Products & services

If you’re seeking a trusted, reliable, plastic materials manufacturer, then you’re in the right place. Whether you need custom colours, special effects, functional additives, a niche compound or a speedy, off-the-shelf colouring solution, Broadway can help.

We’re proud to provide high-quality masterbatches, compounds and rotational moulding powders, delivered with fast lead times. Our customers can expect attentive service and expert technical support. We’re happy to help customers who have no experience of plastic manufacturing, as well as those who know exactly what they need. Whatever your requirement, our friendly team will offer the support you need.

Compound strands
Pink masterbatch pellets being checked

Our Products

We supply three main product types; masterbatches, compounds and rotational moulding powders. Custom colours can be matched within three to five working days and production masterbatch orders can be dispatched within five working days of an order confirmation. Our colour and effect masterbatches are combinable with performance additives from our extensive selection. If you need a colour quickly then try our off-the-shelf solutions. We have a universal masterbatch range of 122 colours and over 20 colours for rotational moulding powders. Stocked products are often available on next day deliveries, with minimum orders of just 1kg for masterbatch.

Checking a colour plaque against a Pantone book

FREE Colour Matching

Colour matching plastics is an art, and one which we’re pretty good at! With a powerful combination of old heads and new colouring technology, we’ll provide accurate colour matches, with cost-efficient formulations and industry leading turnaround times. If you require a custom colour then please take advantage of our FREE colour matching service. Once we’ve formulated your colour, we’ll post sample colour plaques to you for approval, free of charge. Alternatively, you can join us on-site, to approve your matches as they’re developed in our fantastic colour suite. You have nothing to lose in allowing us the opportunity to deliver a fast, accurate colour match, a competitive price and the promise of great service.

Broadway's universal plaque chain

Plaques & Samples

As well as offering FREE colour matching and sample plaques, we can also supply material samples for line trials. Colour plaque chains showing our universal range can also be posted for customers to review. Get in touch with our knowledgeable, friendly team to discuss your requirements; sales@broadwaycolours.com

Broadway quality checks

Quality assured

Our custom colour masterbatches are polymer specific, this means they’re designed for optimum performance when dosed into our customers’ chosen material. Formulated for specific requirements, our colour and additive masterbatches are renowned for their accuracy and consistency. We ensure our custom formulations meet specific needs on heat stability and light fastness and comply with any necessary regulatory requirements. We work to a market-leading colour tolerance of just one Delta E. All our roto powders are ground to a standard 500 microns in order to suit a variety of applications including complex mouldings. We also offer various melt flow options.

Reasons to use Broadway

  • Fast lead times – next day deliveries achievable
  • Consistent, accurate products of premium-quality
  • Cost-efficient formulations, providing competitive prices
  • Experts in colour matching and customised solutions
  • On site colour matching service – great for colouring PCR
  • Impressive special effects portfolio
  • Comprehensive range of performance additives
  • Extensive testing facilities and rigorous QC procedures
  • Low minimum order quantities
  • Call-off and consignment stock services
  • Current European food, toy, medical and REACH compliance
  • Excellent customer service from knowledgeable, friendly staff
  • Established, family-owned business, trading internationally
  • ISO9001 and ISO14001 accredited supplier

Broadway’s Sustainable Solutions

We offer a range of products and services to support customers in achieving their sustainability goals. In addition to the below we can also develop masterbatches with a PCR carrier resin, as well as PCR-based compounds. If there’s something else you’re looking for then please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

MasterFoam

Bubbles evident in a cap moulding, manufactured using Broadway's MasterFoam

The more you use, the more you’ll save!

