Plastic additives are a diverse group of specialty chemicals that are used to manufacture polymers (polymerization aids like initiators, surfactants and protective colloids) or are incorporated into the plastic product prior to or during processing. They may become part of the polymer network (like initiators do) or remain without a chemical linkage to the polymer. Additives aid in the processing of the polymer and in the manufacture of the plastic end product (lubricants, plasticizers) or improve characteristics and performance of the final product (flame retardants, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, and heat/light stabilizers). Additive manufacturers are faced with the imperative to develop products that not only enhance the overall processability and functionality of the plastic end products, but to satisfy environmental and health demands as well. Additives are regulated by national or international authorities in order to protect consumers, when leaching or extraction from elastomeric or plastic components or from a coating film occurs or when volatilization into the environment may happen.