Leading UK masterbatch manufacturer Broadway, has launched new carbon-black-free, NIR-detectable black and silver masterbatches. These formulations allow PET, PP, PE, and other polymers to maintain a premium aesthetic while remaining visible during Near-Infrared (NIR) recycling. This helps brands and manufacturers meet sustainability targets and reduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees.
Solving the Challenge of Recycling Black and Silver Plastics
Carbon black pigments are commonly used in traditional black masterbatches because they provide rich, opaque colouring with excellent coverage at low addition rates. However, it’s a widely reported issue that carbon black absorbs the near-infrared (NIR) signals used to identify and sort polymers in NIR recycling facilities. When black plastics fail to reflect these signals, recycling systems cannot identify and sort the polymer. As a result, tonnes of otherwise recyclable black plastics are being sent to landfill.
Traditional silver masterbatches pose a similar challenge for NIR recycling because their metallic pigments scatter near-infrared light. The irregular reflection and partial absorption of NIR light reduces signal strength and consistency, preventing the sensor from reliably detecting the polymer’s signature. This makes it difficult for sorting equipment to identify silver plastics also.
With modern pigments and extensive colouring expertise, Broadway has launched a new suite of carbon-black-free, NIR-detectable black and silver masterbatches. These formulations overcome NIR-detectability issues, allowing PET, PP, and PE mouldings to maintain a premium appearance while maintaining the potential for identification within NIR recycling streams.
Broadway’s NIR-detectable black masterbatches eliminate the requirement for carbon black pigments, while still delivering deep, opaque blacks. Their smooth, striking NIR detectable silvers negate the scattered signal issues typically seen in silver plastics. By keeping plastics NIR-visible, these materials enhance sortability and recyclability, helping to mitigate exposure to rising EPR fees now and in the years ahead as phased increases take effect.
Key Benefits of Broadway’s NIR-Detectable Masterbatches:
- Polymer-specific formulations for PET, PP, PE, and other polymers
- RoHS, FDA, and EU food contact compliance available
- Aligns with EPR requirements, helping to reduce taxation costs
- Enhances recyclability, circularity, and sortability of plastics
- Maintains premium aesthetics with rich, opaque blacks and silvers
Black PET trays are commonly used in food packaging. Broadway’s NIR-detectable blacks offer food contact compliance.
Illustrative EPR Savings
Not only do these recyclability issues have a detrimental impact on the environment, with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, they also result in financial penalties on packaging producers and brand owners.
Using NIR-detectable masterbatches that do not impede recyclability typically results in plastic packaging being assigned an Amber EPR rating, with a fee of £423 per tonne produced. In contrast, packaging made with traditional carbon black masterbatches (effectively non-recyclable in automated sorting systems) would typically incur a Red EPR rating, resulting in higher, modulated fees per tonne: 1.2 × £423 in 2026, rising to 1.6 × £423 in 2027, and 2 × £423 in 2028. Actual ratings and fees can vary depending on polymer type, packaging format, and other factors, but the trend highlights the potential cost benefits of NIR-detectable masterbatches.
Taking this into account, Broadway has prepared a cost comparison illustrating the financial impact of using traditional carbon black masterbatches versus NIR-detectable alternatives for 5,000 tonnes of black packaging annually. The analysis includes combined costs for polymer, masterbatch, and EPR fees. While NIR-detectable masterbatches are more expensive than carbon black alternatives, the overall savings they offer can be substantial once EPR fees are taken into account – in this example, almost £3M over three years.
Dr Stephen Rayner, Technical Director said:
“With our new carbon-black-free, NIR-detectable, black and silver masterbatches, customers can achieve a premium finish on a par with any traditional black or silver colourant, alongside reliable NIR detectability. This has been made possible through the use of advanced pigments and modern colour chemistry. Our NIR-detectable colourants have been tested against alternatives from global masterbatch suppliers, and chosen over these for their superior colour quality and consistent detectability performance in the moulded articles tested.”
Alex Harvey, Sales Director added:
“As well as being an environmentally responsible choice, our NIR-detectable blacks and silvers are increasingly appealing commercially as companies look to mitigate rising modulated EPR fees. By switching to our NIR-detectable masterbatches, packaging producers can achieve significant cost savings over time, while improving recyclability without aesthetic compromises. We’re delighted with the success we’ve seen so far, with high-volume orders from UK and European customers. We can also provide carbon-black-free custom colour formulations on request. Our NIR-detectable masterbatches are part of our Greener Solutions portfolio – designed to help our customers reduce their environmental impact and reach their sustainability goals.”
Contact Broadway to discuss your requirements or to request material samples.
Call: 01986 875 100 or email; sales@broadwaycolours.com.