Much of the UK's black plastic packaging ends up in landfill, as it cannot be recognized by near infrared (NIR) sensors, which are widely used at recycling centers to identify and sort plastic waste. This is because conventional black and dark colored plastics contain carbon pigments, which absorb infrared light, rendering them undetectable by this technology.
A Greener Option for Manufacturers
To address this issue, Silvergate manufactures an affordable NIR detectable masterbatch within its range of sustainable masterbatches, offering brands and manufacturers greener options and contributing towards a more circular economy.
This range of carbon-free black and dark colored masterbatches is suitable for all processing methods and retains the same technical properties as conventional alternatives. Suitable for food contact applications, they offer high color strength and excellent dispersion.
Source: Silvergate