MARKETS | THERMOPLASTIC CONCENTRATES
Avient says its PCR Color Prediction Service digital tool allows users to visualise, in real-time, the colour possibilities and limitations of different types of PCR Source: Avient
tolerance for colour specifications due to the inconsistent colour of PCR, which range from almost as colourless as virgin resin up to a very dark gray,” said Becker. New technologies, including in-line measure- ment and control, promise to help meet the challenge of colour variability. Some of these technologies were discussed in the November- December issue of Plastics Recycling World magazine. Ampacet’s new LIAD SpectroMetric 6 is one such system for real-time colour adjustments.
PCR demands “We know that many sophisticated PCR manufac- turers attempt to minimise colour variation in plastic products by sorting PCR pellets based on shades and using separate pigment masterbatch- es,” said Becker. “However, grayish colour varia- tions still persist, leading to inconsistencies in the final product. The SpectroMetric 6 system elimi- nates colour variations by integrating the continu- ous loss-in-weight gravimetric blending system and Spectro in-line spectrometer. [Using] Ampacet’s mono-pigment masterbatches and advanced patented correction algorithms, the system delivers precise colour corrections to the recipe by making incremental adjustments. This ensures consistent colour quality throughout the extrusion process and reduces colour costs by eliminating off-colour finished goods.” In addition to packaging, Becker sees growth in demand for colour in the electrical and electronics (E&E) market, which is growing as society relies increasingly on electricity and telecommunication.
16 COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2024
Ampacet’s new ELTech masterbatch line designed for E&E applications includes colours and combi- nations of colour and functional additives. Avient’s PCR Color Prediction Service, which was launched in 2022, simplifies the colour decision- making process during product development and launch, and meets the need for brand owners who want to understand how colours will appear in recycled polymers. “Our digital tool allows users to visualise, in real-time, the colour possibilities and limitations of different types of PCR. This helps optimise the balance of virgin resin and PCR to achieve the best possible coloration,” said Sandrine Reboux, Senior Marketing Manager Personal & Home Care Market and Digitalisation at Avient. “Many packaging brand owners have expressed interest in this service, and we also see growing interest from companies in the automotive, elec- tronics, and various other consumer sectors.”
Colour shift Reboux continued: “We are not witnessing a decrease in colour requests but rather a shift in expectations regarding visual appearance. For example, in the case of PET packaging, primarily used for bottles, recycling guidelines are becoming stricter to ensure a high-quality recycling stream. Consequently, transparent-colored bottles are becoming more popular, especially in European countries, where this trend is anticipated to con- tinue. Additionally, we observe that brand owners and manufacturers across various packaging products and other industries are increasingly adopting a recycled aesthetic characterised by more subdued colours, matte finishes, or textured effects.” “In Europe’s E&E industry, there is growing
pressure to incorporate more recycled materials from waste electrical and electronic equipment,” said Benoit Flammang, Senior Marketing Manager E&E at Avient. “This includes materials like polypropylene and technical polymers such as polycarbonate and polystyrene, which are essential for producing new components. Consequently, there is a demand for colour masterbatches that are specifically tailored for recycled materials, as the colours obtained from these materials may appear less vibrant. Additionally, there is a need for additive solutions that can maintain the necessary performance levels in terms of strength, stability, and fire resistance for such applications. Avient addresses these challenges by combining colour and additives into custom Smartbatch solutions, providing optimal coloration and performance results,” said Flammang. “In the automotive industry globally, there is a growing demand for a recycled aesthetic. To meet
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