Ampacet, a global masterbatch leader,  has introduced UVBLOCK 1496, a new UV barrier masterbatch for food and industrial packaging that offers a sustainable alternative to conventional UV solutions based on benzotriazole additives.

Ampacet UVBLOCK 1496, a new UV barrier masterbatch for food and industrial packaging offers a sustainable alternative to conventional UV solutions based on benzotriazole additives. A safer solution, UVBLOCK 1496 is formulated without the intentional addition of SVHC. It offers excellent optical properties and good UV barrier performance in the low UVA and UVB wavelength range.

Light exposure, especially UVA and UVB, can damage food components such as fats, proteins and vitamins. Photo degradation often causes unwanted effects such as discoloration, off-flavors and odors, nutrient loss and ultimately, food waste.  Non-food products can also be sensitive and degrade under UV light exposure. To protect these products from UV degradation, UV barrier additives are often added to packaging.

Conventional UV additives containing phenolic benzotriazoles, however, have faced strong regulatory pressure due to environmental concerns. Some grades have been added to the European ECHA candidate list of Substances of  Very High Concern (SVHC).

A safer solution, UVBLOCK 1496 is formulated without the intentional addition of SVHC. It offers excellent optical properties and good UV barrier performance in the low UVA and