Milestones
Development of the industry
♦ 1950s ♦ Triumphal march of plastics
After various successes in the field of polymer chemistry in the first half of the 19th century, plastics became a material for industrial mass production. Thermoplastics in particular enable the cost-effective production of molded parts. However, they are at first coloured using powdered colourants.
♦ 1959 ♦ First masterbatches from the USA
The invention of colour concentrates enables manufacturers of plastics to colour their products more easily and to produce smaller batch sizes. The first masterbatches are produced by Americhem, still a major manufacturer of colour and additive masterbatches with headquarters in Ohio.
♦ 1969 ♦ Germany is following up
After a number of Italian manufacturers, German companies also start producing masterbatches: 1969 Siegle/BASF and Treffert, 1971 Schroeder & Stadelmann (now Clariant), Albert Schleberger (now Color Plastic Chemie) and Constab.
♦ 1970/80s ♦ Expansion of the range, development of the industry
Plastic products in all conceivable colour shades require masterbatches that are individually tailored to customer requirements. Organic pigments enable more brilliant colourataions. Always new additives allow a most different variety of plastic applications. The masterbatch industry is growing.
♦ 1998 ♦ Founding of the Masterbatch Association
United we are strong. Thirteen producers of masterbatches recognize this and join forces under the umbrella of VdMi (Verband der Mineralfarbenindustrie – German association of producers of pigments and fillers etc.). The Masterbatch Association becomes the common mouthpiece towards customer industries and the public. Together, the members can also tackle major overarching tasks, such as developing a training course for colourists. The basic structure of this course is still in place today.
♦ since 2000 ♦ Legal clarity
Under the umbrella of the Masterbatch Association, members deal with topics such as customs law, heavy metal limits and various product-related regulations (e.g. medical technology, food).
♦ 2003 ♦ Knowledge for reference
The book "Farb- und Additiv-Masterbatches in der Praxis" (Colour and additive masterbatches in praxis), written by the association members, describes the basics of masterbatches, their processing technology and their possible applications.
♦ 2004 ♦ Valuable support for REACH
From 2004 onwards, the association supports its members in implementing the new chemicals legislation REACH.
♦ 2010 ♦ Extruder driving license
Extruder experts from the member companies pool their know-how. The "Extruder Driving Licence" will help to better master the challenges in production in the future.
♦ 2015 ♦ Expertise pays off
Twenty-two companies are now benefiting from the joint appearence in the market and towards authorities. The association's own technical commission has established itself as the knowledge center of the member companies. It meets the growing number of legal requirements with practical guidelines. Quality requirements for sensitive applications such as toys or food packaging are discussed in this committee.
♦ 2018 ♦ 20 years of Masterbatch Association
The anniversary year of the Masterbatch Association is an occasion to define the position of the industry. The association has established itself as a mouthpiece for manufacturers. The expertise of the Association and its members is not limited to the masterbatch product. The know-how also extends to the numerous applications in the various customer industries, to trend consulting and resource conservation. Masterbatchers are thus increasingly becoming the pacemaker for innovations in the plastics value chain.
