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.