Clariant Unveils a Colorful Future

The future of soil-degradable plastics is now becoming much more colorful. Clariant is contributing to this colorful future with a range of 25 organic pigments for soil-degradable and compostable polymers compliant with European Standard 13432, while developing color options and the appeal of organically recyclable packaging. Food and plastic film manufacturers are accelerating their search for alternatives to single-use plastics. However, while demand for soil-degradable plastics (biodegradable and compostable polymers) stood at USD 1.1 billion in 2018, it is expected to reach USD 1.7 billion by 2023, though these represent only 1% of all polymers used.

Clariant's newest colorants aim to make soil-degradable plastics more attractive for brand owners and producers of packaging and consumer products.

Meeting the requirements of European Standard 13432 for recyclable packaging through industrial composting and soil degradation, the 25 PV Fast™ and Graphtol® pigments enable masterbatch producers to achieve colors far beyond the "earthy" natural color tones associated with soil-degradable polymers such as PLA, PBAT, PHA and PBS. AF-COLOR, a long-time customer of Clariant with extensive experience in soil-degradable masterbatch production, and its sister company BIO-FED have implemented new Clariant pigment-based bio-masterbatches under the AF-Eco® brand. AF-COLOR Sales Director Dirk Schöning commented: "In applications where soil-degradable plastics are a suitable choice, such as shopping or waste bags, single-use cutlery or coffee capsules, color plays a decisive role. We are pleased to challenge perceptions with a bio-masterbatches palette covering the full spectrum and offering high stability, so that color ceases to be an issue." Clarinet Pigments Business Unit Plastic Global Marketing Manager Barbara Philipp stated: "Biodegradability for packaging and color go hand in hand, which means manufacturers and consumers do not have to compromise on design expectations for sustainable solutions. By working closely with masterbatch producers such as AF-COLOR to make optimal use of our EN 13432-compliant pigments, we can contribute to growing interest in biodegradable solutions for food and beverage packaging and consumer products, while continuing to innovate to enhance properties and offer new functions." Clariant's pigments for coloring compostable polymers do not impede polymer degradability and are suitable for a wide range of packaging, textile and consumer product applications.