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Visit us at FAKUMA 2024
FAKUMA 2024: Innovative Lifocolor masterbatches for creative, sophisticated and sustainable polymer products
We will present masterbatch innovations as part of our high-quality tailor-made offers for various polymer processors and their products. Natural polymer imitations with granite and sandstone looks produce creative aesthetic effects. New NIR-detectable silver masterbatches bring us closer to the goal of a functioning circular economy. In the field of laser marking, it is now possible to place contrastive lettering on coloured polymers. We use innovative manufacturing approaches that address the needs of recyclers and companies in the compounding industry, as well as requirements for sensitive applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, food and toy sectors.
The possibilities offered by thermoplastic polymers are inspiring ever more advanced processing and design ideas. Lifocolor offers various masterbatches for tailor-made colouring, functionalising and stabilising – everything from pure colour or additive concentrates to combination masterbatches. In line with various requirements and applications, Lifocolor has combined the necessary performance, aesthetics, purity and sustainability in corresponding masterbatch product and service portfolios, which are supplemented by innovations.
Design trend: Natural imitations in polymers
For fast-moving consumer goods at the point of sale, it is important to stand out from a wide range of products quickly and in line with the principles of one’s brand. In addition to new trend colours, extraordinary features can make the difference in a purchasing decision. In markets where aesthetic design is a key focus, nature-inspired looks are in high demand when it comes to polymers in plastic products. Wood, stone or shimmering metallic effects and tactile surface experiences can be created and enhanced using masterbatches. At FAKUMA, Lifocolor will be presenting new sandstone looks and fine variants of its granite effect in flat film, bottle, jar and cap applications. In addition to these new products, Lifocolor will showcase other gold, metallic, frost and multicolour effects as well as trend colours for 2025 at its stand.
NIR-detectable silver masterbatches optimise sorting
Like black plastic products and packaging, silver-coloured plastic products can also cause problems in the recycling process. Due to their composition, certain shades of silver are not detected by disposal companies via near-infrared (NIR) scanning in the reuse phase and are therefore not sorted correctly. Despite their recyclability, such products might then be disposed of thermally rather than being recycled. Lifocolor has developed new solutions here together with Eckart, a leading manufacturer of metallic effect and pearl pigments. More specifically, the two companies used special silver and metallic masterbatches to verifiably demonstrate how formulations which were previously undetectable due to the lack of corresponding ingredients could be made detectable and sortable via near-infrared scanning. In addition to this further development, Lifocolor will present at its stand various masterbatch concepts for colouring biopolymers and recyclates.
New laser marking masterbatches for coloured polymers
Whether in packaging design or for industrial components in areas such as vehicle and safety technology or electronics: laser marking of plastic parts has found its way into many industries for good reasons. For one thing, it has established itself as a fast, precise and flexible procedure. A laser marking masterbatch enables contact-free and permanent marking without any ink or solvents. Lifocolor has various products in its portfolio for high-contrast and high-quality lettering. Recently included are markings in coloured plastics such as the popular differentiation colours blue, red, green or yellow. This means that coloured components such as oil or fuel caps, food caps and much more can be clearly labelled for differentiation.
The LIFOLAS portfolio from Lifocolor has around 20 combination and additive preparations for laser marking in connection with various standard and engineering polymer types. In addition to the new light-coloured markings in coloured polymers, dark markings in light-coloured or transparent plastics are also possible. Lifocolor also supports the development of tailor-made products for new applications that are not covered by the standard portfolio. Along with laser marking products, the masterbatch manufacturer also offers other special solutions for applications with complex requirements and products made of engineering polymers. All of these can be discussed at FAKUMA.
Innovative production concepts for special requirements
Whether it’s toys, food packaging or components from the medical or pharmaceutical sector – when the highest possible degree of product safety, purity and durability is required, Lifocolor can manufacture masterbatches in accordance with a special GMP (good manufacturing practice) approach. With its professional expertise with regard to applicable regulations, and with its extensive analytic abilities and defined hygiene guidelines to ensure contamination-free processes, Lifocolor can create both customised and scalable products such as Lifocolor White 60/MED PE on the basis of an LDPE carrier. The white concentrate with a large proportion of titanium dioxide is suitable for colouring polyolefins (PE, PP) and can be used in, among other things, containers, bottles and blisters that meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia.
Lifocolor is also able to offer single-pigment concentrates (SPCs) for recyclers and companies in the compounding industry. In this way, Lifocolor can help partners to create their own colour schemes to be able to meet customer and market requirements more flexibly, or specifically address different initial colour qualities of the raw material.