Faber-Castell Malaysia's PVC Free Erasers

News taken from: http://www.faber-castell.com.my/news.php?sp=pvceraser

Faber-Castell Malaysia commenced production of erasers in 1980. Its wide range of remarkably high quality erasers quickly gained momentum, accomplishing a production capacity of over 500 million pieces a year, which made it among the world's largest eraser manufacturers.

True to its philosophy of being innovative and competent towards meeting the expectations of its customers, the company has remained steadfast in anticipating and engaging global and environmental concerns; particularly in child safety and eco-friendly initiatives.

By the turn of the 21st century, there emerged widespread concern over the use of Phthalate in manufacturing, a substance commonly added to plastics - particularly PVC - to increase flexibility and enhance various other features of plastics. It was discovered - over time - when plastics age and breakdown, Phthalates that were introduced to PVC during manufacture were easily being released onto the environment; effortlessly leaching out from products. Compounding this realization was the fact that Phthalates were commonly used in the manufacture of children's toys, among other regularly used household items.

As of 2004, it is estimated that manufacturers produced 800 million pounds of Phthalate per year. The evidence of this was further substantiated by a test conducted by the Centre for Disease Control that revealed a majority of Americans having metabolites of multiple Phthalates in their urine. More alarming to this revelation was the findings of a joint Swedish-Danish epidemiologic team in 2004 and subsequent Bulgarian study in 2008 linking Phthalates to allergies and wheezing in children.

           Following the European Union's move in 1999 to restrict the usage of Phthalates, Faber-Castell Malaysia began initiating efforts towards eradicating the use of Phthalates in the manufacture of its series of PVC erasers. The company shortly introduced its new range of Phthalate-FREE Erasers into the market. As such, when the anticipated European Union ban was finally imposed on the use of Phthalate plasticizer in toys and childcare products in 2005, Faber-Castell was prepared to meet the requirement. The new product was quickly accepted due to its safe features, aesthetics and functionality.

Endeavoring to continually deliver safe and high quality products, Faber-Castell Malaysia resolved to remain vigilant towards advancing environmental and global issues.

The company's prepared stance was eventually met in the wake of global apprehensions towards the manufacture of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) products.

In the heart of the concern were Dioxin and Chlorine compounds, chemicals that were released onto the environment during the use and manufacture of PVC products. These chemicals were rapidly being linked to cancer and birth defects. What's more, PVC products are not easily recycled; subjecting a substantial amount of PVC products to end up in landfills, indiscriminate burning and disposal. PVC was quickly being singled out by health authorities in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands; recommending a ban to its unrestricted use.

In response to facilitating environmental protection and general safety, Faber-Castell Malaysia was unwilling to remain idle while awaiting conclusive proof of the effects of PVC. It responded swiftly by putting to work its extensive resources in exploring the use of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE). TPE was found to be fully recyclable, safe and more flexible in its original form. The result was the introduction a new range of erasers - PVC-FREE Erasers. The new product range was met with vast enthusiasm, and sparked a string of accolades from both environmental and industrial authorities.

Apart from responding to safety and environmental concerns in the manufacture of its range of products, Faber-Castell Malaysia's commitment to its customers will continue to remain well-rooted. Whether its erasers, pens, pencils or other implements, the company ensures stringent competency levels are met; which have been accredited by ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001 certifications respectively for quality and environmental safety.

So rest assured, when it comes to Faber-Castell products, you can not only expect high quality and functionality, you can be sure it’s safe for you, your loved ones, and the environment.

Released by Technical Department, A.W. Faber-Castell (M) Sdn Bhd,
Center of Competence - Erasers & Gel Pens, Faber-Castell Group of Companies
For more information, kindly contact:
Mr. Mohd Ramzi Yunus at technical@fcmal.com.my
Tel: 603-8024 6363, Fax: 603-80247886