Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)

Technically feasible alternatives are commercially available for all known uses of SCCPs.

Note that the following information is extracted from the Risk management evaluation (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.12/11/Add.3) and additional information related to the draft risk management evaluation (UNEP/POPS/POPRC12/INF/7).

Uses of SCCPs

SCCPs are primarily used in metalworking applications and in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing. SCCPs are also used as plasticizers and flame retardants in a variety of applications, including in paints, adhesives and sealants, leather fat liquors, plastics, rubber, textiles and polymeric materials.

Historically, SCCPs have been used as lubricants and coolants in metalworking fluids (MWF). In general, lubricants that are chlorinated paraffins or contain chlorinated paraffin additives are designed to lubricate parts that experience extreme pressures, and are used in deep drawing, tube bending and cold heading. The transition away from using SCCPs, and chlorinated paraffins in general, in metalworking applications has included the development of alternatives as well as alternative processes.

Decision SC-8/11: Listing of short-chain chlorinated paraffins identified the following specific exemptions:

  • ·      Additives in the production of transmission belts in the natural and synthetic rubber industry;
  •        Spare parts of rubber conveyor belts in the mining and forestry industries;
  •        Leather industry, in particular fatliquoring in leather;
  •        Lubricant additives, in particular for engines of automobiles, electric generators and wind power facilities, and for drilling in oil and gas exploration, petroleum refinery to produce diesel oil;
  •        Tubes for outdoor decoration bulbs;
  •        Waterproofing and fire-retardant paints;
  •        Adhesives;
  •        Metal processing;
  •        Secondary plasticizers in flexible polyvinyl chloride, except in toys and children’s products.

Potential Alternatives to SCCPs in Metalworking Fluids Applications

Alternative substances 

In an effort to implement sustainable MWF systems, significant progress has been made by industry through the development of environmentally adapted lubricants (EALs). EALs are highly biodegradable, have low toxicity and their performance is equal to or better than conventional alternatives. There are numerous classes of EALs, including vegetable oil-based (oleo-chemical) ingredients which can be used in traditional water-based and straight-oil formulations in place of conventional fluids. Furthermore, bio-based formulations have the potential to reduce the waste treatment costs for MWF effluents and the occupational health risks associated with petroleum oil-based MWFs.  Synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, which are often diluted with water rather than VOC solvents, may also serve as alternatives

Evidence suggests that there are ample alternatives to SCCPs for use as MWFs; however, they may not be suitable for all applications.   Some of these may exhibit POPs characteristics or other hazardous properties. In the case of alternatives to SCCPs in textile applications many are POPs or exhibit POPs characteristics.

Potential alternative substances for use of SCCPS in metalworking fluid applications include:

  Alkanol amides (e.g., 2:1 di-ethanolamine (DEA) tall oil fatty acid alkanol amide)

  Isopropyl oleate

  Long-chain chlorinated paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

  Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

  Nitrated compounds  (e.g. Doverlube NCEP- nitrogen containing compound)

  Overbased calcium sulphonates

  PEP additives

  Phosphorus based compounds including

a)    alkyl phosphate esters

b)    Phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (ITAP) (3:1)

c)     Tributyl phosphate (TBP)

d)    Triaryl phosphate

e)    bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphate

f)      didodecyl phosphite

g)    Dimethyl hydrogen phosphite

h)    2-ethylhexyl hydrogen phosphate

i)      Polyethoxy oleyletherphosphate

j)      Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates

                k) Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (Zinc BDBP) 

  Propylene oxide

  Sulphur based substitutes including

a)    Sulphurized polyisobutene, polypropylene and polystyrene

b)    Tertiary nonyl polysulfide (TNPS)

c)     Polyolefin sulphide

d)    Sulfonated fatty acid esters

e)    Polysulphides or alkyl sulphide, sulphurized alkenes/olefins, sulphurized hydrocarbons (i.e.generally of the type di-tertiary alkyl polysulphides, in particular di-tertiary alkyl pentasulphides) - extreme pressure additive


Alternative materials and techniques

Alternative techniques have been developed including the use of gas-based system such as supercritical CO2.

