+27 11 914 1172  info@colourite.co.za
Masterbatch

Masterbatch

Performance

Our Products

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in industrial and commercial applications globally. The diverse applications, industries and products in which plastic is used is a reflection of the versatility of the material. To achieve application specific requirements, manufacturers blend aesthetic, functional and performance based compounds and raw materials to achieve a desired end product or purpose.

Masterbatches are an integral part of this “blend”, allowing plastic manufacturers the flexibility to create new, interesting and unique attributes for their plastic products.

What is Masterbatch?

Masterbatch is a solid or liquid additive used for adding colour and other properties to plastic. Masterbatch is a concentrated mixture of pigments, additives and fillers encapsulated during a heating and extrusion process into a carrier resin. The masterbatch is then cooled and cut into a granules before being packaged. Liquid masterbatches are also available for certain materials and applications.

What Is Masterbatch Used For?

In the plastics manufacturing industry masterbatch is used to colour raw polymer during the manufacturing process. The masterbatch is added into the raw polymer during a blending process before being fed into an extrusion or moulding machine to produce the product. Aside from being used to add colour, masterbatches provide an effective and efficient way to optimise the manufacturing process and enhance other properties of plastic products.

Types of Masterbatches we supply

  • White Masterbatches
  • Black Masterbatches
  • Colour Masterbatches (Organic & Inorganic)
  • Filler Masterbatches
  • Additive Masterbatches
  • Desiccant Masterbatches
  • White Masterbatches
  • Black Masterbatches
  • Colour Masterbatches (Organic & Inorganic)
  • Filler Masterbatches
  • Additive Masterbatches
  • Desiccant Masterbatches

Benefits of Masterbatch

Bright, vivid colour

One of the primary uses for masterbatch is to add vivid and consistent colour to plastic products. Using masterbatches offers more uniform dispersion than most dry pigments options.

Aesthetics

Masterbatches with specialised additives can enhance the visual properties of an end product. This is especially important for products used in retail and consumer goods packaging. Examples include adding glitter effects, metallic effects and pearlescence to plastic products.

Environmental Impact

Some additives are hazardous to the environment in pure form. Masterbatches encapsulate the additive which reduces and can completely eliminate handling hazards and the risk of contamination. This benefit also means less personal protective equipment (PPE) is required by users and processors.

Our colour and additive masterbatches are customised to specific industry and application specific requirements to ensure the manufacturing process is smooth and the end product is of the highest quality and consistency.

Longer shelf life

Once masterbatch has been produced it can be stored for longer periods to be use in the manufacturing process when required. Using masterbatch can help protect functional additives encapsulated in the final granules from exposure to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and ultraviolet light during storage.

Performance

Certain masterbatch formulas can increase the performance of the end product. For example, to add anti-static properties or increase the flame-retardant capabilities of the product.

Processing

Because masterbatch is easier to handle than powder-based pigments, their use can vastly increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process and ensure a cleaner manufacturing facility. The use of masterbatch requires no specialised dosing equipment (often required when using pigments) and this also reduces machine cleaning time and quicker product/batch transitions, which in turn increases productivity.

Cost lowering

The presence of moisture in plastics manufacturing can create manufacturing issues and defects including holes and streaking. Desiccant masterbatches can be used to avoid the risk of many of these issues. 

Masterbatches are highly concentrated with high let down ratios and when compared with powder based pigments they allow for raw polymer to be coloured economically during the manufacturing process. This has a cost lowering benefit for manufacturers of plastic products in every industry.

Contact Us
For new business enquiries and to discuss your colour requirements please complete our enquiry form below and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

A brief description of your requirements.

Explore More

Industries We Serve

Our products are used in a range of applications including but not limited to, injection moulding, extrusion moulding, blown film and lamination, blow moulding, calendaring, sheet extrusion, pelletizing, tubing, pipe extrusion and woven polypropylene.

Learn More

Functional Additives

Our functional additives and filler masterbatches are used in specific applications for cost-lowering or to enhance performance. 

About Us

We have the expertise and capacity to accurately formulate, test, develop and manufacture for a wide range of applications.

Quality & Consistency

Our products have the properties of bright appearance, good dispersion, strong tension, and environmental protection.