Masterbatch specialist Ampacet (Tarrytown; New York, USA; www.ampacet.com) has added Rec-NIR-Black PE 512 for black flexible applications to its masterbatch range, which it claims is carbon-free.

Rec-NIR-Black masterbatches are near-infrared (NIR) transparent to allow sorting with near-infrared optical sensors. The reuse and recycling of black packaging waste supports companies’ circular-economy initiatives.

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The new product, says the company, is NIR-detectable and provides high opacity for black flexible packaging – it is suitable exclusively for indoor use because, unlike conventional carbon black masterbatches, it does not provide a stabilising effect against ultraviolet degradation.

Products made with this NIR-transparent masterbatch solution are oriented to the polyethylene flow when using a sorting model suitable for dark plastics. Unlike most black packaging, NIR-detectable black masterbatch products can be scanned by near-infrared technology for automated sorting at recovery facilities, Ampacet adds.