PIGMENTS | SPECIAL EFFECTS
Right: Lifocolor has developed holographic effect master- batches where the effect is produced by light-reflecting glitter pigments that break up light in different angles
neutrals and understated shades and adds depth to richer colours. An example is the use of Avient’s ColorWorks Toukelín gold-speckled effect to volumise the colour, or the Kadrega marbled effect to, when needed, escape the unidirectionality of pastels.” The company said: “The key is to find the right balance so that special effects underline and enhance the emotional dimension of the colour without overpowering it. This is achieved by combining deep expertise in colour, material, and finish with precise masterbatch formulation.” One of the aesthetics in ColorForward 2027 that
uses effect pigments is the trend story “Our Promise 2U,” related to the growing and develop- ing pet care market, where bold hues convey the joy pets bring to people’s lives. This trend story features a bright yellow shade, using both phos- phorescent and fluorescent pigments, as well as other vibrant shades enlivened by special effects.
Below:
Gabriel-Chemie offers laser marking options as a means of visual differentiation in packaging
Holographic effect New from Lifocolor are holographic effect master- batches where the effect is produced by light- reflecting glitter pigments that break up light in different angles. The effects can be used in poly- mers such as PE, PP, and SAN with either transpar- ent or translucent colours, and they comply with EU-Regulation 10/2011 and relevant FDA require- ments for food contact, the company said. Applica- tions in injection and blow moulding include cosmetic packaging and products for toys, house- hold, or leisure and sports accessories. “Such effects are particularly attractive for cosmetic products and packaging at the point of sale, where illuminated shelves amplify their visual impact,” the company said.
Other new developments from Lifocolor in
response to the ongoing demand for natural-look- ing polymer surfaces include sandstone and
cork-inspired appearances as well as developments in its established granite effect masterbatches. “These effects allow plastics to convincingly imitate natural materials such as stone or wood while retaining the functional advantages of polymers. Customers particularly appreciate these effects for applications where a high-quality, authentic surface finish is required without compromising design freedom,” the company said. The effect master- batches are suitable for a wide range of polymers, including polyolefins and engineering plastics including ABS, PMMA, TPE, and polystyrene. “Metallic-looking polymer surfaces continue to
attract strong interest across a wide range of applications, from consumer goods and cosmetics packaging to technical components,” said Lifo- color. The company is planning to launch an updated metal-look portfolio that will focus on an attractive price-performance ratio. “The aim is to make high-quality metallic aesthetics accessible to a broader range of applications and market segments. As with other decorative effects, polymer compatibility and processing reliability remain key development criteria,” said Lifocolor. “Looking ahead, Lifocolor sees decorative and functional surface effects as a key development field. Demand remains strong for effects that combine natural aesthetics with individuality and differentiation,” the company said. The lastest from Ampacet is HyperLustre, a new collection of semi-translucent effect colorants for PET, including hair care, personal care and beauty packaging. The colorants do not contain titanium dioxide and are an alternative to pearlescent effect pigments. “With the HyperLustre Collection, designers can
incorporate a sophisticated luxury aesthetic unlike any other effect currently in the market, without
24 COMPOUNDING WORLD | March 2026
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: GABRIEL-CHEMIE
IMAGE: LIFOCOLOR
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