US masterbatch producer Ampacet (Tarrytown, New York; www.ampacet.com) has launched a new product range as well as new laser marking to facilitate the recyclability of plastic packaging.

The “Silky Bliss” collection, designed to provide a silky surface and delustering effect as well as recyclability to PET and rPET packaging applications, requires no mould changes, thereby resulting in shorter run times, higher production capacity and significant cost reductions, Ampacet said. The range is also near-infrared (NIR) transparent, allowing sorting with NIR optical sensors. The collection, also featuring very low light reflection for better readability of the packaging’s graphics and text, is available in six shades but can also be customised with an unlimited number of colours.

In addition, Ampacet has introduced “Laser Mark 1001074-E” and “Laser Mark 1001088-E”, both enabling high-definition, high-contrast marking on clear and dark surfaces using neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser systems. Laser marking is widely used for logos, barcodes, graphics, expiration dates and serial numbers in several industries, including food packaging, automotive, medical and electronics. Laser beams cannot detect most plastics, so an additive is included to enable the marking process.

Ampacet’s Laser Mark 1001074-E, which is antimony-free and suitable for food contact use, produces sharp dark markings on transparent or light coloured plastic parts. Laser Mark 1001088-E, designed for complex projects featuring different colour shades, produces dark or clear markings depending on the item’s colour and the parameters of the laser.