1. Black masterbatches are notoriously difficult to recycle because carbon black pigments are not detectable by standard near-infrared (NIR) optical sorting systems. What is Cabot doing to address this problem?
Traditionally, carbon black has been used to enhance the appearance of recycled materials and make them look new. However, it presents challenges in the recycling process, particularly in sorting, due to its NIR (near-infrared) absorbance. NIR-reflective pigments offer a solution to these sorting issues, but they come with notable challenges such as higher costs, lower colour strength, and potential health and environmental risks.
To address these challenges, Cabot Corporation has introduced PLASBLAK PE8590NIR black masterbatch, a NIR-detectable product for polyolefin packaging. This innovative solution enables black plastics to be detected by standard NIR spectroscopy systems, thus improving the recyclability of black plastic packaging.
Building upon this development, Cabot is actively working to expand its portfolio of NIR-sortable black masterbatches for the consumer packaging industry. We are collaborating closely with NIR sorting machine manufacturers and customers, and we encourage others to join us in driving sustainable recycling innovations.
2. What level of demand are you seeing for black masterbatch with attributed recycled content in comparison with virgin material?
The demand for circular black masterbatches with recycled content is growing but remains in its early stages. Although upcoming regulatory changes are expected to significantly accelerate the transition from virgin to recycled materials, there remains a market perception that recycled materials offer lower price and performance than virgin materials. As the market evolves and regulatory frameworks mature, we anticipate a shift in this perception.
As such, the widespread adoption of sustainable materials in the plastics industry faces multiple barriers, including higher costs, performance concerns, regulatory complexities, supply chain limitations, and a lack of awareness. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes innovative product development, quality assurance through certification, regulatory advocacy, supply chain optimisation, and increased education and outreach.
At Cabot, we are addressing these challenges with a multifaceted strategy designed to promote broader adoption of sustainable materials. Through innovations like our REPLASBLAK black masterbatches portfolio, we aim to bridge the gap between sustainable content and reliable, performance solutions, making circular materials more accessible and attractive to the plastics industry.
3. How has Cabot adapted its strategy since the European Commission set a 25% recycled plastic content mandate for vehicles placed on the market from July 2023?
As the European Commission’s proposed End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulation, including the mandate for 25% recycled plastic content, moves toward full enforcement by 2030, Cabot has proactively aligned its strategy to meet the evolving requirements. We launched our REPLASBLAK portfolio, which offers innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for recycled content in automotive applications.
These masterbatches are powered by our EVOLVE Sustainable Solutions technology platform and incorporate up to 100% International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certified recycled content. This certification assures compliance with stringent ecological standards and provides full traceability of recycled materials.
As such, our REPLASBLAK circular black masterbatches enable Cabot to deliver the reliable performance, quality and consistency that the plastics industry requires at scale for certified solutions.
Additional key benefits of our REPLASBLAK masterbatches include significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions—up to 60% compared to traditional black masterbatches as well as the versatility to be used across various applications, particularly in the automotive sector.
I would like to speak a bit more about the newest grades in this product portfolio - REPLASBLAK universal circular black masterbatches: REPLASBLAK reUN5285 and reUN5290.
These solutions enhance Cabot’s well-established range of universal black masterbatches recognised for the colouring of a wide range of polymers with the added benefit of increased sustainability.
Representing a radical innovation, these masterbatches can achieve high colour performance and mechanical properties traditionally achieved only with virgin black materials. By enabling low addition rates for colouring a wide range of polymers, they revolutionise material efficiency and significantly reduce the carbon footprint, addressing the challenge of balancing sustainability with performance according to the automotive sector's stringent quality standards.
The upcoming ELV regulation is poised to be a significant milestone for the industry, and Cabot’s innovative approach positions our REPLASBLAK circular black masterbatches as a key solution for customers aiming to achieve their sustainability targets while adhering to future compliance requirements.
4. How do you see the market for recycled black masterbatch evolving in 2025?
We expect demand to rise, driven by regulatory requirements. A key focus for the industry will be on Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs). These tools will play a critical role in evaluating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with products and processes, helping companies meet both regulatory mandates and sustainability objectives.
Additionally, an increasing number of players in the plastics value chain are adopting emission reduction strategies, typically starting with a learning phase (Phase 1), where they focus on understanding their suppliers’ PCFs. This is followed by an improvement phase (Phase 2), where companies identify opportunities to reduce emissions and implement more sustainable solutions and practices.
As a carbon black supplier, Cabot recognises the pivotal role of LCAs and PCFs in this process. To support these efforts, we are collaborating with the International Carbon Black Association (ICBA) to establish a common Product Category Rule (PCR) and industry-average PCFs for the carbon black industry. Standardising these metrics will be crucial for the industry, ensuring consistency and transparency in reporting, while also providing the necessary insights to drive reductions in Scope 3 emissions.
5. If you had to pick one sustainability trend that will drop off the agenda by 2030, what would it be?
Predicting the future is challenging, but most players in the plastic value chain today aim for net zero by 2050. As sustainability becomes more integrated into corporate strategies, trends that offer minimal long-term impact are likely to fade. I believe the focus will increasingly shift toward systemic transformation and circular economy models supported by regulation that drives meaningful and lasting environmental improvements.