Reliability and performance emphasized by Clariant at Chinaplas 2010

Muttenz, April 12, 2010 - Leading specialty chemicals company, Clariant will take part in this year’s Chinaplas exhibition with key focus on adding reliability to performance for plastic products. A host of chemical products in pigments, additives and masterbatches with outstanding safety and environmental-friendly features will be on show to an audience from the plastic industry in China on April 19 – 22 in Shanghai.

As the domestic consumer industry in China continues to upgrade itself, more attention has been given to the safety and sustainability aspects of plastic products. In addition to performance, manufacturers are increasingly concerned with reliability when they source for raw materials.

With the theme of “Play it Wise”, Clariant is going to feature the following products in its booth during Chinaplas this year:

PIGMENTS

Vibrant and safer pigments for toys and food packaging

The latest orange pigments from Clariant have been tested for heavy metals, aromatic amines, PCBs, phthalates and migration, in addition to being in compliance with major international regulations such as REACH, TSCA, ENCS, IECSC and ECL. They are therefore, suitable for toys and food contact applications.

As an early-mover in providing sustainable products in the pigments market, all pigment ranges of Clariant are already Lead Chromate free. This foresight has enabled customers of the company to win additional competitive advantages by getting themselves ready early, long before the 2012 Lead Chromate ban comes into effect.

Enhancing thermoplastics elastomers with PV Fast® and Graphtol® pigments

These pigments have the special ability to keep elastomers flexible. Available in a wide coloration palette to meet various needs, this pigment range has also been especially tested for TPE. Some of the PV Fast pigments have also low warping capabilities in polyolefins with high color strength and fastness properties, as well as excellent dispersibility.

ADDITIVES

Licocene® PP for PVC profile extrusion

With these highly efficient external lubricants, less dosage of it is required in the profile extrusion process; yet the same controlled rheology, gelation and flow behavior of PVC compounds is achieved with improved surface properties. In addition, energy consumption of extruder is significantly reduced in pressure formation.

Exolit® OP

This is a pioneering product series for the effective fire protection of polyamides and polyesters. This highly effective product complies with the most stringent fire protection classifications and key electrical standards and its ecological compatibility and recyclability have been scientifically proven.

Hostavin® N 845 PP

Based on HALS chemistry, this light stabilizer is highly compatible with polypropylene, polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE) and styrenics. It is also especially suited for compression molded, injection molded and extruded plastic articles. Its outstanding color stability under extreme weather conditions and resistance to water and detergent makes it a perfect product for outdoor use. The Hostavin N 845 PP also comes with reduced fogging, lower VOC and improved odor.

MASTERBATCHES

Clariant masterbatches aid sustainability

Making it easier for customers to use more post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, Clariant has developed masterbatches specially formulated to work with the slightly off-color PCR resins available. Recycled polyolefin plastic, for instance, normally has a grayish cast that can mute the overall impact of color in these materials. Using ENIGMA® color and effects technology, designers can create packaging that is not only good for the environment but also attractive enough to compete for the consumer’s attention on store shelves.

Liquid masterbatches

With the recent acquisition of Rite Systems, Inc., a leading U.S. supplier of liquid masterbatches and dispensing technology as well as the new liquid color production and service center in the existing Masterbatches operation in Guangzhou, Clariant is able to offer an expanded range of liquid options that bring benefits to both production and environment. Because liquid masterbatches carry a higher concentration of color than solid products, transportation and fuel costs are reduced and less inventory space is required. At the same time, many plastics processors and packaging developers like liquid masterbatches because they can be less costly in certain applications, and color changeover times are frequently dramatically reduced compared to solid concentrates.

Colors made predictable with ColorForward™

Colors for 2011 will be brighter and livelier, reflecting a renewed sense of optimism in a world still struggling with natural and man-made crises, according to ColorForward, the respected plastics-color forecasting service from Clariant Masterbatches. At the same time, consumers can be expected to respond more to technology, materials and emotions that stimulate the senses in ways that go beyond the merely visible. ColorForward 2011 is the collaborative effort of plastic color specialists from North and South America, Europe and Asia who work in Clariant’s global network of ColorWorks™ design & technology centers. The color trend analysis and design tool is released annually by Clariant Masterbatches to help plastic product designers and marketing professionals make informed color choices.

Masterbatches and compounds for medical and pharmaceutical industries

Clariant Masterbatches turns the spotlight on risk management as it presents its trusted color and performance dedicated materials and support for the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Clariant has extensive experience in minimizing and controlling risk at every stage of product design and production and in helping customers to meet regulatory requirements such as USP, EuP - ISO 10993 and DMF. Their three industry-dedicated centers of competence offer full manufacturing line segregation for medical materials to reduce risk of cross contamination between products. In addition, a globally harmonized quality management system in line with ISO 13485 supporting the medical sector's need for consistency and reliability of formulations and procedures in being introduced at all three locations. In Asia Pacific, Clariant Singapore unit has achieved external (SQS) certification as one ISO 13485:2003 compliant manufacturing plant.

Steve Duckworth, Head of Global Market Segment Consumer Goods & Medical, comments: "Clariant's package of dedicated service and expertise, product reliability and innovative material performance is focused on giving the medical industry the confidence it needs to address risk potential. As a result, medical device manufacturers can trust Clariant to meet their color and performance needs."

The Chinaplas exhibition will be held at the Shanghai New International EXPO Center this year and Clariant’s booth number is W3C41 located at Hall W3.