Keeping in line with a nearly 30-year-old commitment to consumer safety, Bay Area-based adult novelty pioneers Good Vibrations announced a company-wide decision to cease production of any adult novelty products containing phthalate plasticizers.
"Although there is no real scientific proof, we would be loath to discover in 10 years from now that phthalates are in fact dangerous and that we did not do more," states Good Vibrations Senior Director of Merchandising and Operations Jonathan Plotzker. "People from all over the world come to Good Vibrations specifically for accurate, up-to-date [sexual health] education. We take that responsibility very seriously."
Phthalates are chemicals employed in the manufacturing process to soften hard plastics. These plasticizers are used in many everyday products, including medical equipment, baby products, automobile products, food packaging, cosmetics, and toys. The phthalate mixtures eventually expire, causing products to get sticky, discolor, and release an unpleasant odor. In 2004, health advocates banned the use of three phthalates (DEHP, DBP, and BBP) from all products intended for children and prohibited the use of three others (DINP, DIDP, and DNOP) in items that children under the age of 3 are likely to place in their mouths.
The chemicals have become a hot topic ever since Greenpeace UK recommended the findings of scientific research include sex toys as well as everyday products. Whether or not use of these chemicals poses a health danger to the end user is yet unknown.
ANB magazine has been thorough in researching and reporting on the topic, which recently was explored in the January issue [digital version]. Other prominent voices in the adult novelty manufacturing industry also have announced similar decisions to discontinue sales of products containing the controversial chemicals.
In addition to consumer safety, selling toys for any budget has been an important policy at Good Vibrations. Understanding that phthalate plasticizers often are used in low-end toys, many feared the policy change at Good Vibrations would affect customers of lower economic status. However, according to Coyote Days, senior buyer at Good Vibrations, this is not the case.
"Because of materials like TPR (thermoplastic rubber) and silicone blends, we are seeing many inexpensive vibes on the market that don't have phthalates," states Days. "The fear that all phthalate-free items would have to be more expensive is thankfully being proven wrong. In addition to our luxury brands, Good Vibrations will continue offering our customers safe, phthalate-free toys for all budgets."
Currently, Good Vibrations' non-phthalate products have a "phthalate-free" icon on the items' re-packaging, as well as on product descriptions found on the company's website. Good Vibrations is also currently working with vendors to eliminate any sex toys containing phthalate plasticizers and replace them with phthalate-free alternatives by Oct. 1.
