A new masterbatch called Spectrafoil based on optical brightener that increases the light transmission in the visible range of radiation has been developed by a German masterbatch company. The masterbatch also absorbs incoming UV–A light, and provides a long life and no chemical degradation. The incorporation of this masterbatch permits acceleration of plant growth leading to an earlier harvest particularly in weak light conditions. The cloudy environmental conditions and low level of sun irradiation, prevalent in Scandinavian region as well as in northern Russia, derive maximum benefit by using this type of masterbatch.
This masterbatch when used in the roofing material of green house made from Polycarbonate offers a cooling effect to the green house. It particularly helps in retention of heat emitted by soil for longer time during nights. The cooling effect is maximum and more beneficial in those climatic conditions where days are warmer and night time temperatures cool down significantly.