Reasons for Using Colored Masterbatches in Your Plastic Manufacturing Process

Introduction

Over 300 million metric tons of plastic have been produced annually over the last few years, according to Statista, an independent think tank from Germany. This number is a testament to the continuing popularity of plastic products around the world. After all, despite their negative impact on the environment, they also offer many benefits to both users and manufacturers.

From the consumers’ perspective, plastic products are generally more affordable than wood, metal, or fabric goods. Many manufacturers, meanwhile, believe that it would be more cost-effective to make new plastic products than recycle old ones. Another benefit the material offers is its aesthetic appeal. Goods made of plastic, after all, come in all sorts of colors that make them visually pleasing to the eye and equally enticing to buy. These pigments are added using colored masterbatches.

If you’re a plastic manufacturer, it’s imperative for you to partner with a trusted colored masterbatches supplier in the Philippines like Wills International Sales Corporation. Our company supplies raw materials and other goods to our clients, so feel free to get in touch with us if you wish to purchase our products. Contact our team today for more information.

What Are Masterbatches?

In a nutshell, masterbatches are plastic additives made of various concentrated compounds, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). They usually appear as pellets, but they are also typically available in liquid or powder forms. There are at least two types of masterbatches, and they are named based on their applications:

Additive Masterbatch

Known for their versatility, additive masterbatches offer a lot of specific benefits when they are incorporated into the plastic manufacturing process. Each subtype of additive masterbatch “adds” a unique trait to the end product, such as:

• UV Protection – Ultraviolet rays from the sun do not only damage human skin; they also negatively affect a lot of other objects, particularly plastic products. With too much exposure to UV radiation, plastic loses color and becomes brittle, making it prone to breakage. To prevent this, manufacturers need to use additive masterbatches that improve UV protection.

• Antibacterial Effect – Plastic isn’t inherently resistant to various disease-causing germs and bacteria. Products made from this material need to be regularly washed and treated to clean their surfaces, but doing causes erosion and leads to breakage in the long run. A good alternative is using an additive masterbatch that has an antibacterial effect during the manufacturing process. This way, plastic goods can repel bacteria and germs that carry infections and illnesses.

• Matte Finish – Most additive masterbatches enhance the durability and overall quality of plastics, but there are also options that improve appearance instead. If you’re tired of the glossy surfaces of plastic products, you can use masterbatches that result in a matte finish. Doing so is a good way to give your goods a distinct visual appeal.

Colored Masterbatch

There are many ways to color plastics. Traditionally, companies used paints and dyes to create a specific pigment, which was either added during the manufacturing process or applied right after. This method consumes quite a lot of time and expends a load of resources, so it’s not too cost-effective for many companies. Also, the dyes or paints usually wash off and cause contamination, so they’re disadvantageous to the consumer, as well.

Today, the most common procedure is incorporating colored masterbatches into the process. This compound is not only more affordable compared to dyes and paints, but it also yields better-quality outputs. Like in traditional methods, colored masterbatches can be mixed to make a wide range of colors. However, the good thing about them is that their opacity can be controlled, so manufacturers can create transparent or translucent goods.

If you’re looking for a colored masterbatches supplier in the Philippines, do not hesitate to contact us at Wills International Sales Corporation. Our company can provide you with the colorants you require for your plastic manufacturing business. Feel free to reach out to our team today to learn how to place an order on the products we sell.

What Are the Different Types of Colored Masterbatches?

When purchasing colored masterbatches from a trusted supplier, there are many types to choose from. Each offers unique benefits, so carefully selecting from the various options is crucial. Here are some of the most common kinds of colored masterbatches:

White Masterbatch

Typically containing titanium oxide (TiO₂), white masterbatches are used for a wide range of applications, such as coating and thermo-forming. They are also necessary for manufacturing transparent products, such as laminating films and clear plastic bags.

Black Masterbatch

Black plastic products are often less expensive compared to colorful goods because black masterbatches used in manufacturing them are also offered at a low price. Although they don’t create goods that are considered visually appealing, black masterbatches are still beneficial. They are rich in carbon, so the products made using them are highly resistant to UV radiation.

Pellet Colored Masterbatch

Colored masterbatches that result in vibrant hues and tones come as tiny pellets or granules. This solid form allows for better storage because even when the pellets spill on the ground, it’s easy to pick them up and put them away again. They are also cheaper, which makes them a great choice for small-time players or startups that don’t want to spend a lot of funds on masterbatches.

There are a few downsides to using the pellets that come from colored masterbatches suppliers in the Philippines. They are difficult to measure, so mixing them to create specific pigments can be a huge hassle. Also, they’re time-consuming to use. Throughout the manufacturing process, the pellets will have to be heated or melted, which takes a lot of energy to do. This means that the money you saved for the initial price of the masterbatch will also be spent on overhead costs during production.

Liquid Colored Masterbatch

Compared to their pellet counterparts, liquid colored masterbatches are easier to mix, especially when creating new tones or hues. Since they come in fluid form, you’d find no trouble measuring them during the manufacturing process. Additionally, they are quite efficient to use because you only need a small amount to color a large number of plastic goods.

However, liquid colored masterbatches are difficult to store, so you might have to purchase special containers for them. Incorporating them into the process also requires the use of hoses and tubes, which means you have to invest in those products, as well. Today, there’s an available technology that allows automatic dispersion of liquid masterbatches, but, of course, the machine also comes at a high price tag.