Synonyms
Tin organic compounds
Organostannic compounds
CAS registration number
Substance
Various Dibutyltin (DBT)
Various Dioctyltin (DOT)
Various Monobutyltin (MBT)
For the rest of the list, see “Additional Information”.
May appear in
PVC
Polyurethane coatings
Polyester
Plastic trim
Textiles
Leather
Screen printing
Biocides and insecticides
Organotin compounds (organotins) are substances made up of tin directly bonded to different organic groups. Typically, mono-, di- or tri-substituted organotins are used most often in the apparel and footwear industries.
Use in the supply chain
Organotins are commonly used as heat stabilizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), catalysts in the production of polymeric materials such as polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics, or catalysts in plastisol printing, rubber, adhesives, etc. They are also used in the production of textiles, leather and footwear. They are also used as biocides or preservatives in textiles, leather and synthetic leathers (e.g. polyurethane, etc.) and as insecticides. Silicone coated finishes (e.g. to obtain elastomeric properties and water repellency) may also contain organotin.
The most common applications in the apparel and footwear supply chain are plastic trim, screen printing, and polyurethane coated fabrics.
Reasons for organotin restrictions
Legislation has been passed in major markets around the world to restrict the use of organotins in finished products.
Some organotins are classified as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, and are highly persistent and highly bioaccumulative.
Some organotins may be toxic to aquatic organisms.
Some organotins can act as immunotoxins.
Some organotin compounds are endocrine disruptors and can be toxic to the reproductive system. ¹
Chemical hazard information for many chemicals can be found in the following external databases.
GESTIS Substances Database: here (https://gestis-database.dguv.de/search)
U.S. National Library of Medicine: here (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
OSHA Specialty Chemical Database: here (https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/index.html)
Sourcing compliant materials from your suppliers
Contact your supplier and advise you of the need to manufacture materials that meet the limits in the current AFIRM RSL. ²
Request confirmation of material compliance from your supplier or a test report from a third-party laboratory.
Upon receipt of the material, consider performing risk-based testing to ensure compliance with the limits in the current AFIRM RSL.
Please share this information sheet with your material supplier so that they are fully aware and understand your purchasing needs.
Because organotins are typically used as stabilizers in PVC production, pay special attention to the supplier of the PVC material.
Because organotins are often used as catalysts in PU production, pay special attention to PU materials, including synthetic leathers and coatings.
Self-cross-linking silicone resins or polyester polymers may contain organotin, which is used as a catalyst in the production process.
Biocide-treated leathers and textiles may also contain organotin.
Sourcing compliant formulations from your chemical supplier
For all formulations, provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation that meets the current Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) requirements.
Contact your supplier and advise that you need formulations that meet the limit values in the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), where applicable. ³
Check with your chemical supplier to see if there are safer alternatives that fit your production needs.
Before purchasing any formulation, it is important to review its chemical properties to ensure that the appropriate protective equipment, chemical storage facilities, facility engineering controls, and associated treatment/disposal facilities exist for the chemical.
Safer Alternatives
The following substances have been identified as safer alternatives that may be suitable for your production needs. Where applicable, the selected alternatives should meet the requirements of the current Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Production Restricted Substances List (MRSL).
Calcium and zinc stabilizers can be used in the form of metal carboxylates. These stabilizers are suitable for producing products with high clarity, good mechanical properties, excellent organoleptic properties and good weather resistance.
Organic-based stabilizers are calcium-zinc stabilizers in which zinc is almost or completely replaced by organic co-stabilizers. The advantages of these stabilizers include low migration, low odor, low VOC emissions, good initial coloration, excellent transparency, etc.
Bismuth, titanate, titanium and zirconium catalysts are used in PU production.
Titanate catalysts can be used for polyester production, but may alter material properties/aesthetic characteristics.
Additional Information
Please visit the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) “Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern” to view the dossiers for many restricted substances https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table
Impact Assessment of Restrictions on the Sale and Use of Certain Organotin Compounds – http://publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/424ac720-5954-4382-8f3b- 5aff32170484
List of CAS registry numbers and subsequent list of substance names continued from page 1.
CAS registration number
Substance
Various Tricyclohexyltin (TCyHT)
Various Trimethyltin (TMT)
Various Trioctyltin (TOT)
Various Tripropyltin (TPT)
Various Tributyltin (TBT)
Various Triphenyltin (TPhT)
