Masterbatch manufacturer Silvergate Plastics (Wrexham / UK; www.silvergate.co.uk) has launched a batch-to-batch colour match service for customers using recycled polymers and claims it overcomes any variation in the base colour of the recycled feedstock.

In an effort to stem the flow of waste material going to landfill, the UK government last year announced it would be introducing a new tax on the production and import of plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content in 2022, subject to consultation – see Plasteurope.com of 31.10.2018. Consequently, more manufacturers are considering including recycled post-consumer waste into their feedstocks in anticipation of the changes, either by recycling internal waste or purchasing recycled materials from suppliers.

Silvergate says the nature of recycling means that the base colour of feedstock can vary from batch to batch “This colour variation in base polymer will inevitably impact the performance of colourants should the same dye formulation be used time and again.” As well as producing bespoke masterbatches that achieve accurate colour matches across all grades of recyclates Silvergate says it can incorporate additives that resist heat degradation and processing inconsistencies.