MATERIALS | PVC ADDITIVES
reputation for using technical innovation and in-depth expertise to build and then advance partnerships. Alexander Hofer, CEO, said: “In order to pro- mote the latest technologies and innovations worldwide, we expanded into North America in 2023 as part of a joint venture under the IKAvin brand, which offers Ca-based stabiliser technolo- gies for all applications in the North American market from its site in Houston.”
Weather resistance The calcium-based stabilisers developed by IKA under the EuroStab and GreenStab brands represent the latest technologies in the group’s PVC products and fulfil the highest requirements for environmental compatibility and efficiency, according to IKA. EuroStab enables and supports crucial advantages such as weather resistance in PVC windows, while vinyl flooring in residential and commercial properties benefits from increased durability, and PVC membranes are used in flat roofs, tunnel waterproofing, and water reservoirs. These materials must be UV-resistant, durable, and robust, and IKA said its stabilisers are ideal for these applications while also ensuring that the membranes remain stable for longer, even when exposed to intense sunlight. “IKA uses its expertise and innovative spirit to
drive research and development in the field of PVC stabilisers in order to support the PVC processing industry in the manufacture of future-oriented products,” said Dr Timo Seibel, CTO.
Right: IKA develops, produces, and sells additives and stabilisers for the PVC processing industry
Lubricants Clariant produces a wide range of internal and external lubricants for the PVC industry. Rice bran wax is a natural and sustainable alternative to other waxes, including montan and synthetic waxes, helping customers meet their supply and sustain- ability needs while maintaining the desired product characteristics.
Clariant says its bio-based range of additives,
Licocare RBW Vita, delivers on both performance and sustainability. Based on renewable rice bran wax, a non-food-competing by-product of rice bran oil production, Licocare RBW Vita additives function as effective lubricants in engineering thermoplastics including rigid PVC. Rice bran waxes increase the flow of polyesters to allow faster production rates of clear and translucent PET for both food and security packaging and are excellent organic pigment dispersants. With over 98% renewable carbon index, these waxes dramatically reduce a product’s carbon footprint. “Our innovative additives portfolio includes specialised solutions for both polyolefins and non-polyolefins, enabling improved processing, better mechanical properties, and enhanced surface qualities in recycled materials,” said Diederik Goyvaerts, global business development manager for polymer solutions at Clariant. “With both FDA and EFSA approvals for key applications, we’re expanding possibilities for sustainable solutions in food-contact materials.” Baerlocher has developed a PFAS-free version
of its Baerolub lubricant family. Baerolub AID masterbatches claim to deliver high performance while complying with regula- tions. They are available globally – and aimed at polyolefin film and pipe converters. “The new European Packaging and Packaging
Waste Regulation (PPWR) and US federal- and state-level legislation set clear deadlines for PFAS replacement and enhanced recycling strategies,” said Andreas Holzner, global head of special additives at Baerlocher. “We are collaborating globally with manufacturers to meet these chal- lenges.”
At K2025, it also showed its Baeropol T-Blend
family of products for use in plastics recycling – converting post-consumer plastic waste into recyclate for new products such as packaging. Supplied as a neat additive primarily in pastille form for ease of handling and cost efficiency, Baeropol T-Blend suppresses thermal degradation and gel formation, raising the performance of recycled materials. Alternative forms, including rods, granules and masterbatches are also available.
20 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | Winter 2025
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www.pipeandprofile.com
IMAGE: IKA
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