ADDITIVES | ANTIOXIDANTS AND STABILISERS
Right: Ampacet is developing a new UV absorber for light blocking in rigid PET packaging, such as beverage bottles and pharmaceutical and nutraceuti- cal packaging
protection during processing, combined with exceptional stability after sterilisation treatments, making it ideal for syringes, bottles, non-woven ma- terials, and other polyolefin plastic parts where appearance and performance are paramount.” Clariant reports that, depending on the dosage, the new antioxidant additive can also provide a light stabilisation effect that is beneficial even for parts containing fillers or pigments, including carbon black. SI Group says its liquid phosphite antioxidant
Weston 705 reduces gels, plate-out, and film deposits during processing, ensuring cleaner lines and higher productivity in polyethylene blown and cast film applications. In its most recent industrial- scale blown film trial at a blown film converting line manufacturer, the test found that metallocene linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin stabilised with Weston 705 at a 15% lower loading than conventional phosphite, produces polyethyl- ene film with 20% less gels and elevated mechani- cal properties such as Elmendorf tear and elonga- tion at yield. The antioxidant supports sustainability goals by enabling film downgauging, the company says. The additive is safe for food contact applications worldwide, and the company provides a complete non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) profile for further assurance of safety and compliance in regulated packaging environments. The liquid form simplifies dosing, ensuring consistent dispersion and optimised antioxidant efficiency.
Light blocking The demand for UV absorbers as light-blocking technology in PET packaging could increase due to US government initiatives calling for a phase-out of eight synthetic dyes from food and drug products and state legislation targeting artificial dyes and preservatives, said Jordan Wolfe, North American Product Manager for Additives, at Ampacet. “While the [national] phase-out is voluntary, food and beverage companies are working on reformulating products, possibly using less stable natural alternatives. Enhanced UV absorbers will help to maintain the shelf-stability and visual appeal of these products,” he suggested. Ampacet will soon release a new UV absorber for light blocking in rigid PET packaging, such as beverage bottles and pharmaceutical and nutra- ceutical packaging. The technology may also be used in PETG shrink sleeves. “Unlike traditional absorbers, it captures the full UV spectrum, including the challenging 390-400 nm range, while not affecting colour or colour clarity. It can also be
44 COMPOUNDING WORLD | September 2025
used at extremely low usage rates,” said Wolfe. “For some applications, such as vitamin bottles, a thinner wall thickness can present light-blocking challenges,” he said. “This new UV absorber will also maintain light-blocking performance when packag- ing is downgauged, particularly for smaller bottles.” Wolfe pointed out that UV stabilisers for green- house films is another evolving application where Ampacet offers additive solutions. “In environments where sulphur and other chemicals used to boost crop yields can deactivate stabilisers, these ad- vanced additives ensure sustained UV protection, enhancing durability and performance,” he said. Avient’s latest is ColorMatrix Lactra ESL, a light-blocking additive formulated for the growing extended shelf-life (ESL) dairy market. For PET packaging for ESL dairy applications, the new solution provides tailored, mid-range light protec- tion for ESL products with shelf-life requirements of up to three months. Compared to Avient’s existing Lactra grades, Lactra ESL allows brighter whiteness and more tailored light-blocking that is between a standard white pigment and full light-blocking additives, which are typical for longer-life shelf products. The aim is to enable sufficient shelf-life in recycle-friendly monolayer PET. ColorMatrix Lactra also creates the potential for bottle lightweighting, which can reduce transportation costs and lower carbon dioxide emissions, the company said. “Overall, ColorMatrix Lactra ESL offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional solutions by having low titanium dioxide [TiO2] levels, which can help reduce inorganic
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IMAGE: AMPACET
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