The demand for plastics derived from renewable resources continues to grow. In addition to the choice of polymer, the colorants used are increasingly becoming a focus of attention. With the new ROWASOL GreenLine, the company expands its portfolio with liquid colors based on bio-based raw materials and specially developed for use in plastics.
ROWASOL already offers a carrier system based on more than 75% renewable raw materials. Newly added are selected colorants of plant origin that have been made suitable for the requirements of plastics processing through a special manufacturing process. In this process, the natural colorants are incorporated into a naturally occurring mineral. This technology significantly improves thermal stability and enables their use at the temperatures required for plastics processing.
The current portfolio includes colorants derived from various plant-based raw material sources, such as indigo, curcumin and radish extracts. The range is complemented by a natural black based on plant-derived carbon and a natural white based on mineral raw materials. As a result, a variety of bio-based color concepts are already available today for sustainable plastic applications.
The figure shows the current GreenLine color palette in two different bioplastics at dosage levels between 0.5 and 2.0%. While the nearly transparent biopolymer enables more intense shades, the white opaque material produces softer, pastel-like color impressions. These examples illustrate the influence of the polymer matrix on color appearance and demonstrate the excellent color development of the bio-based liquid colors, even at low addition levels.
The development of GreenLine is still at an early stage. The development team is currently working on the integration of additional natural color sources as well as the continuous increase of the bio-based content of the carrier system. The aim is to broaden the available color spectrum and further increase the share of renewable raw materials.
ROWASOL GreenLine demonstrates that sustainable coloration and industrial plastics processing are no longer contradictory goals. This product line provides the basis for new color concepts that combine technical performance with the desire for a higher share of bio-based raw materials.
ROWASOL already offers a carrier system based on more than 75% renewable raw materials. Newly added are selected colorants of plant origin that have been made suitable for the requirements of plastics processing through a special manufacturing process. In this process, the natural colorants are incorporated into a naturally occurring mineral. This technology significantly improves thermal stability and enables their use at the temperatures required for plastics processing.
The current portfolio includes colorants derived from various plant-based raw material sources, such as indigo, curcumin and radish extracts. The range is complemented by a natural black based on plant-derived carbon and a natural white based on mineral raw materials. As a result, a variety of bio-based color concepts are already available today for sustainable plastic applications.
The figure shows the current GreenLine color palette in two different bioplastics at dosage levels between 0.5 and 2.0%. While the nearly transparent biopolymer enables more intense shades, the white opaque material produces softer, pastel-like color impressions. These examples illustrate the influence of the polymer matrix on color appearance and demonstrate the excellent color development of the bio-based liquid colors, even at low addition levels.
The development of GreenLine is still at an early stage. The development team is currently working on the integration of additional natural color sources as well as the continuous increase of the bio-based content of the carrier system. The aim is to broaden the available color spectrum and further increase the share of renewable raw materials.
ROWASOL GreenLine demonstrates that sustainable coloration and industrial plastics processing are no longer contradictory goals. This product line provides the basis for new color concepts that combine technical performance with the desire for a higher share of bio-based raw materials.
