Why recycled polymers need additives
While recycling plastics significantly reduces environmental impact, it also introduces challenges related to material performance and processing. Additives have become essential tools in addressing these limitations by enhancing the quality, stability and usability of recycled polymers and effectively giving them a second life.
PLASTIKA KRITIS AND GLOBAL COLORS PRODUCT RANGE
Following long research and trials, Global Colors and Plastika Kritis has commercially launched additive masterbatches offering solutions to the most common problems in plastic recycling industry. Below, we present some of the most popular products along with a short description of their key features.
Desiccant masterbatches
Humidity in recycled plastics is a critical factor that significantly affects both processing and final material properties.
KRITILEN® DC500, KRITILEN® DC700 and KRITILEN® DC451 containing a special highly effective inorganic additive are designed to remove humidity during processing
Deodorant masterbatches
Recycled plastics, especially post-consumer materials, often carry unpleasant odors due to residual contaminants, degradation products and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) generated or absorbed. Unpleasant odors in recycled plastics can lead to consumer rejection and significantly lower the market value of recycled plastics.
KRITILEN® DEO 588 is a masterbatch designed to control complex odors evolving from products like amines, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide etc., leading to improved odor of recycled material during processing as well as in final application.
Antioxidant masterbatches
During recycling, plastics undergo significant thermal and mechanical stress. Reprocessing (melting, extrusion) as well as multiple reuse cycles, accelerate degradation initiated by a combination of radicals generation and/or oxidation reactions. Degradation process leads to discoloration and other associated visual defects (such as gels and black specks), inconsistent flow characteristics, crosslinking or chain scission and loss of mechanical properties.
Antioxidants function by preferentially reacting with the radical intermediates, protecting the polymer and extending its useful life.
KRITILEN® AO10: contains a mixture of phenolic antioxidant and phosphite processing stabilizer. It is recommended while recycling or when high amounts of recycled material are present.
KRITILEN® AO1311: contains a mixture of additives (combination of antioxidants, lubricants, multifactional additives) improving the recycling process of plastics.
KRITILEN® AO1463: contains a mixture of advanced phosphite antioxidant with excellent hydrolytic stability and a discoloration free phenolic additive on LLDPE carrier. This mixture stabilizes the polymer matrix against melt flow degradation and color change.
The complexity and variability of recycled polymers often require the use of additional additives—or combinations of additives such as: compatibilizers, nucleators, specially designed color masterbatches to cover undesired shade or shade variations, melt flow enhancers, optical brighteners (especially for PET applications) etc.
Our RnD department can offer tailor-made additive solutions that address the unique specifications of every customer’s production.
To support manufacturers in producing higher‑quality recycled materials, Global Colors and Plastika Kritis continue to invest in advanced additive masterbatches designed specifically for today’s demanding recycling processes. By improving stability, processing efficiency, and end‑product performance, our solutions unlock the full potential of recycled polymers and help manufacturers meet modern sustainability and regulatory requirements.
Contact us and discover how our tailor‑made additives can elevate your recycled plastics-contact our team today to discuss the ideal solution for your production needs.
