Clariant colour and additive masterbatches made in five plants in Europe and Asia have been awarded OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL labels by the TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium NV testing company.
TÜV AUSTRIA
Clariant Masterbatches earn ‘OK’ certification
The certification means the masterbatch ingredients, including the polymer carrier, will not compromise the biodegradability of the products in which they are used.
The masterbatches are formulated and independently tested for compliance with EN 13432:2000 – the European standard for heavy-metal content and plant toxicity – and with the EU Packaging Directive (94/62/EEC).
Clariant plants in Poliagno, Italy, and Sant Andreu de la Barca, Spain, initially received OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification in 2012 and the latest testing adds the more challenging OK compost HOME label to their products. This means compostability is guaranteed in industrial composting plants, and in domestic garden compost heaps.
In addition, plants in Ahrensburg and Lahnstein, Germany, are also compliant with both standards. The Clariant plant in Phanthong, Thailand, is certified to supply OK-compost-labelled masterbatches to Asian customers.
A masterbatch is a pelletised material that incorporates a high concentration of a colorant or additive, evenly dispersed in a plastic material called a carrier resin. Masterbatch pellets are added to natural resin to produce a part with the desired coloUr or performance characteristics. To comply with the applicable standards, the Clariant OK compost masterbatches use only non-toxic and heavy-metal-free ingredients. Only biodegradable carrier resins are used.
This development is part of Clariant Masterbaches’ strategy to offer solutions for a more sustainable packaging and to further strengthen ITS sustainable product portfolio.