Supercritical CO2 can be combined with soybean oil to obtain improved performance. Other alternative processes include dry machining, where no cutting fluid is required, and cryogenic machining, where liquefied gases are used. Alternative materials and techniques that have been used as alternatives the use of SCCPs in metalworking fluids, including the following:

Material substitution with environmentally adapted lubricants (EALs)

a)       oil-in-water emulsions, vegetable based

b)      bio-based lubricant formulations (soybean, pine tree, rapeseed, mustard, grape seed, sunflower, coconut, canola, etc),with or without additives

c)       bio-based lubricants in combination with supercritical CO2 (scCO2)

d)      (e.g. oil-in-CO2 dispersion)

e)      gas-based lubricant system

Material substitution with HIGTO(1) (a modified triglyceride - rape seed based) with a zirconium coating

  Process change to dry machining (no cutting fluids)

  Process change to cryogenic machining (liquid nitrogen)

  Process change to air delivery of lubricants

  Process change to oil free, low viscosity metal forming lubricants with high solid polymers (HSM)

  Synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants (vegetable-based methyl esters or polymers of various types) which are often diluted with water rather than VOC solvents, may also serve as alternatives

Potential Alternatives to SCCPs in Polyvinyl Chloride Processing

Alternative substances

Chemical substances that can be used to replace SCCPs in polyvinyl chloride (PVC ) applications include:

Acrylic polymers

  Alumina trihydrate

  Aluminum trihydroxide, used in conjunction with antimony trioxide (ATH)

  Aluminum trioxide

  Antimony trioxide (or Antimony oxide)

  Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

  Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

  Other Organophosphorus flame retardants

a)       Cresyl diphenyl phosphate (CDP)

b)      Tertbutylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (TBPDPP)

c)       Isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (IPPDPP)

d)      Phosphorus based compounds (in general)

e)      Tricresyl phosphate (TCP)

  Phthalates (generally, including phthalates esters)

a)       Di-isononyl’phthalate (DINP)

b)      Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)

c)       Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP aka DEHP)

d)      Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)

e)      Di-isoundecyl phthalate (DIUP)

  Tri-octyl trimellitate (TOTM)

  Zinc borate

Alternative materials and techniques

Material substitution with other elastic polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) have been identified as alternative materials that can replace the use of SCCPs in PVC applications

Potential Alternatives to SCCPs in Other Uses

Rubber and Plastics (other than polyvinyl chloride)

Flame retardants are used in a variety of rubber products including natural rubber, styrene and butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, acrylonitrile and butadiene rubber, butadiene or isoprene rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer-elastomer. In applications where a non-flammable plasticizer is needed, phosphate esters are viable alternatives to SCCP. Chemical alternatives to SCCPs are available for use in conveyor belts and include MCCPs and LCCPs.

Alternative substances

The following substances have been identified as possible replacement for SCCPs in rubber products:

  Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

·         Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

·         Acrylic polymers

·         Aluminum trihydroxide, used in conjunction with antimony trioxide (ATH)

·         Antimony trioxide (or Antimony oxide)

·         Other Organophosphorus flame retardants (in general)

a)       Cresyl diphenyl phosphate (CDP)

b)      Tertbutylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (TBPDPP)

c)       Isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (IPPDPP)

·         Phosphorus based compounds (in general)

a)       Tricresyl phosphate (TCP)

·         Phthalates (generally, including phthalates esters)

a)       Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP)

b)      Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)

c)       Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP aka DEHP)

d)      Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)

e)      Di-isoundecyl phthalate (DIUP)

·         Zinc borate

Alternative materials and techniques

SCCPs have been used in mono-ply (solid woven) conveyor belts, also referred to as PVG solid woven conveyor belts, where a textile core is impregnated with PVC and is then covered with a rubber cover. Flame retardancy can be achieved through the use of alternate techniques, such as using inherently flame-resistant materials, flammability barriers and product re-design. Alternative conveyor types that do not contain SCCPs, such as PVC solid woven and chloroprene (CR) multi-ply, are available.

Sealants and Adhesives

SCCPs are used as plasticizers and in some cases as flame retardants in polysulphide and polyurethane formulations, and in acrylic and butyl sealants. In dam sealants SCCPs act as a plasticizer and can be replaced with high molecular weight plasticizers which are less prone to leakage from the cured polymer.

Alternatives substances

·         Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

·         Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs);

·         Phosphate esters

·         Phthalates (generally, including phthalates esters)

a)       Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP)

b)      Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)

c)       Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP aka DEHP)

d)      Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)

e)      Di-isoundecyl phthalate (DIUP)

·         Polyacrylate esters

Alternative materials and techniques

Urethane or silicone sealants, which do not contain SCCPs, can be used to replace polysulphide sealants

Paints and Coatings Applications

SCCPs are used in chlor-rubber and acrylic protective coatings and in intumescent paints. Typical applications include road marking paints, anti-corrosive coatings for metal surfaces, swimming pool coatings, decorative paints for internal and external surfaces, and primers for polysulphide expansion joint sealants. In coatings and paints, MCCPs and LCCPs are identified as potential alternatives to SCCPs. Alternate plasticizers include phthalate esters, polyacrylic esters and diisobutyrate and alternate flame retardants include phosphate and boron containing compounds.

