Effect pigment specialist Eckart, part of German speciality chemicals group Altana (Wesel; www.altana.com), has introduced a number of pigments that it says opens up new markets for masterbatchers and compounders in the automotive and associated suppliers.

The “Symic” generation of pearlescent pigments is based on synthetic mica. It features high colour cleanliness and is especially suited for full and bright colour shades. The levels of brilliance, light reflection and processing qualities of the pigments are claimed to significantly exceed those of comparable natural mica-based pearls. The pearls exhibit a low level of heavy metal content, which is of great importance for cosmetics packaging or food packaging applications, and are also suitable for applications in the plastics packaging and automotive industries and for a range of decorative purposes.

“Symic” C604 combines brilliant metallic optics with the silky appearance and advantages of pearlescent pigments. It is especially suited for applications where metallic effect pigments cannot be used, the company said. It is inert to acidic and alkali materials as well as to oily ingredients and can be used for plastic bottles and packaging, for example in the packaging of vinaigrettes and cooking oils, as well as for detergents and dishwashing liquids.

“Platalux” is a range of silver-coated pigments based on glass that produces a glitter effect in plastic when used with pure colours or in combination with transparent colour pigments and dyes. The pigments are suitable for packaging and decorative applications in cosmetics, luxury goods and high-quality artificial leathers.

The developments will be presented at the “Fakuma” 2014 (www.fakuma-messe.de) plastics processing trade fair from 14 to 18 October in Friedrichshafen / Germany.