# Vinyl Chloride-vinylidene Chloride Copolymer

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 9011-06-7
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer is a synthetic plastic material used as a surface-finishing agent in food contact applications. It forms protective coatings on food packaging and processing equipment to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Vinyl Chloride-vinylidene Chloride Copolymer?

Vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer (CAS 9011-06-7) is a synthetic polymer created by combining vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride monomers. This material belongs to the chlorinated plastic family and is primarily used as a surface-finishing agent in food manufacturing and packaging contexts. The copolymer creates a thin, protective barrier that enhances the functional properties of food contact surfaces.

## Common Uses

This copolymer is utilized as a surface-finishing agent in food-related applications, including:

- Coatings on food packaging materials to improve barrier properties
- Surface treatments on food processing equipment and machinery
- Protective layers in specialized food storage containers
- Enhancement of moisture and oxygen barrier characteristics in flexible packaging

The primary benefit of this material is its ability to reduce gas permeability and moisture transmission, which helps maintain food freshness and extends product shelf life.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer in food contact applications appears favorable based on available regulatory data. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive. This lack of reported incidents suggests that when used as intended in food contact applications, the material does not pose apparent acute safety concerns.

It is important to note that vinyl chloride monomers—the building blocks of this copolymer—have different safety profiles than the polymerized form. Once polymerized into the stable copolymer structure, the material is largely inert and not expected to migrate significantly into food products. The stability and non-reactivity of the finished polymer are key factors in its safety assessment.

Migration studies are typically conducted on food contact plastics to ensure that components do not leach into food at harmful levels. For polymeric materials like this copolymer, the chemical bonds formed during polymerization generally prevent monomer or oligomer migration under normal storage and use conditions.

## Regulatory Status

This additive has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA. However, the absence of GRAS designation does not indicate unsafe use; rather, it reflects the specific regulatory pathway for the substance. Some food contact substances are regulated through FDA food contact substance notifications or are approved for specific uses without formal GRAS determinations.

The copolymer is permitted for use in specific food contact applications under FDA regulations for indirect food additives, which govern substances in articles that contact food but are not intended to be ingested directly. These regulations require that any migration of the substance into food must be minimal and not pose a safety concern.

International regulatory status may vary. Some countries may have specific restrictions or requirements for chlorinated plastics in food contact applications, and manufacturers must comply with local regulations in their target markets.

## Key Studies

Specific published studies solely focused on this particular copolymer formulation are limited in publicly available literature. However, safety assessments for similar vinyl chloride-based food contact polymers and copolymers have been conducted by regulatory agencies. These assessments generally conclude that properly manufactured and stabilized vinyl chloride copolymers present minimal food safety concerns when used as intended.

Research on vinyl chloride polymers indicates that modern manufacturing processes and stabilization techniques ensure the finished polymer is chemically stable. Regulatory agencies rely on migration studies, composition data, and manufacturing process controls to ensure the safety of these materials.

The lack of reported adverse events or recalls associated with this specific copolymer provides empirical support for its safe use in approved applications. Ongoing monitoring through FDA's adverse event reporting system continues to provide real-world safety surveillance.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Vinyl Chloride-vinylidene Chloride Copolymer — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/vinyl-chloride-vinylidene-chloride-copolymer. Accessed 2026-05-20.