Clariant offers a complete portfolio of additive masterbatches in four important areas

As part of the program that Clariant offers to achieve a more sustainable plastics industry, the Group’s Masterbatches Business Unit works hand in hand with brand owners and producers to create environmentally friendly packaging, through four sectors:

• Development of packaging designed to be highly recyclable

Recycling recovers large volumes of plastic waste for reintroduction to the market as new packaging, however, there are still challenges for increased post-consumer resin use and Clariant is working to overcome them:

The new additive masterbatches that eliminate oxygen, reduce the need for multiple materials and layers; When only one material is involved, plastic is easily recyclable.

Liquid masterbatches, odor control technology, color brighteners and other additives that improve the quality and commercialization of recyclable plastic materials are also considered.

• Manufacture of plastic containers capable of being easily reused

Currently, most containers are designed to complete their life cycle as soon as the product is delivered, which is why the parameters must be reset so that the containers survive longer.

Products available to support such effort include additives that: increase the durability and scratch resistance of plastics, decrease the tendency of materials to turn yellow over time, prevent color fading and greater control of cracking.

• Support for the use of bio-based polymers

Bio-based polymers, commonly known as bioplastics, are made from renewable materials rather than fossil materials, such as oil or natural gas. Bioplastics gain weight within the industry, as they reduce carbon emissions and benefit from the same design solutions.

Clariant supports customers who want to offer a 100% organic product, by developing colors and additives that use similar renewable raw materials.

• Compostable packaging

Polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are often considered a possible solution as compostable polymers, as they easily degrade and can also represent a solution for food applications.