Circular color solutions: Giving recyclates attractive shades

Sustainability and color design go hand in hand. At Italmaster, we believe that recycled plastics – both PCR (Post-Consumer Recyclates) and PIR (Post-Industrial Recyclates) – don’t have to be limited to dull colors such as black or grey. Thanks to our expertise in color masterbatch development, we upgrade recyclates into appealing and consistent shades that make circular materials attractive for new applications.

Recyclates in color: more than black and grey

Traditionally, recyclates are associated with dark, muted tones. At Italmaster, we prove that this doesn’t have to be the case. With carefully developed circular color solutions, recyclates can achieve attractive, modern and brand-consistent shades that open the door to sustainable yet aesthetically pleasing products.

How does it work?

The process of developing a masterbatch to color a recycled polymer is similar to coloring prime polymers – something we do more than 1,000 times per year. However, there are specific challenges linked to recyclates:

• The starting color sets the tone – the base color of the recyclate largely determines which shades are achievable.
• Every project is tailored – we assess each coloring job individually to see what’s possible and what results can be reached.
• Keeping costs in mind – not every color option makes sense financially, so we talk openly about what’s realistic before starting.

Consistency is key

As long as the color tolerance of a recyclate stream remains stable, the same masterbatch can be used to obtain consistent shades. But if the recycled input varies too much, adjustments are needed for every batch. This is where Italmaster’s flexibility and agility make a difference – ensuring that even challenging material flows can result in reliable and attractive color outcomes.

Partner in circular design

Our enthusiastic team is ready to support you in exploring the possibilities and limits of coloring recyclates. By combining our know-how in color technology with a deep understanding of recycled material flows, we help brands and manufacturers turn sustainability into colorful reality.

Why choose Italmaster for your circular color solutions?

• Expertise in color masterbatch development for PCR and PIR
• More than 1,000 custom color developments per year
• Transparent advice on technical feasibility and economic aspects
• Flexible, agile approach to adapt to varying recyclate streams
• A partner committed to sustainability and design excellence

Discover how Italmaster combines color and circularity. Together, we make recyclates not only sustainable – but also beautiful. 

Watch our YouTube video "How to develop masterbatch for recycled plastics".

Italmaster Belgium NV is your flexible partner for the development, production and sales of masterbatches, monopigments & additives. Contact us for the development, production and flexible delivery of your masterbatch in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and other countries of the European Union.