What is masterbatch and how to choose the right one for your process?

Masterbatch is a concentrate of pigments and additives encapsulated in a carrier resin. It is dosed in small amounts into the natural polymer and gives it color, function or both during the conversion process.

Why masterbatch is used instead of direct pigment

Dry pigmenting means handling fine powders on the plant floor: cross-contamination, equipment cleaning and shade variation between batches. Masterbatch delivers the pigment already dispersed in pellet form. Dosing is clean, repeatable and compatible with automatic feeders.

The three factors for choosing it well

• Base polymer: the masterbatch must be compatible with your resin. A line for HDPE, LDPE and PP covers most polyolefins.
• Conversion process: injection, film extrusion, blow molding or compression run at different temperatures. Check the concentrate range, typically 150 to 250 degrees Celsius.
• Application regulation: if the part comes into contact with food, the pigment must be listed under FDA 21 CFR 178.3297 or its NOM equivalent.

Stock color or custom development?

A standard color line quickly solves the shades in common use: whites, blacks, primaries. When the product demands a brand shade, the path is color matching: the laboratory formulates against your physical reference or your Pantone number and you validate it on your own machine before committing volume.

What to ask your supplier

• What equipment they use to measure color and against which reference.
• Whether the pigment is organic, inorganic or combined, and what heat resistance it has.
• Under which standard their manufacturing procedures are certified.
• How they handle trials in your production before the firm order.

At Delta Pigmentos we have manufactured masterbatch for 24 years, with our own laboratory, Pantone reference and ISO 9001-2015 certified procedures. If you are evaluating a new color, message us on WhatsApp with your polymer and your shade reference.