Smart Molding International 2-2023

49 www.smart-molding.com materials Teknor Apex creates color masterbatch solutions for UBQ Materials’ thermoplastic The new coloring capability makes UBQ™ a perfect sustainable material swap for applications such as point of purchase displays, pallets and more and has already been in use with major brands in both beverage and industrial industries. T eknor Apex announced a new color masterbatch solution for UBQ Materials’ bio-based ther- moplastic, UBQ™ in May. Expanding its partnership with the climate-tech developer, Teknor Apex’s new solution includes the development and supply of highly chromatic colors that incorpo- rate UBQ’s sustainable products made entirely from unsorted organic and un- recyclable waste. Teknor Apex’s color masterbatch solution enables UBQ™ to be compounded with a brighter spectrum of colors beyond the initial brown, black and grey of the climate-positive thermoplastic. Adding specialty colorant masterbatch or specially formulated colorants to UBQ™ compounds allows customers to meet sustainability goals while still providing a visually appealing end-product. Chromatic colors not previously achievable with UBQ™ are now a reality. The new coloring capability makes UBQ™ a perfect sustainable material swap for applications such as point of purchase displays, pallets and more and has already been in use with major brands in both beverage and industrial industries. The masterbatch can be added to a wide variety of plastics and can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, and other processes. UBQ™ is a sustainable plastic substitute converted entirely from unsorted organic and unrecyclable household waste that have been diverted from landfills. It is a novel, worldwide patented material that has already been adopted by leading industry brands for manufacturing durable products with reduced environmental footprints. Teknor Apex has been an early adopter of UBQ™ developing eco-conscious thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) made with 35% sustainable content, paving the way for other materials companies to develop more sustainable products within a circular economy. “By incorporatingUBQ™ into our color matching process, we are introducing options to the market that are both aesthetically pleasing and better for the planet – enabling our customers and furthering our own commitment to sustainability,” said Jordan Wolfe, Technical Manager, Color Division of Teknor Apex. “Customers are able to achieve a carbon neutral or carbon negative impact while still maintaining quality and visually engaging end products for their consumers.” Teknor Apex Company prides itself on offering a full line of custom and standard colors, as well as additives and special effects for a wide spectrum of polymers that include PVC, olefins, styrenics, PET and engineering plastics. Working extensively with sustainable additives, bio-based pigments and polymers and partnering closely with our customers has enabled innovative new color concepts and differentiated products in the marketplace. “ Teknor ’s color masterbatch products combined with our bio-based thermoplastic strengthens our shared commitment to reshape how things are made and improve the footprint of everyday products,” said Liat Arad, VP of Marketing for UBQ Materials. “We all have a role to play in reducing methane emissions, through this new colorful ‘Made with UBQ™ product line, manufacturers have the ability to make vibrantly colored products, while contributing to a truly circular economy where human consumption lives in harmony with the planet.” Teknor Apex www.teknorapex.com Picture: Teknor Apex