PIGMENTS | SPECIAL EFFECTS


suitable for polyolefins (PE, PP), engineering polymers (ABS, PMMA, TPE) and polystyrene (PS). Masterbatches in a PS carrier can be used in styren- ic materials (ABS, SAN, ASA and blends). Lifocolor has also added to its laser-marking Lifolas M portfolio with masterbatches suitable for bright markings in coloured polymers. These products allow labelling of caps in signal tones such as blue, green, red and yellow, for example.


Above: Ampacet’s Earthen Clay Collection is designed for PE multilayer blow moulding and extrusion applications


dust, Aurora Emerald and Cosmic Noir capture the ethereal depths of the night sky,” the company says. “The radiant hues and visual tactility of the


Right: Lyondell Basell’s


NIR-detectable Polybatch Effects Frost masterbatch is designed to improve the appearance of recycled PET


Artemis Collection produce stunning otherworldly effects that transport us to the far reaches of the galaxy,” said Mercedes Landazuri, Ampacet Market Insight Manager. “The collection is ideal for applications where visual appeal is paramount.” The effects are compatible with PS and PP polymers and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, home goods, caps and closures and lighting. Ampacet’s latest is the Earthen Clay Collection, which emulates natural matte colours and textures of the earth. It is targeted for PE multilayer blow moulding and extrusion for personal care, hair care and beauty packaging, and home and garden products. The collection is available in six colours: Clay-Fired Red, Sunbaked Adobe, Golden Argilla, Limestone Loam, Volcanic Blue and Ancient Nettle. German masterbatch producer Lifocolor has added to its range of natural-look effect concen- trates with additional variations of its granite masterbatches as well as new sandstone and cork effects. The new looks are targeted for consumer goods in beauty and care, garden, household, furniture, sports, leisure, and office, for example. “We know from our business partners that many customers would like to see polymers with a stone or wood look that is as authen- tic as possible,” said Marco Meixner, Head of Research and Development at Lifocolor Farben, in a press release. The new masterbatches are


30 COMPOUNDING WORLD | March 2025


Benefits for recyclate Special effects are finding use in post-consumer or post-industrial recycled resins, where the effect can either mask appearance problems or seek to incorporate swirls, flecks, and particles into the appearance design. The latest from Lyondell Basell (LYB) is an NIR-detectable Polybatch Effects Frost masterbatch designed to improve the appearance of recycled PET by masking the ‘dirty’ appearance of some rPET and creating a matte effect. It is FDA-compli- ant for food and cosmetic packaging and can also be combined with colours or special effects. LYB has collaborated with Dacia for the exterior design of the All-New Dacia Duster model. Exterior parts such as bumpers, trims, and body side mouldings across the model use Starkle, based on a CirculenRecover PP compound containing 20% rPP, derived from recyclate diverted from the manufacturing process of goods such as flexible packaging. CirculenRecover polymers offer a mould-in-colour special effect with particles to highlight the use of recycled content. “It serves as a powerful demonstration that


recycled materials can be both aesthetically pleasing and high-performing,” said Damien Laplane, Cross Car Line & Brand Experience Leader at Dacia, in the press release. The latest from Germany’s Grafe Group include masterbatches with metallic shimmering effects, sun-like effects, and a Terazzo effect, which emulates the look of traditional Terazzo that contains chips of marble or other stone. Careful compounding process design is crucial to achiev- ing these effects. “When flakes and fibres


are combined with colour and plastic, the challenge is not to change the macroscopic structure during processing in order to achieve the desired effect,”


explained Michael Dirauf, Head of www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: AMPACET


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