Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) use IR (infrared) and NIR (near infrared) sorting technology to increase yield, improve throughput rates, and increase profitability. The challenge with this technology is its inability to properly identify and accurately sort black colored plastic products. Carbon black absorbs the light emitted from the IR devices and prevents the successful identification of the type of plastic. These unsorted black plastic products are rejected and, in most cases, end up in landfills.
Brand owners have published aggressive sustainability goals requiring a quantum leap in the recyclability of plastic articles. It is not acceptable to loose plastic articles to landfill solely because they are black or very dark in color. Significant resources have been devoted to creating black branded products, and viable practical solutions are required. Rather than sacrificing the brand’s aesthetic desires, the best option is to maintain brand recognition and replace carbon black with an alternative black coloring technology.
Chroma Color now offers a solution to this problem. A carbon black alternative that does not sacrifice brand aesthetics but allows the MRF sorter to accurately and repeatedly identify and sort the plastic article.
Chroma Color’s NIR sortable black technology is based upon IR reflecting/transparent pigments and proprietary combination of dyes and organic pigments.
This product is referred to as “NIR Sortable Black ” and is available in a variety of resins that include the most common packaging resins; polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS and PET.
Key features of this color system:
Inert, heat stable, non-migratory
Can be used in a variety of polymers
FDA Approved
About Chroma Color
Chroma Color Corporation is a technology-leading specialty color and additive masterbatch supplier delivering critical aesthetics, technical innovations, and sustainable solutions to plastics processors and brand owners. Chroma Color’s growth strategy includes robust organic and inorganic growth, having made six acquisitions over the last three years. Chroma Color’s extensive technical leadership and manufacturing expertise, coupled with its game-changing colorant and light management technologies, have delighted customers for over 50 years.