During the pre-show Chinaplas press event in Shanghai last week, PolyOne announced that it will launch a new line in its 'OnCap' range - specifically a set of light shield additives for clear packaging.
Speaking during the event, Mark Crist, Vice President, PolyOne Asia said: "This new additive is compatible with most clear polymers, and is compliant with FDA requirements."
The additives are designed to absorb both UV and visible light before they can reach light-sensitive contents such as food or pharmaceuticals, helping to reduce their degradation. PolyOne says that in some cases, using OnCap light shield additives can also eliminate the need for an extra coating or layer, reducing material consumption.
Target applications are slated initially to include disposable medical infusion sets, pharmaceutical packaging, pre-filled syringes, film packaging, bottles and food storage sheet and film.
"Clear packaging is a growing consumer preference. It conveys a message of health, freshness, and purity, but also increases the contents' exposure to light, which raises the risk of product degradation," said Say Eng Lee, General Manager, PolyOne Color and Additives, Asia. "OnCap light shield additives enable manufacturers to protect brand integrity and the contents of the packaging by producing a clear package with improved colour stability and dual light protection."
Formulations can be tuned to the light absorption range specific to the contents of a clear package, says PolyOne. It is available as a granular masterbatch for injection moulding, thermoforming or extrusion. Compatible clear polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene. FDA-compliant PET and PS versions are also available for healthcare packaging.