Alternatives substances

·         Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

·         Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

·         Boron- and silicon-based compounds (Ex: Phosphorous-boron-nitrogen compounds)

·         Diisobutyrate compounds

·         Other Organophosphorus flame retardants

·         Phosphate esters

·         Phosphorus based compounds

·         Phthalates (generally, including phthalates esters)

a)       Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)

b)      Di-isoundecyl phthalate (DIUP)

·         Polyacrylate esters

Alternative materials and techniques

Replacing paints requiring plasticizers with epoxy-based paints eliminates the need for SCCPs. For road marking paints, thermoplastic products (which do not contain SCCPs) rather than paint products can be used since they provide improved durability.

Textile Applications

SCCPs have been use as a flame retardant and in one niche application to provide a flame-retardant, waterproof and rot-proof finish to heavy textiles, such as military tents. Replacing SCCPs with other flame retardants or the use of less flammable or flame resistant materials are alternatives to the use of SCCPs in textiles.

Antimony trioxide, in combination with halogenated flame retardants, can be used on textiles such as wool, cotton, polyester, polyamide fibres and blends (upholstery fabrics and roof insulating fabric). Brominated flame retardants may be used with antimony trioxide on polyester and cellulosic fibers, modacrylic fibers, non-wovens for drapery, upholstery and textile coatings. Organophosphorus compounds, such as tris(isopropylphenyl) phosphate, are suitable for cellulosic, nylon and polyester fibers (upholstery fabric, garments, flexible ducting).

Alternative substances

The following substances have been identified as possible replacement for SCCPs used in textiles:

·         Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

·         Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

·         Acrylic polymers;

·         Aluminum trihydroxide, used in conjunction with antimony trioxide (ATH);

·         Antimony trioxide (or Antimony oxide);

·         Bis (tribromophenoxy) ethane;

·         Decabromodiphenyl ether (c-decaBDE) (halogenated flame retardant), used in conjunction with antimony trioxide;

·         Dibromostyrene;

·         Ethane, 1,2-bis(pentabromophenyl) (EBP), used in conjunction with antimony trioxide; Ethylenebistetrabromophthalimide;

·         Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (halogenated flame retardant) in combination with antimony trioxide;

·         Hexachlorocyclodecane;

·         Other Organophosphorus flame retardants;

·         Phosphate esters;

·         Phosphorus based compounds

·         Phthalates (generally, including phthalates esters)

a)       Tetrabromophthalate ester (TBPH)

b)      Tetrabromophthalate diol

c)       Tetrabromophthalic anhydride

·         Tribromophenyl allyl ether

Alternative materials and techniques

Replacement of flame retarded textiles with less flammable fabrics (such as wool, modacrylics and aramide) or leather, or replacing flame retarded materials with inherently flame resistant materials  (for example, by designing polymer backbones with very high heat and flame resistance or by using metal) are Alternative materials and techniques to the use of SCCPs in textiles.

Leather Applications

Alternative substances  

  Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

  Animal and/or vegetable oils and/or mineral oil

Alternative materials and techniques

The use of SCCPs in the leather industry has been replaced by natural animal and vegetable oils. Potential alternatives include nitroalkanes, alkyl phosphate and sulfonated fatty acid esters

Flame Retardants

Alternative substances

·         Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C14-17) (MCCPs)

·         Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C18+) (LCCPs)

·         Acrylic polymers

·         Alumina trihydrate

·         Aluminum trihydroxide, used in conjunction with antimony trioxide (ATH)

·         Aluminum trioxide

·         Antimony trioxide (or Antimony oxide)

·         Bis (tribromophenoxy) ethane

·         Decabromodiphenyl ether (c-decaBDE) (halogenated flame retardant), used in conjunction with antimony trioxide

·         Dibromostyrene

·         Ethane, 1,2-bis(pentabromophenyl) (EBP), used in conjunction with antimony trioxide; Ethylenebistetrabromophthalimide

·         Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (halogenated flame retardant) in combination with antimony trioxide

·         Hexachlorocyclodecane

·         Other Organophosphorus flame retardants

·         Phosphate esters

·         Phosphorus based compounds

·         Phthalates (generally, including phthalates esters)

a)       Tetrabromophthalate ester (TBPH)

b)      Tetrabromophthalate diol

c)       Tetrabromophthalic anhydride

·         Tribromophenyl allyl ether

·         Tri-octyl trimellitate (TOTM)

·         Zinc borate (in PVC)

Alternative materials and techniques

Redesign of products to use inherently flame resistant materials (for example, by designing polymer backbones with very high heat and flame resistance or by using metal) or substituting flammable materials with mineral products (for example, magnesium oxide). 

For further information, please refer to

  • UNEP/POPS/POPRC.5/10/Add.1 – General guidance on considerations related to alternatives and substitutes for listed persistent organic pollutants and candidate chemicals
  • Risk profile ArChEnFrRuSp (PDF)
  • Risk management evaluation ArChEnFrRuSp (PDF)