Rhode Island-based compounder Teknor Apex has launched a new range of colour solutions based on UBQ Materials’ bio-based UBQ thermoplastic material. The new product makes highly chromatic colour solutions possible, providing a welcome broadening of options beyond the initial brown, black and grey of UBQ’s sustainable material.
Next to colour masterbatches, Teknor Apex also supplies specially formulated colourants for UBQ compounds, allowing customers to meet sustainability goals while still providing a visually appealing end-product, the company said.
UBQ material is derived entirely from unsorted organic and unrecyclable waste, and chromatic colours were previously not achievable.
The masterbatch can be added to various plastics and processed by injection moulding, extrusion, and other processes.
As a compounder, Teknor Apex has long experience working with sustainable additives, bio-based pigments and polymers.
The company was also an early adopter of UBQ. It has already developed thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) made with 35% sustainable content.
“By incorporating UBQ into our colour matching process, we are introducing options to the market that are both aesthetically pleasing and better for the planet – enabling our customers and furthering our own commitment to sustainability,” said Jordan Wolfe, technical manager, Colour Division of Teknor Apex.
“Teknor’s color masterbatch products combined with our bio-based thermoplastic strengthens our shared commitment to reshape how things are made and improve the footprint of everyday products,” said Liat Arad, VP of Marketing for UBQ Materials.
UBQ Materials, headquartered in Israel, has developed an advanced conversion technology, patenting the world’s first bio-based thermoplastic made entirely of unsorted household waste, including all the organics. The company, a certified B Corp, has attracted the attention of customers as diverse as Mercedes-Benz, global retail solutions provider Mainetti, PepsiCo, and Arcos Dorados, the world’s largest franchisee of McDonald’s restaurants across Latin America.