Lifocolor to show masterbatch portfolio at Fakuma 2026

Lifocolor will present a range of masterbatches at stand A4-4206 during the 30th Fakuma trade fair in October 2026, focusing on three issues currently shaping plastics processing: material switching, sortability in the recycling loop and regulatory compliance. At the event in Friedrichshafen, the company will show its latest product, Velvet PET, a masterbatch designed to give PET bottles the velvety-matt feel usually associated with HDPE. The portfolio on display will also include laser-markable, NIR-detectable black masterbatches, intended to support requirements linked to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. In addition, Lifocolor will present a newly restructured portfolio by application profile in response to Amending Regulation (EU) 2025/351 on food contact, addressing documentation and compliance questions across the supply chain.

In recent years, regulatory decisions and material choices have become closely connected in plastics processing. With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation coming into effect on 12 August 2026 and the transitional period for Amending Regulation (EU) 2025/351 ending on 16 September 2026, as well as new rules on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and Bisphenol A, several EU frameworks will directly affect producers, converters and suppliers. According to Lifocolor, many of these regulations go beyond design and documentation and concern the material composition itself. The company has aligned parts of its masterbatch portfolio with this regulatory environment.

Material switching and compliance requirements

Velvet PET is a masterbatch that gives PET bottles the soft, velvety appearance and grip typically associated with HDPE extrusion blow-moulded bottles. The product is intended for brand owners in cosmetics, personal care, food and pharmaceutical applications that want to combine sensory properties with the economic and ecological characteristics of PET. In the context of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Lifocolor positions the solution as supporting mono-material designs and recyclability. Velvet PET can be processed as an additive masterbatch on existing injection stretch blow moulding lines and is approved for food contact.

For the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Lifocolor is also highlighting its laser-markable, NIR-detectable black masterbatches. These products combine two requirements in one masterbatch: dark packaging remains detectable in sorting plants and can be permanently identified without printing inks. The product belongs to a broader range of laser-marking products and PPWR support solutions.

The company will also show NIR-detectable silver masterbatches, which make it possible to achieve a metallic appearance without electroplating or coating in downstream processing. Another part of the offer is the established Lifocycle portfolio of colour masterbatches for rPET, colour correction and content protection on recyclate-based carriers.

Portfolio structured by application profile

Following the end of the transitional period for Amending Regulation (EU) 2025/351 to the EU Plastics Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, Lifocolor has restructured its portfolio into defined application categories. For sensitive applications involving direct food contact, the company offers masterbatches with conformity documentation and qualified raw materials.

For everyday-use applications that should continue to meet the safety and purity requirements of Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Plastics Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, but do not require the new extensive documentation, Lifocolor continues to supply needs-based solutions. The new structure is intended to balance product safety, documentation depth and cost-effectiveness according to the application. It also aims to clarify what level of regulatory documentation is genuinely required, rather than applying the maximum regulatory tier where it may not be needed.

Restructured for compliance: Lifocolor's food-contact portfolio is now organised by application profile, in response to Amending Regulation (EU) 2025/351

Effects, colours and technical applications

From its effects range, Lifocolor will present decorative developments introduced in recent months. These include a hologram effect with iridescent depth, achieved with specially coated glitter pigments; a granite-effect range with sandstone and cork-look variants; and additional metal looks. All effect masterbatches are approved for food contact and are suitable for common processing methods at temperatures between 280 and 300 °C. Visitors will also be able to preview the emerging trend colour line for 2028 and obtain colour fans and materials from "Shades of Inspiration 2027".

Beyond the main fair topics, Lifocolor will present masterbatch solutions for engineering polymers, including styrenics, CoPET, PC, PA, PMMA, POM, PBT and PPS, as well as various blends. The company develops polymer-identical masterbatch formulations for these materials.

For applications with high safety and purity requirements, including toys, food, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, Lifocolor produces masterbatch formulations under its own GMP production concept. This includes defined hygiene guidelines, extensive analytics and change-management agreements. Compounders and recyclers are supported, among other products, with mono-concentrates or single pigment concentrates. These are intended to facilitate in-house colour matching and enable flexible responses to fluctuating input qualities of recyclates.