Masterbatch producer Ampacet (Tarrytown, New York / USA; www.ampacet.com) has introduced “Revive 962E”, a compatibiliser masterbatch that enables recycling of multi-material packaging made of polyolefin and engineering polymer components into quality film applications. Food products may require multi-material packaging to provide gas barrier functionality that protects food, extends shelf life and reduces food waste. However, multi-material packaging presents challenges for mechanical recycling.

Revive 962E is designed for in-house recycling of polyolefin EVOH-based barrier film industrial scraps back into the original film structure, where preservation of optical and mechanical properties is required. Ampacet says it improves the homogeneity and transparency of reprocessed polymer blends, and mechanical properties of films made with these blends are similar to the main base resin.

The US company has also received “Cotrep” certification for its near-infrared (NIR)-sortable black masterbatches “1900302-EA” and “4900147-E”, both part of the company’s “Rec-NIR-Black” range and designed for polyolefin rigid applications. Rec-NIR-Black technology allows sorting with NIR sensors and, enabling the black packaging waste to be recycled.

Cotrep (Paris / France; www.cotrep.fr) is a technical committee for the recycling of plastic packaging in France. It was founded by recycling group Citeo (Paris; www.citeo.com), plastic trade association Elipso (Paris; www.elipso.org) and Valorplast (Puteaux / France; www.calorplast.com), a plastic packaging warrantor of Citeo. Pellenc (Pertuis / France; www.pellencst.com), a manufacturer of optical sorting machines for waste, has successfully performed NIR sorting tests on black HDPE and PP bottles following Cotrep protocols. Companies using Ampacet’s Rec-NIR-Black masterbatches frees them from paying the malus tax (10% in 2020) in France.

Ampacet has also launched “Modern Mattes” masterbatches to produce a matte finish on PET and rPET blow- and injection-moulded applications and sheet products, without the need for retooling. Modern Mattes are designed for monolayer and multilayer extrusion as well as in standard and heavy-wall applications, such as for beverages, spirits, automotive, industrial and personal care products.

Three options are available – “Clara” provides a subtle delustering effect with a smooth finish, “Textura” combines the matte finish of Clara with a textured surface and “Prima”, similar to Textura, provides increased tactility and enhanced scuff resistance, according to Ampacet. Colour customisation and matching are available for established brands.