Swiss additive and masterbatch producer Sukano has launched a newly formulated transparent impact modifier for recycled or virgin PET resin.
PET formulated with the new masterbatch can be used as an alternative to the specialty copolyesters currently used in cold, flash frozen and room temperature packaging trays.
The new impact modifier makes it possible to produce monomaterial, recyclable PET packaging solutions instead of instead of having to fall back on amorphous copolyester or GAG film structures – “while enjoying the benefits that go beyond mechanical properties modification,” said Alessandra Funcia, head of marketing at Sukano and chairwoman of the Working Group for Functional and Opaque PET packaging at PETCore.
These benefits, said the company, not only include improved durability and toughness, enhanced impact resistance, a higher RPET content, shatter resistance and transparency, but also safer packaging for consumer as sharp edges are reduced.
This results in fewer shards, reducing line interruptions, improving productivity and yields by avoiding line interruptions as well as eliminating cross-contamination potential by splinters. The new masterbatch product is part of Sukano’s rPET product portfolio, developed by the company to facilitate the transition from non-recyclable material applications into PET solutions.
The portfolio also features a family of melt enhancer masterbatches, designed to improve processing stability and mechanical performance, making multiple recycling cycles possible and enabling the use of higher percentages of recycled PET.
Sukano has also developed a formulated NIR detectable colours portfolio, which has been certified in France by sorting machine technology leaders Tomra and Pellenc. These masterbatches allow sorting and recycling of any colored packaging or other end applications, according to the French COTREP design guidelines for recyclable packaging.
Circularity is an important theme for Sukano.
“Recycling one ton of plastics can avoid the emission of 2.5 tons of CO2 versus production from virgin materials, and 2.7 ton of CO2 emissions if incinerated. PET recycling saves 83% of energy and 70% of CO2 emissions compared to PET produced from virgin materials,” the company noted.
“Medium to long-term targets should include investment in innovative recycling infrastructures to assure different waste streams are converted into valuable resources. And, when considering the recyclability of plastics, PET is champion.”