Lifocolor Farben GmbH & Co. KG
About us
The Lifocolor Group has been developing, producing and selling masterbatches, additives and compounds for the polymer processing industry since 1988. It is present throughout Europe and employs around 300 people at five production sites in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and France. Each site has its own technical centre, sales department and production facilities. Thanks to the close network of plants, decentralised products can always be sourced according to the same formulation and with the same quality. The Lifocolor Group's customer base includes companies from all areas of thermoplastic processing that value customised colour and additive solutions.
Products & services
Benzotriazole-free alternatives for masterbatches with UV absorbers
Many content-protection masterbatches still contain benzotriazole compounds, which the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) may list as substances of very high concern (SVHC). If this happens, the substances would become subject to specific authorisation requirements. Further substances have been added step by step since 2023, and additional recommendations for inclusion are expected in 2026. Lifocolor therefore offers alternatives to benzotriazole-containing masterbatches with UV absorbers, including solutions for polyesters (PET and CoPET). The further developed LIFOSTAB portfolio includes masterbatches for protecting the content of numerous polymers, including a product for recycled plastics that is made entirely from recyclate.
NIR-Detective Silver Masterbatches
Similar to black polymer products and packaging, silver-coloured ones can also cause problems in the recycling process. Due to their composition, certain shades of silver are not recognised and correctly sorted by the disposal company via near-infrared (NIR) in the post-consumer phase. Despite being recyclable, these products are therefore at risk of being disposed of thermally instead of being assigned to recycling. Lifocolor has developed new solutions in collaboration with Eckart, a leading manufacturer of metallic effect and pearlescent pigments. Using special silver and metallic masterbatches, it has been proven that formulations that could not be detected without the corresponding ingredients can now be recognised and sorted using near-infrared. Lifocolor advises on how the silver colour must be formulated to ensure successful Design4Recycling.
New holographic masterbatches offering iridescent depth effects
Specially coated glitter pigments create an iridescent effect when light falls directly on them, for example sunlight, shelf lighting or spotlights. They reflect and break up the light with sparkling colours, which also leads to a deeper spatial perception. Holographic effect masterbatches therefore lend polymer products a glamorous and spectacular appearance. Cosmetic products and packaging on illuminated shelving, summer or winter sports accessories, toys and children's articles or various leisure, household or garden products can become special highlight products as a result. The holographic effect is approved in accordance with EU Directive 10/2011 and the FDA regulations for food contact and can be used in injection moulding, extrusion or bottle blow moulding processes at temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius. Lifocolor has already developed initial formulations for PE, PP and SAN (other polymers are being tested).
Shades of Inspiration 2027
The speed and intensity of change in our world have become unmistakable – and some people wish they could bring it to a halt. In an age defined by constant demands, overstimulation and emotional fatigue, the desire grows for moments that let us truly feel who we are – and what moves us. The theme of our 2027 trend colours, The Human Re:Set, reflects this collective longing for a turning point. Colour becomes a resonance space for our emotions, the rhythm of a new balance: it grounds and energises, calms and uplifts, heals and inspires. Between fantasy and reality, structure and emotion, culture and presence, softness and strength, a new emotional aesthetic begins to emerge. The Shades of Inspiration 2027 translate this tension into four themes – with hues that are rebellious, pure, warm and romantic. Discover the most inspiring newcomer tones for your industry, your brand and your products.
Granite, sandstone and cork effects
As a further development of its granite effect masterbatches, Lifocolor will be showcasing sandstone and cork looks at its 20-G50 stand that are ideal for natural-looking and effective finishing of all kinds of consumer goods or furniture surfaces. These effect masterbatches can be used for polyolefins (PE, PP), engineering polymers (ABS, PMMA, TPE) and polystyrene (PS). At a minimum, they meet the requirements for approval for food contact in accordance with 10/2011 EU and in most cases FDA regulations as well, and they can be processed using common injection and extrusion techniques at temperatures of up to 280 degrees Celsius.
Abrasion-resistant, decorative laser markings from the LIFOLAS M range
Whether in packaging or industrial components: laser marking of polymer parts has found its way into many industries as a fast, precise and flexible process. Laser marking masterbatch enables contact-free and permanent marking without any ink or solvents. At KUTENO, Lifocolor is presenting its diverse LIFOLAS M portfolio, which is constantly being optimized and extended. Lifocolor has various products in its portfolio for high-contrast and high-quality lettering. In addition to new light markings in coloured polymers, these products also allow dark inscriptions in light or transparent polymers. Thanks to these additives, even individual templates – from patterns to intricate images – can be integrated decoratively.
