MATERIALS | COLOURS
Blay, Leader of Compounding at Aimplas, said that while PCR for colour masterbatch is a niche business today, demand may increase with upcoming requirements for minimum content of PCR in packaging and other products and taxes on non-recycled content in plastic packaging.
Green test Aimplas researchers started with PP-PCR with mixed colours, and the materials were sorted by colour using NIR multispectral vision technology. The green fraction of the sorted material was used to make a green 40% colour masterbatch that was let down at 0.5% and 2% masterbatch in the end product. The difference between the PCR carrier and the virgin carrier was less than one delta E value, which is imperceptible to the human eye, showing that colour sorting of PCR can be benefi- cial for making a masterbatch carrier. Avient’s Rejoin PCR Colorants allow PCR content to be used as a carrier resin for masterbatches to enable a part or package to be made entirely from PCR. The masterbatches can combine pigments and functional additives, depen- ding on the customer requirements. New Replasblak universal circular black masterbatches from Cabot can be used with a range of different polymers, and they contain mechanically recycled polymer content with ISCC Plus certifica- tion. Replasblak reUN5285, designed for compounding applications in the automotive industry, contains 45% material from mechani-
Above: An Aimplas project evaluated the development of colour masterbatches using a carrier resin of previously coloured PCR
cally recycled polymer, and Replasblak reUN5290 contains 20% material from mechanically recycled polymer. The company says that both grades provide colour performance and mechanical properties similar to standard universal black masterbatches.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.colvistec.de �
www.skz.de �
www.kraussmaffei.com �
www.ampacet.com �
www.cabotcorp.com �
www.colortech.com �
https://bioregiontech.com �
https://nagaseamerica.com �
https://www.livingink.co �
www.avient.com �
www.lyondellbasell.com �
https://chromacolors.com �
www.aimplas.es �
https://aaroninc.com
20 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | November/December 2024
IMAGE: AARON INDUSTRIES
New optical sorting technology enables Aaron to process materials from specific batches of colour
Aaron Industries sorts colours to improve accuracy
US recycler and compounder Aaron Industries recently added optical sorting technology that allows separation of PCR and post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials by colour. The sorting technology, which can be used with batches of 1,000 lb or larger, allows the company to produce a range of coloured compounds, including variations of red, blue, green, yellow, orange and white.
“Customer demand for a wider range of colour possibilities prompted this investment,” the company said. “Additionally, there is an increase in demand for products made from recycled materials worldwide, particularly consumer products. Consumers often base purchasing decisions on colour preferences. Blending various feedstock colours in recycled regrind typically results in black or gray hues. To achieve specific colours or lighter shades, darker shades must be sorted out to eliminate the gray outcome.” The new optical sorting technology enables
Aaron to process materials from specific batches of colour, so it can then produce a more accurate colour compound. “Although sorting is not always 100% accurate, and exact Pantones may not be achievable, the technology significantly broadens the colour options available,” said the company.
www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com
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