New nir-reflecting pigments for sustainable recycling

Revolutionary pigment technology drives the recyclability of black plastics

Ferro NIR-Reflecting Pigments are a carbon black alternative for black plastic recycling

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A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO CARBON BLACK- FERRO OFFERS NEW FDA AND EU 10/2011 COMPLIANT NIR-DETECTABLE BLACK PIGMENTS FOR BLACK PLASTIC RECYCLING
Modern plastic recycling operations leverage high-tech processing equipment to move material at high speed with massive sorting capabilities to create the purest, least contaminated streams utilizing NIR (near infrared) signature, either in transmission or reflection.

Plastic recyclers face the challenge of accurately sorting black plastics, which are typically colored with carbon black colorants that do not reflect well in NIR sorting devices. Black polymers colored with carbon black absorb light emitted from the NIR spectrum and cannot be identified and sorting by this method, adding to the leftover stream of unsorted materials that end up in landfills.

Optimal Infrared Sorting Capabilities
Our NIR-detectable black pigments for plastics packaging are specifically designed for optimal detection and sorting by NIR sorting devices. Ferro's inorganic pigments 24-3950 FCP (PBr29) and Nubifer NB-803K FCP (PBk33) have been formulated to reflect light from the emitter, allowing the sensor to properly identify and sort the plastic.

Ferro's NIR reflecting black pigments are not only designed specifically to meet the requirements of individual polymer sorting via NIR reflection technologies, they also provide the color, processing, and surface finishing properties needed across the diverse polymers required for food contact applications.

Formulated to Meet Rigorous Food Contact Regulations
This new product range of NIR reflecting blacks for recyclable plastic food packaging is the outcome of an intensive two-year development effort.

All our pigment raw materials comply with stringent product specifications with no cross-contamination during manufacturing. New processes have been implemented to ensure the absence of heavy metals and to provide consistent and accurate quality control.

Ferro's NIR reflecting blacks are a part of our complete FCP product range which is AP89(1) certified for each lot (even at lower limits than the AP89(1) standard), and complies with the requirements established by EU 10/2011 regarding plastic packaging in contact with food, and have FDA approval (FDA 21 CRF 178.3297) to be used up to 5% in the final plastic material.

Black Pigments for Food Contact Plastic Packaging Coloring

Meeting Food Contact Plastic Packaging Coloring Needs
Ferro's NIR-reflecting pigments are an ideal replacement to traditional carbon black. They meet food contact regulatory requirements for plastic packaging.

Our ability to demonstrate their suitability in food packaging end-use applications gives confidence and security to all the components downstream along the complete supply chain.

Backed by proven technical and regulatory support our proven products with technical expertise makes Ferro a top trusted source for meeting demanding regulatory-compliant applications while delivering excellent performance.

We also offer a full range of pigments that are suitable for use in plastic in contact with food. These include other complex inorganic color pigments such as cobalt blues and greens, brown and yellow titanates, ultramarines, iron oxides, chrome oxide greens, and various organic pigments.