“Biodegradability and colorfulness can go hand-in-hand”: Clariant launches colorants for biodegradable packaging

23 Sep 2019 --- Clariant has launched a range of 25 organic pigments for biodegradable and compostable polymers. Compliant with the European Norm (EN) 13432 compostable criteria for packaging, this color scheme aims to boost the attractiveness of biodegradable plastics for packaging brand owners and manufacturers.

“With our range of colorants for biodegradable and compostable polymers, biodegradability and colorfulness can now go hand-in-hand for packaging. This means that manufacturers and consumers won’t have to lower their design expectations for sustainable solutions,” says Barbara Philipp, Global Marketing Manager Plastics at Clariant Plastics & Coatings. 

The demand for biodegradable plastics and compostable polymers is expected to surge from US$1.1 billion in 2018 to US$1.7 billion by 2023. However, this is just around 1 percent of all polymers used, according to the company. Clariant's colorant introduction opens the door for the packaging industry to design packaging with a stronger aesthetic appeal, using “earthy” natural hues. 

The EN 13432 industrial standard must be met in order to claim that a plastic product is compostable in the European marketplace. It requires multiple tests and sets pass/fail criteria, including disintegration (physical and visual breakdown) of the finished item within 12 weeks, biodegradation (conversion of organic carbon into CO2) of polymeric ingredients within 180 days, plant toxicity and heavy metals. 

The coloration of biodegradable polymers – such as polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) - requires a careful selection of pigments that must comply with strict environmental standards. Clariant’s range of organic pigments complies with EN 13432 when not used above the maximum concentration in the final plastic application. 

Industry is well aware that aesthetically pleasing packaging is key to commercial success. This month, chemical corporations BASF and Japan’s DIC reached an agreement on the acquisition of BASF’s global pigments business with the purchase price on a cash and debt-free basis of €1.15 billion. The acquisition will broaden DIC’s portfolio as a global manufacturer of pigments, including those for electronic displays, cosmetics, coatings, plastics, inks and specialty applications.

Edited by Anni Schleicher

To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com