Clariant Masterbatches Adds 7 Multi-Layer Blowmolding Machines at Sites Worldwide

22 Apr 2008 • by Natalie Aster

To facilitate development of new, head-turning effects in plastic bottles for packaging-industry customers, Clariant Masterbatches has been installing new bi- and tri-layer blowm olding machines at various sites on four continents. In the last twelve months, a total of seven machines will have been started up at facilities in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, China, Indonesia, Thailand and France. They supplement the capabilities of other single- and multi-layer machines located around the world, which have been operating for many years.

In the Asia Pacific region, a tri-layer machine was installed in late 2007 in Shanghai, China, and a bi-layer blowmolder has been commissioned in Tangerang, near Jakarta, Indonesia. Still another bi-layer machine has been in operation in Chonburi, Thailand, since mid-2007. These locations were chosen because of their proximity to major centers of plastics packaging development along the Pacific Rim.

Meanwhile, in Latin America, Clariant Masterbatches started up tri-layer blowmolding machines in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Santa Clara, Mexico. A bi-layer machine was also recently installed in Lomas de Zamora, Argentina. The Company has had mono-layer blowmolding machines in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico for several years.

In Europe, a tri-layer blowmolder has been installed in the new Technology Centre at Cergy Saint-Christophe, near Paris, France. "France is strong in plastics packaging, particularly for cosmetics," explains Thomas Bernhardt, Head of Clariant Masterbatches Regional Business Unit Europe West. "Here, and elsewhere around the world, it is important for us to be able to show our customers blowmolded samples instead of injection-molded plaques, because the color is much more representative of what the finished product will look like."

NEW PACKAGING EFFECTS REQUIRE MULTI-LAYER TECHOLOGY

"Product marketers are always seeking new ways to create distinctive, yet cost-effective, plastics packaging," explains Chris Pandis, Head of Global Market Segment - Packaging for Clariant Masterbatches. "Increasingly, this involves placing color and special effects in different layers of a container to yield added depth and visual complexity. In many cases, the results are visible only in the finished product, so it is absolutely essential that we be able to produce multi-layer bottles for our customers - wherever in the world they happen to be."

By placing sometimes-expensive color and special-effect materials in a relatively thin surface layer (and using less-costly plastic materials in other parts of the package wall), it is possible to save money without compromising on aesthetic qualities. Multi-layer blowmolding technology also can add functionality (e.g., barrier and strength properties) and facilitate the increased use of recycled plastics. Recycled material can be "buried" between outer and inner layers of virgin material, with different color/effect recipes used for each layer.

Clariant packaging specialists are well-versed in the latest multi-layer plastics processing techniques. Not only are they able to assist package developers in design and color selection, but they can work with blowmolding companies to ensure that mechanical and appearance specifications are met while cycle times are kept to a minimum.

Clariant Masterbatches products are marketed under six global brand names: REMAFIN® masterbatches for olefins; RENOL® masterbatches for engineering resins, styrenics and PVC; CESA® additive masterbatches; HYDROCEROL® chemical foaming and nucleating agents; OMNICOLOR® universal color masterbatches; and ENIGMA® special effects. These brand names are all registered trademarks of Clariant.