Welcome to DOBO New Energy! Looking for eco-friendly plasticizers (DB series/DINCH/TOTM) to replace DOTP and reduce cost? Chat with us or request a 1kg free sample.
ATBC Bio-Based Non-Toxic Plasticizer for Food Wrap
DOBO Technical R&D TeamUpdated 9 on Nov 2026Oct 26, 2026
ATBC Citrate Ester (CAS 77-90-7) for Food Wrap: Bio-Based Chemistry, Migration Risks in Thin Films, Comparison with DINCH and ESBO, and How Food-Contact Regulations Guide Selection
ATBC Bio-Based Non-Toxic Plasticizer for Food Wrap
Why is citrate chemistry used for food wrap?Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC, CAS 77-90-7) is a bio-based citrate ester used in food-contact flexible films where low toxicity and predictable migration are required. This article covers the applications of citrate esters, how they compare to other food-safe plasticizers, and how to verify compliance with the destination market's food-contact regulations.
What makes a citrate ester suitable for food wrap?
ATBC is derived from citric acid and butanol. Acetylation removes the free hydroxyl group that would otherwise increase polarity and reduce compatibility with PVC. The resulting bio-based ester offers excellent plasticizing efficiency and low volatility relative to its molecular size, making it ideal for thin films that must remain flexible at refrigerator temperatures while maintaining clarity.
Food wrap is also a demanding application for other reasons: the film is thin, has a high surface-to-volume ratio, and may come into direct contact with fatty foods. Therefore, migration behavior is more critical than in thick molded articles.
| Property | Why it matters for food wrap | Direction with citrate esters |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-based content | Sourcing and marketing requirements | Bio-based, derived from citric acid |
| Plasticization efficiency | Thin films must remain soft | High efficiency |
| Volatility | Thin films heat up quickly | Low for molecular size |
| Migration behavior | Direct food contact | To be confirmed via applicable migration testing |
| Clarity | Wrap must be transparent | Good, pending finalization of the full formulation. |
Comparing food-contact plasticizer pathways
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for food-contact applications. Selection depends on the target market, food type, contact conditions, and use temperature. The table below outlines each pathway; final compliance must align with applicable regulations and migration test results.
| Route | Character | Common considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Citrate esters (e.g., ATBC) | Bio-based, low-toxicity pathway | Ester chemistry and chain length determine performance. |
| Non-phthalate general grades | Widely available | Verify the specific food-contact listing in the market |
| Ultra-pure cyclohexane dicarboxylate (DINCH, CAS 166412-78-8) | Low volatility, extraction-resistant | Used for medical and food-contact applications |
| Epoxidized soybean oil (see site datasheet for CAS) | Bio-based co-stabilizer | Primarily a stabilizing function, with a plasticizing effect |
DOBO supplies ultra-pure DINCH and epoxidized soybean oil for food-contact and medical-grade formulations. If your specification requires a citrate ester like ATBC, confirm availability with our team before finalizing the formulation, as supply routes vary by market.
Regulating plasticizers in food-contact materials
Food-contact materials are regulated by the destination market. Permitted substance lists, migration limits, and documentation requirements vary by market. Regardless of the market, follow two key rules: confirm that the specific grade is approved for the intended contact condition, and back this decision with migration data measured on the finished article—not just the raw material.
Frequently asked questions
Is ATBC safe for food contact?Its use is governed by the market's food-contact regulations and applicable migration limits. Compliance is verified against those specific rules and finished-product test results, not through a general statement.
Which is better: ATBC or DINCH?They feature distinct chemistries, origins, and performance profiles. DINCH provides low volatility and extraction resistance, making it ideal for medical and food-contact applications; citrate esters offer a bio-based alternative. Selection depends on specifications and market requirements.
Can ATBC be used for fatty food packaging?Many food-contact decisions depend on the food type and contact conditions, so the applicable migration test on the finished film determines compliance.
Request a sample and recommendation
Send us your film specifications, food type, and target market. Our team will recommend the food-contact compliant grades we offer, supported by a complimentary 1kg test sample shipped worldwide via DHL or FedEx. The trial order MOQ is 1 MT, and bulk shipments are loaded as 23 MT flexitank containers from Ningbo or Shanghai.
Related grade
ATBC · ATBC Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (Food-Contact Guidelines)
CAS77-90-7
Regulatory and standards references
The links below lead to official EU, US, and ISO sources for the compliance frameworks discussed on this page. DOBO does not control third-party content; the official text and regulations of the buyer's market take precedence.
- ECHA — Understanding REACHEU registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH), including the Candidate List of substances of very high concern.
- EUR-Lex — Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)Restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment; Annex II lists restricted substances and their maximum concentrations.
- eCFR — 21 CFR 175.300US FDA regulations for resinous and polymeric coatings intended for repeated use as food-contact surfaces, including extraction testing conditions.
- ASTM — Plastic and plasticizer standardsASTM International publishes the test methods referenced in our TDS, including plasticizer sampling and chemical analysis, tensile properties, and heat-aging procedures.
- ASTM — Plastic and Plasticizer Testing StandardsASTM International has published the test methods referenced in the TDS, covering sampling and chemical analysis of plasticizers, as well as tensile properties and thermal aging procedures.
- ISO — ISO 10993-1Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, establishing the foundation for biocompatibility programs.
Request a 1 kg Free Sample & Full COA/TDS
Test ATBC in your own formulation. The request below is pre-filled with the grade discussed in this whitepaper, along with the specification, documentation, and sample shipping confirmation.
Open full inquiry formTDS / MSDS libraryTechnical data sheets and COA files are provided upon a brief request (name, business email, company).
Related technical reading
- Medical-Grade DINCH vs. DOP/DEHP Safety Review (EN 71-3 & FDA Compliance)Contact-safety assessment of ultra-pure DINCH (CAS 166412-78-8) for medical, toy, and food-contact PVC: migration behavior, biocompatibility testing guidance, and required documentation.
- ESBO Synergistic Heat Stabilization for Rigid and Soft PVCHow epoxidized soybean oil works with Ca/Zn stabilizers in flexible PVC: HCl scavenging, zinc burn control, typical 3-7 phr dosage ranges, and processing checks.
- EU REACH SVHC 224: Importer Compliance GuidePractical workflow for importers on the SVHC candidate list (224 entries as referenced): thresholds and communication obligations, documentation chain, screening steps, and common gaps that cause issues.