MasterFoam is our endothermic blowing agent masterbatch. 🫧

Blowing agents create a foaming effect in the moulding material during production, allowing air pockets into the moulding. The main purpose of blowing agents in plastic manufacturing is to reduce the density of the moulding material. MasterFoam relies on an endothermic reaction, this is less hazardous and more environmentally friendly than widely available exothermic blowing agents. Developed by our in-house technical team, MasterFoam has been extensively trialled and is proven to reduce costs and achieve other important benefits in the manufacture of plastic components:

✅ Reduction in material usage
✅ Reduction in costs, without any tooling changes
✅ Reduction in weight of the moulded component
✅ Reduced cycle times
✅ Reduced energy demand
✅ Reduced carbon footprint of the component
✅ Increased shot/running speed
✅ Increase in productivity (up to 100%)
✅ Prevention of sink marks in the moulded component
✅ Improved strength-to-weight ratio of the moulded component
✅ Improved thermal efficiency of the moulded component
✅ Improved acoustic insulation of the moulded component

Effective at low addition rates, the additive costs less than the value of the polymer saving it provides, so it has a real commercial appeal. In effect, the more a customer uses, the more they’ll be saving! With any further savings from reduced taxation, production efficiency, energy reduction and transportation coming in addition to this. Our extrusion grade blowing agent MasterFoam–Ex doubled the running speed of a customer’s extrusion, effectively doubling the capacity of their operation, without the need for any capital investment. These benefits were proven with a number of successful trials throughout 2023.

MasterFoam is a made to order product, produced at our Suffolk factory – offering security of supply. We’re able to offer FREE material samples for line trials, along with technical support to help you achieve the optimum results.

Other advantages for the customer over thin-walling or resizing the component are that there are no tooling costs, no changes to filling and packaging lines and no changes to the product’s appearance. Lightweighting components, without significantly reducing wall thickness and strength, can offer great benefit in various market sectors where plastics play a vital role, including automotive, aerospace, construction and logistics.

Odour Neutraliser

Odour neutraliser smell tests

Reduce odours in smelly materials

Whilst there are obvious circularity advantages to using recycled materials, there are challenges too, such as the smell! Recycled plastics can come from a range of sources and carry a multitude of contaminants, many of these cause odours which are problematic during production and can remain present in the end component. Even some virgin plastics can carry smells which need eliminating. Whilst these can be masked with a fragrance, this isn’t always desirable, particularly in applications such as toiletries or food packaging. It’s also a temporary solution, which soon fades, meaning end products can still present undesirable odours.

Our R&D scientists invested months of research, exploring odour neutraliser additives for plastics. They consider these a more effective and permanent solution than attempting to mask smells with a fragrance. Specialist chemicals within our new odour neutraliser additives act to absorb and trap VOCs and other odour molecules. This significantly reduces the amount of odorous particles which are released, therefore reducing the perceived smell of the material. We’ve explored a number of functional additives in order to find a commercially viable solution which delivers optimum performance.

NIR-Detectable Black

Broadway's NIR Detectable Black Masterbatch

Improve recycling compatibility with our NIR detectable ‘piano black’ masterbatches

High opacity, high gloss black plastics are a popular packaging choice, commonly used to offer products a premium appearance. Carbon black pigments – traditionally utilised to achieve such a finish, present inherent difficulties to the NIR detection systems used at waste sorting plants. They are strong absorbers of radiation both in the visible and infrared regions. This limits the amount of infrared radiation which can be reflected into the NIR detectors, placing considerable limitations on the system’s ability to characterise and sort the polymers. Conservative estimates from industry indicate that 30,000 – 60,000 tonnes of black plastic packaging may be entering the UK waste stream each year as a result of this issue.

The in-house laboratory at Broadway has called upon its extensive experience in colour chemistry to overcome this technical barrier. Our NIR-detectable piano blacks have undergone extensive and successful in-house NIR spectroscopy based tests, returning a distinct and statistically significant spectroscopic signature. Compatible with both PET and PP, these masterbatches produce a high-quality gloss ‘piano’ black finish whilst meeting standard food contact regulations. It redefines what can be achieved when it comes to maintaining a premium appearance, whilst safeguarding the ability to sort the end component in standard recycling waste streams.

