Clariant launches new colour additives for compostable bioplastics

Switzerland-based specialty chemicals company Clariant has launched a range of colour and additive masterbatches for compostable bioplastics.

The new masterbatches are an ‘in-between’ range that combine the benefits of the company’s conventional and all-natural ranges to offer greater flexibility to manufacturers, according to Clariant.

“These new masterbatches incorporate conventional ingredients while remaining compostable. They offer more colour, processing and application options than available ‘natural’ components,” explained Hendrik Kammler, head of global marketing – additives at Clariant Masterbatches.

The new products can be used in a variety of application areas including cosmetics and personal care, and will be marketed under the Renol-compostable and the Cesa-compostable additive brand names. Over 80 pigments are expected to be available, the company said.

Demand for sustainable products

Kammler told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com that the range was launched in response to increasing customer demand for sustainable solutions.

“As the interest in biopolymers grows, there is an increasing demand for colours and additives with better environmental profiles,” he said.

The masterbatches are compliant with European and US standards that govern compostability and ecotoxicity, said Clariant, including the EN 13432:2000 standard.

OK compost

Clariant is currently in the final stages of product evaluation to receive the ‘OK Compost’ certification from Belgian-based Vinçotte International.

The company expects its range of compostable products manufactured in its Barcelona plant to receive certification in July, and one of its Italian plants to ‘soon obtain’ Vinçotte certification for its entire eco-friendly range.

The ‘OK Compost’ logo demonstrates a product conforms with ecotoxicity requirements for colours and additives as well as approved production procedures.

According to Clariant, a product carrying the ‘Ok compost’ logo can be assumed to comply with the EU Packaging Directive that aims to limit packaging waste.