Beyond the allure of black in packaging, particularly plastic packaging, it can create difficulties when recycling. Modern plastic recycling operations utilize near infrared (NIR) technology in their processing equipment to sort materials efficiently. Under such conditions, plastics colored with traditional carbon black pigment are largely undetectable, causing plastics that could and should be recycled to be unnecessarily discarded, contributing to landfill waste. This issue also affects other dark colors that utilize carbon black at low dosages, like dark blues, greens, browns and reds. 

The need for enhanced plastic recycling

With environmental consciousness at the forefront of global discourse, the need for sustainable solutions to address plastic pollution is undeniable. Plastics alone contribute significantly to environmental degradation, with an estimated 14 million metric tons entering oceans annually.  

As consumers and brands commit to more sustainable practices, packaging producers are increasingly considering a variety of solutions to support the recyclability of dark plastics including: 

• Converting packaging material to a nonplastic, typically contributing to an increase in cost.  
• Altering color of packaging, which can negatively impact brand identity. 
• Incorporating an innovative technology, like near-infrared (NIR) reflecting pigments, to encourage recyclability and enhance efficiency. 

NIR reflecting pigments pave the way for a more circular plastic economy

NIR pigments are engineered to reflect near-infrared light, making it easier for automated sorting systems to distinguish between various types of plastics during recycling. 

Key advantages of NIR pigments include: 

• Improved sorting accuracy: Enhances the accuracy of sorting processes in recycling facilities. Automated sorting systems equipped with NIR technology can efficiently identify and separate plastics based on their reflective properties. 
• Increased recycling rates: Improved accuracy in plastic sorting can help increase recycling rates by reducing contamination. 
• Cost-effective recycling: NIR reflecting pigments aid automation in sorting processes so recycling facilities can streamline their operations and optimize resources. 
• Environmental impact: More effective and accurate recycling through the use of NIR reflecting pigments has the potential to be a reliable contributor to overall plastic pollution reduction. 

Vibrantz helps improve the recycling of dark plastics 

We are the leading global supplier of inorganic pigments and provide NIR-detectable black pigments for dark plastic recycling that meet food contact regulations. 

Our flagship NIR reflecting product Nubifer® NB-803K FCP (pigment black 33) is a moderate NIR reflecting black with low magnetism, improving color strength and sort-ability. Nubifer NB-803K FCP is also FDA and EU 10/2011 compliant, allowing the product to be used on plastics in contact with food. 

We also offer a Nubifer 24-3950 FCP (pigment brown 29), which is an NIR reflecting FDA-approved pigment that enhances shade intensity without losing opacity. Contact us to learn more about our expanded portfolio of pigments.  

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In the pigment world, chrome oxide green is one of the most stable and versatile green hues woven into countless everyday items. This inorganic pigment is characterized by its stunning, opaque and rich green color. It is a multifaceted pigment that mirrors the beauty of the natural world, while providing additional performance advantages and camouflage properties.

A durable pigment that delivers

The shift toward more sustainable automotive and industrial coatings, plastics and building materials has increased the demand for inorganic pigments that provide a greater benefit than the simple coloration of a formulation. Inorganic pigments like chrome oxide green also impact physical properties of the paint or coating during application and throughout the product lifecycle. They are more stable against harsh environmental and chemical conditions, while offering lower production costs.

• Color stability: Chrome oxide green is celebrated for its exceptional color stability. It is highly resistant to light and temperature changes, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications and long-lasting artistic creations.
• Opacity: This pigment is renowned for its impressive opacity. It can easily cover underlying surfaces, making it a popular choice in the world of paint, ceramics and plastics.
• Chemical resistance: Chrome oxide green boasts improved chemical resistance. It can withstand exposure to acids and alkalis, ensuring its longevity in various environments.
• Durability: Due to its durability and resistance to fading, it is commonly used in applications where colorfastness is essential.

The endless versatility of chrome oxide green

Chrome oxide green, with its remarkable color stability, opacity and versatility, continues to be a favorite in various industries, including:

• Paints and coatings: Chrome oxide green’s color stability and opacity make it ideal for artists and industrial applications alike.
• Plastics: The plastic industry uses this pigment for coloring a range of products, from toys and household items to automotive parts.
• Ceramics: Used to produce various shades of green in pottery and decorative items, chrome oxide green is preferred for its ability to withstand high firing temperatures.
• Glass: Chrome oxide green is utilized in glass manufacturing to produce distinctive green hues in glassware and stained glass.
• Art: Many artists prefer chrome oxide green for its vivid, long-lasting color in oil and watercolor paints and is often used for landscapes, foliage and other green elements in paintings.

Your reliable pigments partner for chrome oxide green and beyond

Customers today have endless color options, and Vibrantz helps expand what’s possible with our expansive pigment portfolio. Our technical expertise, coupled with the world’s most extensive pigment offering, gives customers peace of mind and design freedom for any project. 

For more than 40 years, Vibrantz has provided various markets with a reliable suite of chrome oxide green pigments offering an olive-green shade that is opaque to visible light with high near-infrared (NIR) reflectance. Properties include ease of dispersion with excellent dimensional stability, resulting in no warping or shrinkage.

Vibrantz’s chrome oxide green (PG17) recommended pigments include:

• Nubicrom 02 – Highly micronized/high dispersibility chrome oxide green with a yellowish shade
• SMM Series – Micronized chrome oxide greens
• S Series – Basic chrome oxide green for general applications

Vibrantz is the leading global supplier with the largest portfolio of inorganic pigments and a strong player in specialized organics. the largest portfolio of inorganic pigments and a strong player in specialized Organics Our high-performing inorganic color pigments are custom formulations that outperform alternative technologies in opacity, ease of dispersion, high heat fastness and chemical resistance with no bleeding or pigment migration. Their overall durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions make our inorganic pigments ideal for any demanding application.

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