NIR recycling diagram

Colouring PCR

Broadway Colour Plaques

We’re experts in colouring recycled material

With the world focused on reducing plastic waste; brand owners, moulders and consumers are rightly seeking sustainable options. PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) plastics offer an obvious solution – reprocessing waste packaging into usable materials for re-moulding. Our colourists are well-versed in colouring PCR, our team delivers dozens of matches for use in recycled plastics every week.

Many brands already enjoy the benefits of working directly with us. Broadway’s colour suite allows you to join us on-site to approve matches. This process means several new colour samples can be approved in a single day, saving time on product development. This facility is particularly useful when colouring recycled plastics. Our team can use a sample of your base material to demonstrate exactly how a specific batch of recyclate will impact the end colour of your moulded component. We’ll produce samples whilst you wait.

Precision Pigment Placement

Our expert colourists have produced over 50,000 custom colour matches. Our team will take a number of important criteria into account when selecting pigments or dyestuffs for your formulation. These include heat stability, polymer compatibility, lightfastness, toxicity, metamerism, colour criticality and cost.

Our Colour Suite

Broadway’s colour suite allows moulders, designers and brand owners to join us on-site to approve their matches. With access to our friendly team and expert colourists, this process saves precious time and money on development as several colours can be developed, reviewed and approved in a single day. Recent upgrades offer you further insight into our process. A window to our brand new laboratory allows sight of our colourists at work, formulating your colours.

This facility provides the perfect solution in response to the ever increasing demand for colouring PCR (post-consumer recycled) material. Using sample material from your specific batch, our team can demonstrate how PCR content will impact the colour of the end component. Our impressive wall displays showcase a large variety of colours, special finishes and end products – providing extra inspiration should you need it. Our knowledgeable team will be on hand to offer support each step of the way. With free Wi-Fi available, your office is never too far away, but you’re welcome to just sit back and enjoy the coffee whilst we do all the hard work for you.

Branded product display in Broadway's colour suite

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul”

Wassily Kandinsky

“It was surprising to see how much PCR content affected the final colour. Working with Broadway was great, as not only were they able to explain in great detail how the colour can be affected, but they were also able to show us, first-hand, how it looked. By carrying out the colour matching at the Broadway site and being able to feedback on the same day, it saved us precious time on development.”
Lauriane B.
Product Development Manager @ The Body Shop
“Broadway have supported M&H for many years. They have a vast array of knowledge and work hard to support the requirements of their customers. They understand the need to respond quickly and efficiently with high quality products. I would not hesitate to recommend Broadway.”
Louise S.
Cluster Purchasing Manager @ Berry M&H Plastics
“Broadway supply a comprehensive range of colourants for the SHARPSGUARD® range of products. While the day-to-day supply of colourants happen seamlessly to meet the exacting needs of Daniels Healthcare, in the background we work closely together to develop a range of colourants and other additives to future proof the SHARPSGUARD® range of products responsibly and sustainably. Broadway’s technical expertise is second to none which provides the basis to enhance new projects efficiently and effectively.”
Marc W.
Product Development & Technical Support Manager @ Daniels Healthcare
“Broadway have been our provider for some years now in all our technical material needs – offering expert technical knowledge and advice and providing bespoke solutions. Broadway have taken the stress out of trying to keep up to date with all our technical needs and provide us with a common sense approach to incorporating new materials and additives and adapting the materials to suit. They offer an up-to-date colour match service from a very experienced team and first-class technical approach, offering fast lead times. Broadway are a very competent team. They’re always on hand when we need them to react to our needs and we would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, consistent and quality focused material supplier.”
Shaun M.
Director @ Rototek
“Broadway’s ability to offer small lot size shipments, not only gives us flexibility in production, but makes us nimble and efficient when it comes to our own clients’ needs. Concentrating on relationship building and understanding our own requirements fundamentally makes Broadway stand out from the crowd.”
Ben M.
Head of Sales & Marketing @ ACME Whistles
“Broadway worked with us for several months to achieve the optimal results that our customer was looking for. This project was an absolute success for our business. Our experience with Broadway has always been positive, their biggest advantage is their great customer service and response time, this combined with a very good lead time for non standard colours makes Broadway one of the best masterbatch and compound suppliers that we have worked with.”
Vasco M.
Operations Manager @ SI Protech
“Broadway have been a consistent factor in supplying us with hundreds of colours for almost 15 years, an efficient and customer service driven supplier who delivers on time every time. From supplying a colour plaque to delivering large lots of masterbatch on extremely short lead times, Broadway have never let us down!”
Mark B.
Operations Manager @ Synergy Plastics
Colour powder background

What is masterbatch?

