Ampacet, a global masterbatch leader, has added REC-NIR-BLACK PE 512 for black flexible applications to its carbon-free REC-NIR-BLACK masterbatch range.
REC-NIR-BLACK masterbatches are near-infrared (NIR) transparent to allow sorting with near-infrared optical sensors. The reuse and recycling of black packaging waste supports Circular Economy initiatives.
REC-NIR-BLACK PE 512 is NIR-detectable, while providing a high level of opacity for black flexible packaging. Products made with this NIR-transparent masterbatch solution are oriented to the polyethylene flow when using a sorting model suitable for dark plastics. REC-NIR-BLACK PE 512 is suitable exclusively for indoor use because, unlike conventional carbon black masterbatches, it does not provide a stabilizing effect against UV degradation.
Near-infrared optical sorting, however, cannot identify and separate plastics that contain carbon black, the most commonly-used black pigment. Carbon black absorbs a significant part of the ultraviolet and infrared spectrum, preventing the reflection of infrared light back to the sensor and consequently blocking the recognition of the resin’s fingerprint by a NIR scan.
While most black packaging cannot be sorted by recycling companies and can only be used for energy recovery, packaging using Ampacet’s NIR-detectable black masterbatch products can be scanned by near-infrared technology for automated sorting at recovery facilities.
