Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio-based Americhem Inc. — a provider of custom color and additive solutions for
man-made fibers and plastics — has introduced the nBALANCE™ line of sustainable color and additive
masterbatches. The company used West Conshohocken, Pa.-based ASTM International’s standards as a
guide when developing the products, which it reports have a reduced environmental impact, consume
fewer natural resources than comparable conventional products, and use minimal energy in
manufacturing and distribution.
“At Americhem, we recognize the earth’s resources are finite, contributing to the growing
need to lessen our environmental footprint and to help our customers to do the same,’ said Rick
Mathew, director of research, Americhem. “We wanted to take responsibility with these products and
become proactive partners with our customers in producing next-generation products. The solution is
a product line based on renewable, compostable and biodegradable resources.”
The line currently includes defined palettes and technologies for polylactic acid (PLA) and
bio polytrimethylene terephthalate; a post-consumer recycled renewal additive for polyester; nCore®
chemical blowing agents that reduce raw material usage in the creation of lightweight products; and
natural fibers such as flax used as fillers and for unique aesthetic effects. Americhem notes it
can customize all of its sustainable solutions vis-à-vis material, production method and other
factors.
The company also is in the process of developing natural colorants based on organic
resources; a line of non-halogenated flame retardants for polyester; and a general-purpose PLA
product line for film and molded applications, which it is planning to launch in late summer 2012.
April 3, 2012
