Bath, Body, and Hair Care Packaging: Making Plastic Metal-Like
Brushed Brilliance masterbatch, a line extension of LiquidMetals, utilizes Ampacet’s Formula XPET technology, which does not require predrying and can be fed directly at the throat of the extruder.
There are different ways to give plastic the look—and even the feel—of metal. Such options provide more design options for packages used in the shower, for which plastic is the material of choice.
Ampacet Corp. (Tarry-town, NY) offers its Brushed Brilliance masterbatch, which replicates the look of brushed aluminum on plastic. “It also simplifies production by eliminating the need to transport components to and from secondary printers or processing lines,” says Ampacet’s Doug Brownfield, strategic business manager.
Clariant Specialty Compounding goes a step further by making plastic resin feel like metal. “Metal has heft,” explains Peter Prusak, head of the North American packaging market segment for Clariant Masterbatches (McHenry, IL). “In a bottle top, for instance, that heavy feeling suggests quality, durability, and value. This impression can be very important in the marketing of personal care products,” he says.
Impressions Packaging has expanded its PET Metals line (virgin PET or PCR PET bottles), adding additional options for metallic effects.
Deep blue, which is the signature shade for Neal’s Yard Remedies, was perfect for the brand’s 100%-PCR PET bottles. The brand recently switched all of its hair care and shower products from cobalt-blue glass bottles to the new plastic bottles supplied by M&H Plastics (Winchester, VA).
Clariant uses materials such as tungsten, barium sulfate, and bismuth to impart metallic qualities to a wide range of thermoplastic resins, including polyolefins, nylon, PVC, ABS, and other plastics. Many of these formulations can also be custom colored. Depending on which high-density filler is selected, the specific gravity of these materials can vary from that of ceramic tile (1.5) to that of lead (11).
For those looking for metallic plastic packaging but not additives, Impressions Packaging (Peachtree City, GA) offers PET Metals, a line of thick-wall PCR PET bottles that is designed to mimic the look of various metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, gunmetal, and pewter.
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