At its K 2016 press conference today (Hall 8A, J11), Clariant announced the development of a new calibration database in collaboration with matchmycolor and Konica Minolta. Clariant provided the two partner companies with the data set of some 60 organic pigments from its PV Fast and Graphtol ranges in different concentrations in high density polyethylene, to allow fast and very precise color matching using Konica Minolta spectrophotometers. The matchmycolor Colibri cloud-based software calculates color collections centrally. Because the data are in the cloud, they can be accessed globally. Using the same data set globally ensures the color is consistent, in every application - everywhere.

As Michael Grosskopf, head of Clariant's Pigments business unit, explained: “Color plays a decisive role in brand identity - brand owners link color to identity - and consumer product acceptance. In fact, color influences consumers’ perception of a product by anywhere from 62 to 90%. “

For masterbatch producers and their customers, the database provides added convenience and improves their efficiency. It significantly reduces the number of laboratory and testing steps normally required to replicate a color.

Grosskopf: “The high matching rates ensure a consistent color match globally, supporting industry standards and the demands of global brand owners.”

He also emphasized the importance of sustainability for Clariant, drawing attention to the company’s quinacridone pigments produced from renewably sourced succinic acid, and placing the development within the framework of the ‘lifestyle’ megatrend identified by the company.

“Color generates diversity”, he said, “but also serves as an element of unification. Our task is to ensure it is as safe and sustainable as possible.”

The biosuccinic acid is derived from sugar or biomass, and compared to its petroleum based counterpart, yields a product that is sustainable, yet perfectly identical to the original, only with a 90% reduction in the carbon footprint.

Next to lifestyle, Clariant also pinpointed mobility, health & nutrition, and urbanization as other megatrends impacting on the plastics industry. In relation to urbanization, Grosskopf mentioned that Clariant has developed an organic pigment PV Fast Yellow H4G as an alternative to the lead chromate pigments used in construction in applications such as flooring, pipes and outdoor films.

“Our product matches the color fastness of lead chromate, but is brighter, non-toxic has better weather and light fastness and is FDA approved.”

As part of the health & nutrition trend, the company is also offering a new PV Fast Red pigment that is especially well suited for beverage caps and closures. Grosskopf said the product exhibited low warping behavior and was FDA approved.

“Color provides brand recognition and gives an assurance of quality,” he said. “Our products make our customers’ products appealing and safe.”