ColorMatrix Expands Its Portfolio of Breakthrough Additive Technologies

This enhanced protection enables manufacturers to lightweight containers and reduce materials costs whilst maintaining product performance. Like Lactra, Amosorb SolO2 is suitable for mono-layer and multi-layer PET containers and can be used with any type of PET resin.

Feb 23 2012 --- ColorMatrix, the leading global innovator in liquid colorants and additives for thermoplastic applications, has further expanded its portfolio of breakthrough additive technologies. These latest developments include cutting-edge light-blocking products plus oxygen scavengers, some innovative solutions to advance sustainability in the PET packaging pipeline, a unique high performance liquid foaming agent for PVC sheet.

Lactra is ColorMatrix’s innovative opaque white liquid technology for PET dairy applications, which provides high performance light-blocking at low addition rates, while maintaining enhanced container aesthetics. Lactra ensures protection from UV and visible light at wavelengths up to 550nm – a critical benefit for manufacturers looking to extend shelf life in dairy products such as milks, yoghurts and dairy beverages. It improves processing stability, colour distribution and can even help minimise AA (acetaldehyde) levels which can lead to the development of an off-taste.

For oxygen sensitive beverages, Amosorb SolO2 will be showcased. The latest addition to the Amosorb range, Amosorb SolO2 consists of an active oxygen scavenger plus barrier properties that protect beverages from O2 ingress, CO2 loss and potential product degradation. This enhanced protection enables manufacturers to lightweight containers and reduce materials costs whilst maintaining product performance. Like Lactra, Amosorb SolO2 is suitable for mono-layer and multi-layer PET containers and can be used with any type of PET resin.

Other key technologies include Ultimate UV390 which prevents product degradation caused by UV light in UV sensitive products

For energy efficient PET polymer processing, ColorMatrix has launched advanced reheat technologies. The Joule range has been engineered for PET resin grades used in beverage and food container production and offers more energy efficient polymer processing thanks to its enhanced IR absorption, also improving clarity and brightness to enable long term container recyclability.

To counteract yellowing during PET polymer processing, ColorMatrix has developed Optica toners. Formulated with organic dyes, they dissolve directly into the polymer resulting in improved colour control and exceptional clarity. The Optica range is also a highly cost-effective option; its high colour strength and accurate dosing means low loading rates are required to achieve the desired effect – typically ten times less than some alternative technologies.

Designed for use in the manufacture of PVC foam sheet, Excelite, ColorMatrix’s new liquid foaming (blowing) additive, delivers effective light weighting by reducing material density without compromising product performance. Excelite creates a smoother surface finish when compared to solid technologies. This is a particular advantage in printed materials where clarity, finish and definition are critical.

In addition to its additive innovations, ColorMatrix has introduced liquid colorant systems, including rapid colour-matching technology, designed to accelerate customer market response times by streamlining the colour match, development and delivery process.

The MiniMetrix dosing system- with highly controlled dosing to minimise wastage- plays an important role for manufacturers looking to improve sustainability in processing. This proprietary dosing system is flexible and mobile and is suitable for use with ColorMatrix’s PET and PVC additive portfolio. Thanks to simple dosing adjustments and quick, efficient colour changes, MiniMetrix increases uptime in production by reducing cycle times and operator handling time.

This feature is provided by Food Ingredients First’s sister website, Packaging Insights.

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