17 Dec 2004
Clariant Masterbatches Division selects Milliken & Company AlphaSan® as antimicrobial of choice
Clariant Masterbatches Division, a global leader in color and additive concentrates and performance solutions for the plastics industry, has selected Milliken & Company’s AlphaSan® as its primary antimicrobial agent of choice for its masterbatch operations.
“Our expanded relationship with Milliken & Company means that state-of-the-art antimicrobial masterbatches will be more widely available throughout the world,” said Ruggero Facchinetti, Head of COE, Additive Masterbatches, Italy with Clariant . “AlphaSan’s leading-edge technology, along with Milliken’s outstanding support and development services, makes it an excellent choice for Clariant and our customers.”
The two most popular antimicrobial masterbatches from Clariant in Europe are AlphaSan MB SLA0050122 / MB 30 SLADOC and NBAN698426/NEAN698445 in the USA. These masterbatches are based on inorganic antimicrobial ingredients finely dispersed in styrenic and polyester carriers. Custom formulations of these zirconium phosphate –based silver compounds are also available in a variety of other carrier resins.
The application of the AlphaSan-based masterbatches in plastics provides effective, long-lasting antimicrobial protection for consumer products, such as home appliances and food processing equipment.
Other applications for AlphaSan masterbatches include the production of internal polystyrene linings of domestic refrigerators and synthetic polyester and nylon fibers. Benefits include high thermal stability, good dispersion, extraction resistance and antimicrobial protection that lasts the life of the product.
“By combining the resources of Milliken and Clariant, we are able to offer our customers a very high level of service and innovation,” said Fachinetti. “Together, we provide a complete package that includes product testing, analysis and guidance from our technical development staffs.”
Using advanced silver-based technology, the AlphaSan antimicrobial agent inhibits the growth of bacteria, mildew, mold and other microorganisms that can cause odors, discoloration and general deterioration of various products. AlphaSan is currently used in a wide range of consumer goods, such as apparel and whirlpool tubs, as well as commercial applications, primarily in food and beverage processing equipment.
By leveraging its global R&D, technology and sourcing capabilities, the Clariant Masterbatches Division provides innovative coloring systems, develops compatible colorants and additives for new materials and devises technical breakthroughs for virtually every synthetic fiber and thermoplastic in use today. For more information, visit www.clariant.masterbatches.com.
Headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., Milliken Chemical is a division of Milliken & Company, one of the world’s largest privately held textile and chemical corporations. With technical service and application development centers worldwide, Milliken serves a broad array of markets, providing products and services that enhance the performance, appearance and durability of consumer and commercial products.
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Notes for editors
Milliken Chemical
Milliken Chemical is a market leader in additives for plastics, including Millad® 3988 clarifying agent, Hyperform® nucleating agents, ClearTint® polymer colorants and ClearShield® UV absorber.
A recipient of the prestigious Responsible Care® Leadership Award, Milliken Chemical has been recognized by the American Chemistry Council for outstanding achievement under the chemical industry’s environmental, health, safety and security performance initiative. For further information, visit www.millikenchemical.com
AlphaSan
AlphaSan is one of the numerous innovative products from Milliken & Company, which is based in Spartanburg, S.C. As one of the world’s largest privately-held textile and chemical corporations. Milliken has technical service and application development centers worldwide, enhancing the performance, appearance and durability of a broad array of consumer and commercial products.
AlphaSan® and Milliken® are registered trademarks of Milliken & Company.
For more information, visit www.alphasan.com.
