28-Oct-16 When food companies began looking at plastic utensils having the capability to change color based on temperature, the first question was always the same: Are these innovative plastics compliant with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration? Having achieved such compliance in target end-use applications, Chromatic Technologies Inc., a pioneer in the use of temperature-sensitive inks and coatings, set out to become a market leader in thermochromic “Masterbatch” (the industry term for a solid or liquid additive used for achieving color in plastics). In the process, CTI launched its own version with the color-changing capability, calling the process POWERCAPSULES™.
Unveiled by CTI in November 2014, POWERCAPSULES™ are the result of the company’s breakthrough chemistry which includes thermochromic color concentrate pellets. POWERCAPSULES™ offer customers the benefits of an enviable let-down ratio, temperature indication, and powered by new technology that drives vibrant color and UV stability, all combined with U.S.-based manufacturing utilizing good manufacturing practices. CTI’s POWERCAPSULES™ have been qualified in such popular applications as polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). POWERCAPSULES™ serve to enhance the consumer experience across a diverse range of products including QSR utensils, soda closures, ice cream spoons, ice trays, baby bath toys, coffee lids and soup bowls.
Among plastics utensils, an estimated 40 billion are used every year in the United States alone1. Additionally, 34% of plastics in the United States today are earmarked for packaging applications (making plastics the largest market)2. In Europe, packaging accounts for nearly 40% of plastics demand3. CTI established three temperatures for use in the plastics industry: 15° C. (59° F.); 18° C. (64° F.) and 40° C. (104° F.). Custom temperatures are also available. Additionally, POWERCAPSULES™ are available in the CMYK and blue colors, which can be mixed to make a virtual rainbow matching most Pantone colors.
“Most plastic companies receive a few inquiries per year for thermochromic and photochromic (light-sensitive) technology, but most pass on the opportunity because of the uncertainty in how to manage the technology in their production system,” said Patrick Edson, CTI’s chief marketing officer. “CTI has worked hard to provide a turnkey, U.S.-based solution that fits seamlessly into a customer’s supply chain.”
Edson added that plastics companies that support big brands are seeking simple answers to three critical questions: (1) does the technology work in my production system? (2) is the technology safe and complies with FDA or other regulatory requirements? and (3) is it affordable? CTI’s POWERCAPSULES™ provide more color per capsule, faster temperature change and best value per pound of color along with U.S.-based technical support, research and development, and manufacturing.
A major accomplishment was achieved when CTI validated regulatory compliance in several categories concerning the food application of POWERCAPSULES™:
· RoHS directives,
· CONEG and EN 71-3 regulations,
· Dodd-Frank Conflict Mineral legislation,
· TSE requirements,
· California Proposition 65 legislation,
· no use of BPA,
· no use of phthalates,
· no use of ITX or benzophenone,
· manufactured in a facility free of FDA allergens or derivatives, and
· manufactured from materials not expected to contain genetically modified organism (GMOs).
1 WorldCentric.org, 2 American Chemistry Council, 3 PlasticsEurope Market Research Group (PEMRG)
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