Speciality chemicals producer Clariant (Muttenz / Switzerland; www.clariant.com) has launched its "Senseaction" line of masterbatches, which are intended for use in the production of caps and closures for water bottles. The new masterbatches are available in a range of colours, and formulated and certified to be free of detectable organoleptic (taste and odour) effects.

The new line was developed to meet the demands of bottled water producers and the processors supplying them with caps and closures, which are typically made of HDPE or PP. Although processors have always utilised food-grade pigments to colour caps and closures, these pigments could contain trace elements that could impart a detectable taste or odour to bottled water or beverages.

Senseaction colour masterbatches start with raw materials that are food-contact compliant, including pigments and carrier resins. Manufacturing takes place at a dedicated masterbatch site where each lot of Senseaction masterbatch undergoes an exposure in water, which then is tested for aroma and odour according to the DIN 10995 standard at an independent external laboratory. In addition, professional taste and smell testers evaluate the samples for adverse organoleptic effects.