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CTI Provides Solutions to Masterbatch Regulatory Issues
Food Industry is Target for Color-Changing Plastics
Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A. – – When food companies began looking at plastic utensils having the capability to change color based on temperature, the first question was always the same: Are these innovative plastics compliant with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration?

Having achieved such compliance in target end-use applications, Chromatic Technologies Inc., a pioneer in the use of temperature-sensitive inks and coatings, set out to become a market leader in thermochromic “Masterbatch” (the industry term for a solid or liquid additive used for achieving color in plastics). In the process, CTI launched its own version with the color-changing capability, calling the process POWERCAPSULES™.

Unveiled by CTI in November 2014, POWERCAPSULES™ are the result of the company’s breakthrough chemistry which includes thermochromic color concentrate pellets. POWERCAPSULES™ offer customers the benefits of an enviable let-down ratio, temperature indication, and powered by new technology that drives vibrant color and UV stability, all combined with U.S.-based manufacturing utilizing good manufacturing practices.

CTI’s POWERCAPSULES™ have been qualified in such popular applications as polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).

POWERCAPSULES™ serve to enhance the consumer experience across a diverse range of products including QSR utensils, soda closures, ice cream spoons, ice trays, baby bath toys, coffee lids and soup bowls.

Among plastics utensils, an estimated 40 billion are used every year in the United States alone1. Additionally, 34 percent of plastics in the United States today are earmarked for packaging applications (making plastics the largest market)2. In Europe, packaging accounts for nearly 40 percent of plastics demand3.

According to the industry research firm Freedonia Group “Demand for foodservice disposables in the U.S. is projected to increase 3.9 percent per year to $21.9 billion in 2019. Packaging will remain the most common product segment and will outpace service ware, napkins and other foodservice disposables.”

CTI established three temperatures for use in the plastics industry: 15° C. (59° F.); 18° C. (64° F.) and 40° C. (104° F.). Custom temperatures are also available. Additionally, POWERCAPSULESTM are available in the CMYK and blue colors, which can be mixed to make a virtual rainbow matching most Pantone colors.

“Most plastic companies receive a few inquiries per year for thermochromic and photochromic (light-sensitive) technology, but most pass on the opportunity because of the uncertainty in how to manage the technology in their production system,” said Patrick Edson, CTI’s chief marketing officer. “CTI has worked hard to provide a turnkey, U.S.-based solution that fits seamlessly into a customer’s supply chain.”

Edson added that plastics companies that support big brands are seeking simple answers to three critical questions: (1) does the technology work in my production system? (2) is the technology safe and complies with FDA or other regulatory requirements? and (3) is it affordable?

CTI’s POWERCAPSULES™ provide more color per capsule, faster temperature change and best value per pound of color along with U.S.-based technical support, research and development, and manufacturing.

A major accomplishment was achieved when CTI validated regulatory compliance in several categories concerning the food application of POWERCAPSULES™:

 RoHS directives,
 CONEG and EN 71-3 regulations,
 Dodd-Frank Conflict Mineral legislation,
 TSE requirements,
 California Proposition 65 legislation,
 no use of BPA,
 no use of phthalates,
 no use of ITX or benzophenone,
 manufactured in a facility free of FDA allergens or derivatives, and
 manufactured from materials not expected to contain genetically modified organism (GMOs).

CTI is the world’s largest manufacturer of thermochromic packaging material, conducting business in more than 50 countries. It was established in 1993 in the dorm room of a Cornell University chemistry major, Lyle Small. As president of CTI, Mr. Small has driven the considerable growth of CTI’s capabilities and committed the company to an aggressive research and development program that successfully allows CTI to provide custom innovation incubators for major brands worldwide.

Since its founding 22 years ago, CTI (www.ctiinks.com) has been dedicated to improving lives “through chemistry that alerts, protects and surprises.” As the world’s largest manufacturer of thermochromic inks, CTI uses its ink technology to convey messaging, be it an indication of hot or cold temperatures, or an extension of the product’s brand. CTI chemistry also provides photochromic, black light, glow in the dark, social media activation, security protection, and is also inventing new methods for bacteria detection and cancer treatment.

CTI’s innovations can be found on products from such companies as Anheuser Busch, Coca Cola, Coors, Fanta, Hallmark, Heineken, Monster Energy, Mountain Dew, Pizza Hut, The Smart Lid and Tuaca Liqueurs.

Media Contact:
Don Shook MERIT Media Relations 3375 E. Tompkins Avenue, # 153 Las Vegas, Nevada 89121 U.S.A.