BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) has introduced a new bio-based masterbatch for recycled polyethylene under the name “Sicolen” B that rounds out its “Colors & Effects” portfolio and makes a contribution to the three solutions currently being developed to make plastics more sustainable – compostable biopolymers, bio-based plastics and recycled polymers. Subsidiary BASF Color Solutions will market the new masterbatch alongside its conventional Sicolen, its “Sicoversal” B, a certified biodegradable product for colouring compostable plastics and “Sicovinyl” for colouring PVC.

The PE carrier system of Sicolen B is based on sugarcane originating from what BASF says is a “proven responsible cultivation” that protects rainforest and biodiversity and thus reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional products while also lowering the ecological footprint of the finished product. Sicolen B, which comes in six standard colours, can be substituted for conventional masterbatches.