High Performance PET Bottles for the Dairy Market

High Performance PET Bottles for the Dairy Market

Plastics processing innovator ColorMatrix is developing a new technology for the Dairy packaging market which will see the introduction of a high performance, opaque white colorant, extending its range of additive technologies. Their advanced liquid system offers improved processing characteristics whilst meeting required opacity at addition rates much lower than alternative colorant systems.

It is anticipated that where a pellet colorant would typically require addition levels of up to 20%, the ColorMatrix technology, to be known as Lactra, requires addition rates as low as 5% to achieve virtually equivalent opacity (dependent on bottle side wall thickness). As a result, the potential for material cost savings are significant.

Utilising their extensive expertise in dispersion technology, ColorMatrix have designed Lactra to achieve maximum light blocking effects by optimising and maintaining particle size when dispersed in the final polymer.

Further to its colorant capability, the groundbreaking Lactra technology offers additional production performance benefits in the form of energy savings and improved processing.

Trials have demonstrated that required opacity is reached at considerably lower shear rates than alternative technologies, leading to significant energy cost savings and ultimately, a lower carbon footprint. By working in harmony with the process, Lactra achieves smoother and more consistent colouring. Opportunities for process modifications also then become possible. As a result, ColorMatrix plan to launch the technology in a choice of finish effects, to include Lactra:Matt and Lactra:Silk.

Through an intensive study program, the ColorMatrix research and development team investigated the influence of formulation changes on opacity across the full light spectrum, including both diffuse and specular components. This understanding led to the development of a technology which minimises photo-degradation of a number of milk photo-sensitisers, including Riboflavin (Vitamin B2).

Although the first phase of the Lactra development is now complete, ColorMatrix continue to develop the technology. "We would describe this as a 'functional colorant' because it offers so much more than just colour capability" explains Steve Tattum, ColorMatrix's Global Market Development Manager for Packaging". As well as its light blocking action and processing benefits, we want to use our experience in beverage taste and flavour management to investigate the potential for Lactra to offer further packaging performance improvements."

ColorMatrix's liquid colorant, additive and dosing technology systems have already made a major impact on packaging production efficiencies and product improvements in the Water, CSD, Wine, Beer and Juice sectors. It is now the Dairy sector's turn to benefit from their latest high performance innovation.