Undeniably, the plastic industry has evolved beyond expectations in recent decades. With rapid modernisation and advancement in technology, industries as a whole have widened their scope of operations which in turn increases their demand for various resources and technologies to support their tasks. Filler masterbatch has been widely used in various applications for all major industries across the globe. This masterbatch is a compound of calcium carbonate, plastic resin, and other additives based on customers’ requests. It is primarily used to increase stiffness, minimise shrinkage, reduce cost, increase strength, and improve the appearance of the final product. This product is also used for filling in plastic products to replace a part of the virgin polymer which is usually expensive. It is widely used in the manufacturing of films for the packaging industry. Since it is granular, it can be easily mixed with different ingredients based on the production technology and quality requirements of the final product.

For the packaging industry, the final products usually include shopping bags, wrapping films, garbage bags, roll bags, etc. They all contain filler masterbatch but are used in different compositions depending on the final product. Some of the more commonly used variants of filler masterbatches for the packaging industry are:

• PE filler masterbatch – This masterbatch is made from polyethylene, CaCO3, and other additives. It is used in the production of blow films due to its superior mechanical properties such as ductility, impact strength, and low friction. A common application for this masterbatch includes shopping bags, garbage bags, multi-layer films, etc.
• PP filler masterbatch – PP filler masterbatch consists of polypropylene resin, CaCO3, and other additives. While its overall properties are similar to polyethylene, it is slightly harder and more heat resistant. It is mostly used in PP woven sacks and non-woven products to minimise costs and any negative impact on the environment.
• Transparent masterbatch – This filler masterbatch is a combination of barium sulphate, sodium sulphate, plasticisers, and additives. The product has high luminosity and transparency while giving it increased strength and durability. It is particularly useful in applications such as packaging films, containers, bottles, cans, etc.
• Bio-filler masterbatch – Unlike the other variants of filler masterbatches, this masterbatch mainly consists of CaCO3 and bioplastic. It has high tear resistance and can last longer even if soaked in water. It is perfect for making disposable cutlery, boxes, and packaging films. This masterbatch is also environment friendly and can help in cutting down on production waste.

With the ever-increasing concern for the environment and plastic pollution, filler masterbatches are the perfect long-term solution for the packaging industry which allows manufacturers to be more responsible towards the environment while remaining focussed on their organisation goals such as meeting customer demands, maintaining quality and efficiency while also achieving its revenue targets.