This story appeared in the May 2021 edition ofPlastics Recycling magazine.
Sukano has launched its transparent Impact Modifier Masterbatches for plastic food trays.
The Impact Modifier Masterbatches allow processors to replace specialized co-polyester resins with recycled or virgin PET resins. As a result, producers can replace traditional non-recyclable frozen food trays with PET monomaterial structures that are recyclable. At the same time, the masterbatch allows for increased rPET content.
“With our newly formulated Sukano Impact Modifier Portfolio, customers have a recyclable alternative at hand to replace products made of, for instance, copolyester or GAG film structures,” said Alessandra Funcia, head of marketing at Sukano. GAG is a G-PET/A-PET coextruded film structure.
The new Sukano Impact Modifier Masterbatch is being launched under the umbrella of the Sukano RPet Product Portfolio.
Food trays manufactured with the masterbatch offer improved durability and toughness, enhanced impact resistance, higher rPET content and shatter resistance without a loss in transparency, according to the company. It also improves packaging safety by reducing the risk of shards that could contaminate packaged food and present consumers with sharp edges.
“Our latest development, the Sukano Impact Modifier Portfolio, allows transparent trays for cold, flash-frozen and room-temperature trays to be fully recyclable,” said Michael Kirch, global head of research and development.
Sukano’s rPET portfolio is designed to encourage sustainability and recyclability, according to the company. PET recycling saves 83 percent of the energy and 70 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions required to produce PET from virgin materials, according to the company.
Sukano, based in Switzerland, develops and produces additives, color masterbatches and compounds for polyester and specialty resins.
Bruce Geiselman, senior staff reporter
For more information:
Sukano Polymer Corp., Duncan, S.C., 864-486-1478, www.sukano.com
Bruce Geiselman | Senior Staff Reporter
Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman covers extrusion, blow molding, additive manufacturing, automation and end markets including automotive and packaging. He also writes features, including In Other Words and Problem Solved, for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. He has extensive experience in daily and magazine journalism.
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