New Solutions for PolyActic Acid Processing

Calumet City, Ill., January 6, 2011— PCC (Plastics Color Corporation), a leading polymer solutions provider and supplier of color concentrates, pre-colored resins and additive masterbatches for the plastics industry, has announced it new line of additive and toner packages for polyactic acid (PLA) polymers. The line, named SoluPLAs™ enhances the physical and aesthetic properties of PLA allowing it to be used in a wider range of processes.

Many manufacturers are turning to PLA to help them meet their own and their customers' sustainability goals. It's a natural replacement for many products commonly made from polyester, polyolefins, polystyrene and a other petroleum-based polymers. Many of the properties of PLA are consistent with these products but it is made from corn and other renewable resources.

As the market for PLA and other biopolymers grows, manufacturers are facing processing challenges such as clarity, impact resistance and mold ejection force. PCC has created packages that address these problems, making PLA a better and more environmentally friendly option for manufacturing of plastic ware, food packaging and other thermo-molded products. "We've been working on these solutions and testing their feasibility for several months at our Solutions Center in North Carolina," says PCC Director of Development Tim Workman. "We've also had an independent lab certify our results."

SoluPLAs additive packages are available in a variety of standard formulations or can be custom-created to meet specific color, opacity or other standards as dictated by end-product or manufacturing process. Additionally, SoluPLAs can be custom-formulated to meet FDA medical, pharmaceutical or food contact standards.

About PCC: PCC (Plastics Color Corporation) headquartered in Calumet City, Illinois, is a global provider of custom polymer solutions, compounds, colorants, and additive masterbatches in an extensive range of markets; from pharmaceuticals packaging to medical devices to consumer packaging to sporting goods and many more. PCC supports a wide variety of manufacturing processes, materials and additive packages that include: process additives, pigment blends and thermoplastic compounds of all types. Partnerships with customers to meet specific challenges — from concept to commercialization — define PCC’s approach to the market. PCC is dedicated to its “Pyramid of Partnership,” which compels vendors, customers and associates to share the latest information and technology for mutual benefit. PCC has more than 40 years' experience in the polymer industry and operates fully-equipped product development laboratories and manufacturing facilities in California, Illinois, North Carolina, and Nanjing, China. PCC’s Illinois lab is certified by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation, A2LA. PCC also provides testing and product development services through its Solutions Center in North Carolina as part of its commitment to the customer.

For more information call 1-800-922-9936.