Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) is a manufactured antioxidant (preservative) commonly used in plastics, rubber, petroleum products, foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Effective and safe in a great variety of hydrocarbon products, BHT, which was patented in 1947, is the most prevalent and approved antioxidant in the world. BHT has been approved for use in foods and food packaging in low concentrations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1954. As an antioxidant, BHT preserves organic materials by reducing the effects of time, heat and light.

USES

Some common uses of BHT include:

Plastics — Comprising over 65% of the worldwide application of BHT, plastics require the BHT antioxidant to stabilize the polymer during processing and protect it throughout the service life of the finished product. It is recognized as safe and is approved for use in plastic food containers and wrappings.

Rubbers & Elastomers — BHT is a non-staining, non- discoloring antioxidant and is used in conjunction with other antioxidants in white and light-colored rubber products.

Lubricating & Specialty Oils — BHT is an effective stabilizer and antioxidant for synthetic oils and fluids such as cutting, spindle, hydraulic and slushing oils, transformer oils, transmission fluids, and brake fluids.

 Industrial Fats, Oils & Fatty Acids — BHT prevents the development of rancidity in animal and vegetable fats and oils.

Bio-Diesel Fuel Blends — BHT is an effective antioxidant to prevent rancidity in bio-diesel fuel blends at concentrations of less than 0.1%.

Linseed, Soy, & Other Plant-Derived Oils — BHT is used in various plant-derived oils as an antioxidant for industrial uses such as printing ink bases.

Printing Inks and Coatings — BHT serves as an anti- skinning agent in paints and inks.

Food and Feed — Food products containing fats and oils are subject to oxidation, which results in rancidity and loss of sensory appeal. BHT is effective in animal feeds as an antioxidant and is internationally recognized as a preservative in animal feeds. BHT has proven to be an excellent antioxidant in foods. BHT is also considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA.