The masterbatch manufacturer Lifocolor supports processors with its portfolio of colour and additive solutions for the circular economy, which help improve recyclability and sortability as well as eliminating additives that interfere with recycling. A new development: NIR-detectable black masterbatches that can be laser-marked and, combined with other laser-marking batches, offer alternatives to printing inks.
When the PPWR becomes applicable, key requirements for packaging will become mandatory: fundamental recyclability pursuant to Article 6, stricter substance restrictions pursuant to Article 5, as well as information obligations for suppliers and the declaration of conformity by placing entities. Specific design-for-recycling criteria and minimum recycled content quotas will follow in a staggered manner from 2030 onwards. In addition, the regulation provides that extended producer responsibility disposal tariffs will in future be levied on a tiered basis according to recyclability.
This also makes recyclability a cost factor. Packaging is expected to fulfil the additional function of being able to be safely sorted and recycled at the end of its life cycle. In addition, regulatory problematic substances in the recycling stream are to be minimized.
Innovative masterbatches for better sortability
A major problem in packaging sorting is the detection of dark plastics. Conventional black pigments absorb the near-infrared (NIR) radiation used by sorting plants to identify plastics by polymer type. Lifocolor has developed NIR-detectable black masterbatches that solve this problem. These masterbatches are based on carefully selected colourants and make it possible to make even dark packaging sortable and recyclable. What is new is that these masterbatches can now also be laser-marked, which offers additional advantages for labelling.
Similar sorting issues can also occur with metallic looks. Conventional metal pigments can reflect NIR radiation like mirrors. Lifocolor’s NIR-detectable silver masterbatches solve this problem in two ways: they enable reliable sorting while simultaneously allowing authentic silver and metallic aesthetics directly in mass colouring, without subsequent electroplating or painting, which in turn could act as contaminants in the recycling stream.
Alternative to conventional printing inks
With Lifolas M, Lifocolor offers a wide range of laser-marking masterbatch products that enable contactless, permanent and tamper-proof marking directly within the polymer matrix, completely without printing inks. Whether in white on coloured plastics, in high-contrast white or coloured on dark polymers, or in black in transparent grades: the technology offers diverse, creative possibilities. For decorative laser marking, not only lettering or QR codes, but also intricate patterns, high-contrast graphics or even images can be realised: interesting for limited editions, seasonal ranges or haptically enhanced surfaces in the decorative packaging sector.
Building blocks for PPWR implementation
Lifocolor's Lifocycle product range includes further components for PPWR-compliant packaging. These include recyclable colour and combination masterbatches as well as additives such as Lifocycle Clear, which compensates for yellow and green tints in transparent recycled PET. Also included is the packaged goods protection Lifocycle Stab 5/132 rPET, which is based on a fully recyclate-based carrier. These products are available for various types of plastics and can be formulated on partial or full PCR carriers.
Source: Lifocolour
