EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 No. 10/22 www.petpla.net 20 Additive and colour masterbatches from Switzerland Product quality, shelf life and food safety for PET by Kay Barton When it comes to the use of masterbatches and additives in the production of PET containers, all roads eventually lead to the family-run company Sukano AG. The global specialist with its main office in Schindellegi, around 30 minutes south of Zurich, has been manufacturing these products for use in a range of sectors and applications since the business was first established at the end of the 1980s. In terms of revenue, about two-thirds of the products end up in the packaging sector and approximately 80% in food applications. The company has a global presence employing 200 staff and claims not to have lost any of its trailblazing spirit. CEO Norman Egger took the time to speak to PETplanet about demand for packaging solutions, including recycling and sustainability. Interview with Sukano AG 9 August 2022 We met: Mr Norman Egger, CEO Local to global Founded in 1988, Sukano specialises in slip and anti-block additive masterbatches for PET film applications which are still among today’s bestsellers. “Sustainable business models and innovative products while at the same time working closely with our customers have always been our focus”, said Mr Egger, CEO since 2017, as we began our interview. A local business later became a global one with the addition of two company sites established over the years in order to be as close as possible to the customer. The Malaysian facility focuses on clients in the Asia-Pacific region, with the US plant in South Carolina concentrating on American markets. Mr Egger explains the strategy. “With our set-up on three continents, we can offer a flexible service on a regional level. For example, we can develop products in one place and manufacture them anywhere.” Product portfolio and latest developments As well as an extensive and standard portfolio ranging from colours to special additives, the manufacturer also offers customised projects and product developments to meet customers specific requirements or to address market trends for PET bottles and trays as well as other end applications in market segments such as durable goods, building and construction or healthcare applications. “Recycling and circularity are particularly important for us,” said Mr Egger. “All our PET masterbatches are designed to be recycled while some may also be reused. Our products allow the use of both recycled material and increased recyclate in processing and subsequent end use. We also support our customers in moving from complex packaging designs to monomaterial packaging”. “Applications where our additive and colour masterbatches are found include dairy, water, and carbonated soft drinks PET bottles be that transparent or opaque containers. We offer a complete rPET portfolio. From colours, which are designed for detectability, light barriers to protect the content, or additives to improve and recover the mechanical properties of the polymer. Our chain extender additive enables the use of a variable quality range of rPET and allows higher rPET content in the final part.” Just to name a few functionalities the company offers, as well processing aids, light protection additives, impact modifiers or combi masterbatches. The “CPET light” project launched last year with the company Illig showed where the food packaging sector is heading. Specially developed additives produced by Sukano, together with temperature control and a modified mould for material processing prepared by Illig, have enabled thermo-formed containers for use in microwaves and for hot filling that are heat-resistant up to 100 °C to be successfully produced. Traditional market materials such as polypropylene or other materials could face competition in this area and, according to Tour Sponsors: Sukano’s CEO Norman Egger
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