1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid esters are generally recognized as phthalates. Phthalates are used as plasticizers in the production of plastic products such as PVC. Other uses of phthalates are dyes, adhesives and films. Phthalates have low solubility in water and high solubility in oil. Phthalates are resistant to high temperatures. However, they decompose in sunlight. People are most often exposed to phthalates due to food, air, water and cosmetic products.

Phthalates have a wide range of uses, from coating drugs to increasing the viscosity of foods as food additives. It is used in vinyl and plastic containers, food packaging and various household items. Among the phthalates, the most well-known phthalate DEHP has been recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to cause cancer in humans. Other types of phthalates are known to cause liver and kidney disorders. According to the results of the research, DEHP and DBP are the two most dangerous phthalate species known to enter the human body with the most food. In this, PVC used in the packaging of food is effective.

Phthalate-containing toys and products for children are prohibited in European Union countries. The amount of phthalate in toys is considered under REACH. REACH is the European Union legislation, which includes guidelines for the evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals.

According to the Communiqué on Market Surveillance and Inspection of Hazardous Chemical Substances of Some Consumer Products issued by the Ministry of Customs and Trade in 2015 in Turkey, it is forbidden to introduce phthalates containing concentrations higher than 0.1 by weight in plastic materials. According to the provisions of the aforementioned communiqué, it is obligatory to analyze phthalate species in packaging materials.

Phthalate analysis of packaging materials is carried out in advanced laboratories within the scope of packaging analysis. These analyzes are based on standards published by domestic and foreign organizations.