Harnessing resilience and adaptability

‘Resilience and adaptability are essential traits required to survive and advance, especially during these challenging times,’ maintains Anthony van Niekerk, MD of Masterbatch SA (MBSA). ‘We provide the plastics industry with an efficient, reliable and cost-effective way of adding the desired colour, effects and performance enhancements to virgin and recycled polymer. Our strategy for 2021 is focused on customer-centric solutions that swiftly overcome obstacles; adjust to changing situations; and effectively deliver tailor-made colour matching, product engineering, processing (including food-contact safety), traceability, or any other requirements, in the shortest possible time.’

MBSA’s trained colour matching and quality control professionals use premium colour spectrophotometric technology to measure the reflectance of colours with internationally-recognised CMC and CIELAB DE tolerance systems. Utilising advanced software, including Pantone colour systems, enables MBSA to keep up to date with market preferences and fluctuating colour trends such as Pantone’s colour choices for 2021 – Ultimate Grey and Illuminating (a vibrant yellow). 

‘In times of difficulty, fear, and uncertainty, we pull together, seek out things that are familiar, trustworthy, and predictable, and execute our time-tested practises that bring us success. But we can’t thrive on defensive practises alone. We seek hope to maintain our spirit and draw from our energy reserves to forge a better future. Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021 evoke images of warm sunshine on stone castles, celebrating the hope and fortitude we share,’ remarks Graeme Gordon, MBSA’s technical specialist.

‘MBSA can provide these inspiring 2021 colours to customers as a refreshing option for their polymer plastic products. The colours are matched for a broad spectrum of polyolefin and engineering polymer applications from sensitive food-contact approved indoor products that meet global regulatory body requirements to robust products that meet the gruelling demands of high-temperature and outdoor applications.

‘Through analysis of the underlying L* a* b* C* H* colour parameters, the colour can be modified to yield bolder, pure chromatic colours; toned down to yield lighter, pastel colours incorporating more white reflectance; or changed to yield darker colours incorporating black,’ Graeme explains. ‘Neutral colours such as grey lie in the centre of the colour spectrum from which slight changes in the measured a or b colour axes change the visual appearance from “warmer” yellow- or red-undertoned greys to “cooler” green- or blue-undertoned greys. These slight variations give rise to the phrase “the many shades of grey”.’ 

Technical manager, Isabel Brits adds: ‘At MBSA, we continue demonstrating our values with respect, accountability, passion, diversity and customer service represented by Pantone Illuminating, as well as quality, integrity, innovation and teamwork represented by Pantone Ultimate Grey. While some of our existing product codes already match these Pantone colours, we can match, produce and supply masterbatch in all plastic-related applications, from low-cost to high-end applications, even those requiring low warping and high-heat properties.’

MBSA provides a broad spectrum of functional additives that improve the processability, performance and experience of the end-product. These functional additives include anti-blocking and anti-static agents, anti-fog and desiccants, antimicrobial and biodegradation additives, clarifying and nucleating agents, corrosion inhibitors, fillers and extenders, flame retardants, fragrances and odour absorbers, impact modifiers and strengthening agents, laser marking, light diffusers, processing aids, slip additives and tackifiers, and thermal and UV light stabilisers. 

MBSA’s management systems are certified against the highest industry standards for quality, environmental responsibility, food safety and health and safety: ISO 9001; 14001; 22000 and 45001.