Rowasol has expanded its portfolio of bio-based liquid inks under the Greenline brand. New additions include natural colorants derived from turmeric root, radish, algae, tomatoes, wood (or lignin), and indigo. Together with bio-based white and black, this provides a significantly wider range of base colors for coloring plastics.
For an initial comparative analysis, the company tested the new colorants under standardized conditions: each at a single concentration, in the same bioplastic, and at a processing temperature of 180 °C. The samples demonstrate the color range that has now been achieved. At the same time, Rowasol points to further potential through different dosages, color mixtures, and tints for customer-specific color concepts.
Bio-based Colorants for Plastic Applications
The Greenline was initially based on selected natural colorants, as well as a natural black and a mineral white. The range has now been expanded through additional raw material sources and suppliers. The new colorants are 100% bio-based. Combining the various colorants with tinting using bio-based white and black creates a broader color space for sustainable plastic applications.
The trials were supported by FKuR Kunststoff GmbH. The bio-based injection molding compound Bio-Flex® S 7514 was used. The material has a calculated bio-based carbon content of 75% and combines good flow properties with high heat resistance. The current samples thus demonstrate not only the colorants themselves but also their processing within a bio-based plastic system.
Carrier System with a Higher Bio-Based Content
In parallel with the expansion of the color spectrum, Rowasol is also further developing the Greenline carrier system. The bio-based content of the product is already at least 75%. According to the company, in initial optimized formulations, the bio-based content of the carrier was increased to over 96%. In addition, Rowasol is collaborating with several suppliers of bio-based surfactants to eventually develop a fully bio-based carrier system for this application.
The current samples illustrate the evolution of Greenline “from initial bio-based color concepts to a versatile modular system for coloring sustainable plastic applications.” The new color palette will be on display at Fakuma at the Rowasol booth in Hall B1, Booth 1212, as well as at FKuR in Hall B4, Booth 4406.