Environmental Compatibility and Safety

All VESTAMID^® products are manufactured by the High Performance Polymers Business Line. A certificate states that it has implemented and maintains an environmental management system according to ISO 14001:2009.

Physiological and toxicological evaluation of VESTAMID^®

VESTAMID^® molding compounds are non-toxic, do not require obligatory labeling under the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance, and are not hazardous to water. If local authority regulations permit, they may be disposed of as domestic waste by landfilling or incineration. Further information is available in the corresponding EU safety data sheets for the products. For ecological and economic reasons, re-use is preferred to disposal.

Correct processing of VESTAMID^® molding compounds does not result in any hazardous by-products. As in any processing of thermoplastics, however, adequate ventilation and waste gas extraction facilities should be provided, particularly for molding compounds containing plasticizers or flame retardants.

Flame retardant grades

VESTAMID^® molding compounds with flame retardant additives do not contain polybrominated diphenyls or diphenylethers. Flame retardant molding compounds that are halogen- and phosphorus-free are also available.

No cadmium-containing pigments or fillers are ever used.

Damage to the material during processing can be detected by discoloration of the melt. Damaged material should be rapidly removed from the machine and cooled under water to prevent development of unpleasant odors.

Combustibility

Most VESTAMID^® molding compounds are combustible. At melt temperatures above 350°C flammable gases are formed as a result of decomposition. Incineration in the presence of an adequate supply of air produces CO, CO₂, H₂O, and nitrogen compounds as end products. The spectrum of crack and combustion products depends heavily on the particular incineration conditions and it is not possible to make any general statements in this regard. Complete information is available in the corresponding safety data sheet, available on request from our Customer Service Centers.