PLA Masterbatches
100 percent bio-degradable – Not fossil-based – Conform to EU norm 13432
PLA masterbatches and other colour masterbatches based on degradable plastics offer a sustainable solution for neutral and coloured food packaging, such as compostable coffee capsules. As concentrated colour pigment granules based on biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), PLA colour masterbatches enable brilliant colour design without fossil-based plastics. They play a key role, especially in the field of environmentally friendly disposable packaging: they combine ecological responsibility thanks to their biodegradability with high product aesthetics and food safety. The masterbatches are easy to process, suitable for common processes such as injection moulding and thermoforming, and comply with EU and FDA food safety regulations. Whether bold brand colours or subtle natural tones – colour masterbatches made from PLA help to create visual differentiation and underline the sustainability claims of modern brands. Despite challenges such as moisture sensitivity or incompatibility with other polymers, PLA colour masterbatches offer a compelling overall package for companies that rely on high customer acceptance.
PLA colour masterbatch for food packaging and coffee capsules
Sustainable colour variety meets functionality. In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, companies are looking for forward-looking solutions that combine environmental awareness with product quality. Particularly in the packaging industry and consumer goods sector, for example in coffee capsules, there is a growing demand for biodegradable materials that are both high-performance and attractive. PLA colour masterbatches meet this requirement perfectly – they offer brilliant, biologically based colouring and are specially designed for applications such as food packaging and compostable coffee capsules.
What is a PLA colour masterbatch?
A PLA colour masterbatch is a concentrate containing tested colour pigments embedded in a PLA (polylactide or polylactic acid) carrier matrix, combined with additives for specific application requirements. PLA is a bio-based and biodegradable plastic derived from renewable raw materials such as corn starch or sugar cane. By adding a PLA colour masterbatch to a natural-coloured PLA compound, the end product can be specifically coloured – without having to resort to conventional plastics. This is particularly interesting for companies that offer single-use products such as to-go packaging, cup lids, food storage containers or coffee capsules, but still value environmental friendliness.
Food packaging made from PLA
Food packaging must not only be functional and safe, but also visually appealing. Colour plays a decisive role here: it ensures brand identity, consumer appeal and differentiation at the point of sale. Typical applications include PLA cups and lids for hot and cold drinks, disposable trays and cutlery, fresh packaging for fruit, vegetables and delicatessen products, and transparent packaging with opaque or translucent colouring.
Coffee capsules and tea capsules made from PLA
Coffee capsules and tea capsules pose a particular challenge. Not only do they have to withstand the hot brewing process, they also need to be airtight, taste-neutral and, if possible, compostable. PLA has established itself as a neutral carrier material in this area. Thanks to PLA colour masterbatch, the right colouring can be achieved for brand building and product differentiation.
What PLA colour masterbatches offer for coffee capsules and tea capsules:
- Highly opaque colours with excellent surface adhesion
- Thermally stable pigments for maximum brewing temperatures of 120°C
- No impairment of compostability with appropriately certified pigments Possibility of customisation (e.g. for limited editions or branding colours)
- End products that can be certified for home compostability or industrial compostability in accordance with EU standard EN 13432.
Challenges in the use of PLA colour masterbatches
PLA colour masterbatches have a wide range of applications. The following points should be taken into account in product development and use. The temperature stability of PLA is lower than that of conventional plastics such as PP or PET at 60-70°C (long term). PLA is therefore only suitable for hot filling or microwave products to a limited extent. However, PLA can remain stable at 120°C for short periods. Special PLA compounds can increase heat stability or guarantee improved oxygen barriers, thus expanding the range of possible applications.
PLA is hygroscopic and therefore absorbs moisture. This also applies to PLA masterbatches, which must therefore be stored in a dry place. Moisture can lead to processing problems such as blistering. Airtight storage in the original packaging and pre-drying before processing can help to remedy this.
Responsible colours thanks to PLA
PLA colour masterbatches are a powerful tool for companies that focus on environmentally friendly packaging while also valuing brand aesthetics and product safety. Particularly in the areas of food packaging and capsules, they enable sustainable innovation without compromising on design and function. Investing in biodegradable, colour-stable masterbatches is more than just a trend – it is a step towards responsible product development and a genuine circular economy.
Granula® for sustainable colouring
We support you from colour development to process integration. Whether you need sample colours, individual formulations or advice on compostability – get in touch with us. Together, we develop solutions that show their colours: for the environment, quality and brand impact.