Clariant (Muttenz / Switzerland; www.clariant.com) has formulated a range of masterbatches for use in compostable bioplastics. The masterbatches will be offered under Clariant’s “Renol” compostable brand name. “Cesa” compostable additive masterbatches will include UV stabiliser and antioxidant packages. Clariant expects to make more than 80 pigments available.

The Swiss specialty chemicals producer said the materials comply with the EN 13432:2000 standard for heavy-metal content and plant-toxicity and are in the final stages of evaluation for the “OK compost” certificate from Belgium´s AIB-Vinçotte (Vilvoorde; www.aib-vincotte.com) international certification institute.

“As interest in biopolymers grows, there is increasing demand for colours and additives with better environmental profiles,” said Hendrik Kammler, head of global marketing for additives at Clariant Masterbatches. “These new masterbatches incorporate conventional ingredients, while remaining compostable. They offer more colour, processing and application options than available ‘natural’ components.”

Clariant said compostable products made at its facility in Sant Andreu de la Barca / Spain are expected to be “OK compost” certified in July. The company already holds an “OK compost" certificate for a black masterbatch produced in Pogliano Milanese / Italy, and expects soon to obtain certification for the site’s whole range of new eco-friendly masterbatches.