New masterbatches that comply with the standards that govern compostability and ecotoxicity will bring greater variety to biopolymers in terms of colour and performance-enhancing additives, says the producer Clariant.
Renol-compostable colours and Cesa-compostable additive masterbatches incorporate conventional – non natural - additives and pigments in a biopolymer carrier resin. Testing of the ingredients by OWS, of Belgium, has shown that the materials can comply with the EN 13432:200 standard for heavy-metal content and plant-toxicity, states Clariant.
“Until recently, companies developing products from biopolymers such as PLA and Mater-Bi had a difficult decision,” explains Hendrik Kammler, Global Head of Segment Additives, Clariant Masterbatches. “They could use all-natural masterbatches and accept that the range of colours and additives available was limited, expensive and not very process or light-stable. Or, they could use conventional pigments and functional ingredients and compromise on the environmental friendliness of their product. Now, we can provide them with a very attractive third alternative.”
