German chemical company BASF has partnered with US-based polymer manufacturer Avient to introduce coloured grades of Ultrason high-performance polymers into the global market.
For the coloured grades, BASF’s Ultrason polyarylethersulfones (PAES) will serve as the base polymer that will be combined with Avient’s high-temperature colour formulation expertise to provide colour concentrates and pre-coloured solutions.
Avient will be responsible for formulating and selling these coloured grades as 'Colorant Chromatics' made with BASF’s Ultrason.
This full-colour Ultrason portfolio is expected to result in a more sustainable lifestyle, as it promotes the reusability and recirculation of products in different industries such as the household and catering, electrical and electronics, as well as healthcare sectors.
The portfolio will also contribute to a circular economy system by minimising packaging waste and avoiding the circulation of single-use plastics, which otherwise is seen in traditional catering and takeaway products.
Florian Hennenberger, of BASF's Ultrason global business development, said: “By working together, we can now offer customised colours with Ultrason as a base material to existing and new customers.
“By combining the global networks of both companies with the colour formulation expertise of Avient and the broad material competency and portfolio of BASF, this collaboration will lead to smoother and less complex product development for our customers.”
Avient Colorant Chromatics' general manager Anne Hippert said: “The market requirements for coloured, high-performance polymers are clear: you have to react quickly and also be able to supply various volumes of coloured material.
“Together, we are committed to bringing innovative PAES to the market, meeting colour challenges across multiple industries, including the household and food industry, where we see the use of Ultrason as a perfect fit for our customers’ sustainability efforts by promoting appealing colours for reusable and safe applications.”