Where is ATBC commonly used?

ATBC is found in:

  • Flexible PVC films and sheets
  • Food packaging and cling films
  • Medical tubing and bags
  • Toys and consumer goods
  • Nail polish and personal care products
Can ATBC handle industrial processing?

Yes. ATBC has good thermal stability, meaning it performs well under common plastic processing temperatures without significant degradation.

Why is ATBC gaining attention now?

Global regulations are increasingly restricting phthalate plasticizers.
At the same time, manufacturers are under pressure to improve chemical safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. ATBC meets these needs while maintaining strong performance.

In One Sentence

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate is a modern plasticizer that delivers flexibility and performance while supporting safer, greener, and more responsible material solutions.