Best color masterbatch solutions for the global plastics industry
What is Color Masterbatch?
Many polymers start out clear or pale. To make them visually appealing and functional, manufacturers add concentrated pigment blends called color masterbatch. A masterbatch is a mix of pigments, additives and a carrier resin, compounded at high temperature then pelletized. These pellets are easy to dose and mix into base resin during processing.
Although a masterbatch is highly concentrated, only a small share is needed — often 0.5%–3% — to color a full batch of plastic. That small addition delivers consistent shade, better dispersion and fewer processing headaches than loose pigment powder.
Why Processors Prefer Masterbatch Over Pigment Powder
Switching from pigment powder to masterbatch reduces dust, improves safety, and speeds up production setup. Masterbatch brings several practical advantages:
Cleaner handling: No airborne pigment dust, safer for staff and less cleanup.
Better dispersion: Pigments are pre-dispersed in a carrier resin, reducing streaks and spots.
Repeatable color: Laboratories match shades and record formulations so each order repeats reliably.
Lower effective cost: Because masterbatch is concentrated, you often need less material to reach the desired shade.
Compatibility: Masterbatch formulas can be tailored for PP, PE, PET, ABS and recycled blends.
Common Types of Color Masterbatch
Masterbatch can be made in virtually every color. The most commonly used categories are:
White masterbatch — for opacity and hiding power
Black masterbatch — for deep coverage, UV shielding and recycled-pellet masking
Primary colors (red/blue/yellow) — for brand colors and packaging
Effect and metallic masterbatch — for specialty finishes
Tip: For recycled blends, black or repro masterbatch is often the most economical way to achieve uniform appearance across variable feedstock.
What Determines Masterbatch Price?
Price varies with pigment type, pigment loading, carrier resin and production scale. Deep or complex shades require more pigment or specialty colorants, which increases cost. Pigment origin and purity also matter — high-performance organics or specialty pigments from certain regions command a premium.
| Factor | How it affects cost |
|---|---|
| Pigment concentration | Higher load often means higher raw material cost but lower dosing rate |
| Pigment type | Specialty pigments cost more than standard inorganic colors |
| Carrier resin | Food-grade carriers and high-temperature carriers raise cost |
| Customization speed | Fast-turn custom colors may carry a premium for lab work |
Nuoxin’s Practical Edge: Fast, Accurate Color & Performance
Nuoxin combines a modern color lab with experienced colorists and automated compounding lines. The result is fast turnarounds and stable product quality.
Example color set: pellets can be custom matched and produced rapidly.
Key capabilities Nuoxin offers:
Rapid color matching — most bespoke shades available within days
Function integration — UV stabilizers, anti-block, anti-static or desiccant functions can be combined
Full lab testing — dispersion, melt flow, weathering and food-contact compliance checks
Choosing a Supplier: What to Look For
When you evaluate a masterbatch supplier, consider:
Consistency: Do repeat batches match under D65 lighting?
Technical support: Are trial packs and on-line process guidance available?
Compliance: Can the supplier provide relevant certificates (ISO, RoHS, FDA)?
Logistics: Is lead time acceptable for your schedule and market?
Nuoxin’s model focuses on fast sampling, clear technical data and hands-on production guidance to reduce initial trial time and speed up full-scale adoption.
Quick Reference: Typical Masterbatch Uses & Dosages
| Application | Masterbatch Type | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Blown film (packaging) | Color / anti-fog | 0.5%–2% |
| Injection molding (containers) | Color / filler | 1%–3% |
| Blow molding (drums) | Black masterbatch | 2%–6% |
| Extrusion (pipes) | Filler / UV stable color | 10%–60% (filler masterbatch) |
Get Samples and Technical Advice
If you want to test a shade or performance grade, Nuoxin offers sample packs and in-house trials. Samples include technical sheets and suggested processing tips so you can run a quick evaluation on your line.