Masterbatch is used to add colour or enhanced properties to plastic components. It’s a concentrated formula of colourants and/or effects and/or additives, combined with fillers, encapsulated within a carrier plastic resin. Masterbatch is supplied in pellet form to be dosed into raw polymer for use in plastic manufacturing. Masterbatch can be used with virgin polymer or used with recycled plastic. We encourage customers to consider using PCR (post-consumer recycled) resins wherever possible. Want to know more? Check out our detailed article for a deeper explanation of masterbatch and its incredible role in enhancing product colours. Click here to learn more!  

Why do I need masterbatch?

Anyone creating a coloured plastic item will tend to require a coloured masterbatch. Broadway can develop and supply plastic colourants in the form of masterbatches, for plastic moulders to use in production. Masterbatch is almost always the preferred choice for colouring plastics. Most coloured plastic components we encounter in our daily lives will be coloured with masterbatch. As the pigments or dyes are encapsulated within a pellet, masterbatch ensures a much cleaner process than would otherwise be experienced by using liquid colours in plastic manufacturing. This can minimise waste and significantly reduce downtime in production. It also allows very accurate control of colour dosing and distribution. It’s not just about colour though, masterbatches can also be used to achieve a number of special finishes within plastics. Additive masterbatches can improve processing and enhance the properties of end components.

What is the cost of Broadway’s colour matching service?

A colour match will usually be free, we’ll do the match and post sample plaques free of charge. On rare occasions where specialist constituents are needed to complete the match then Broadway will be in touch to discuss any associated costs before we start work.

Can I get a free sample?

In many cases, small samples can be obtained free of charge. Please call us to discuss your requirements. Postage costs for samples will be dependant on location.

How long will it take for my order to be dispatched?

Universal Masterbatch: From one working day (dependent on current stock availability) Custom Masterbatch: From five working days (dependent on current production schedules) Custom Compounds: From five working days (dependent on current production schedules) Universal Roto powders: From one working day (dependent on current stock availability) Custom Roto powders: From three weeks (dependent on current production schedules) Please remember to allow time for delivery. Broadway deliveries are reliant on external courier services.

What are the minimum order quantities for Broadway’s materials?

Universal Masterbatch: 1kg Custom Masterbatch: 5kg Custom Compounds: 25kg Universal Roto powders: Small lots available in multiples of 20kg Custom Roto powders: 1,200kg

Which polymers do Broadway manufacture masterbatches for?

Broadway provide polymer specific masterbatches for use in HDPE, LDPE, PPCO, PPHO, PET, PBT, GPPS, HIPS, ABS, PA66/PA6, SAN, PETG and TPE/TPU. Our Universal Colour Range is designed for use in a variety of polymers.

Which polymers are Broadway’s Universal Colour Range compatible with?

Broadway’s range of 122 universal coloured masterbatches are suitable for use in PPCO, PPHO, HDPE, LDPE, GPPS, HIPS, SAN, ABS, EVA, POM, PVC, PA and PC. Shades and suitability may vary dependent on material grades and customers are advised to trial all colours before starting production.

Which polymers can Broadway compound?

Broadway can compound many different polymers; polyolefins, polyesters amorphous and styrene polymers. These include: SAN, PET, ABS, PP, HDPE, LDPE and GP. We can run compounds with virgin material or with high levels of PCR (recycled polymer). Broadway are able to source the required polymer, or compound with customer supplied materials.
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Enquire today to see how you can benefit from our high-quality materials.

Colour Masterbatch

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