What is Color Masterbatch? Classification and Applications in the Plastics Industry

1. What is Color Masterbatch?

Color Masterbatch is a concentrated mixture composed of color pigments, polymer carrier resin, and additives. It is used to add color to plastic products during processes, such as injection molding, film blowing, extrusion, and PP raffia…

Instead of mixing pigment powder directly into raw plastic, manufacturers use color masterbatch pellets, which help pigments disperse more evenly, ensure color consistency, reduce waste, improve process stability, and maintain a cleaner production environment.

A high-quality color masterbatch not only provides uniform, long-lasting color, but also enhances the mechanical strength, surface gloss, and UV resistance of the final plastic products.

2. Composition of Color Masterbatch

A typical masterbatch formulation includes:

• Pigment: Determines the color tone, intensity, heat stability, and light fastness.
• Carrier resin: A polymer compatible with the base resin of the final product (such as PE, PP, ABS, PS, PET…).
• Additives: Improve pigment dispersion, enhance gloss, prevent sticking, reduce static charge, or provide UV protection.

The pigment-to-resin ratio is carefully calculated to ensure accurate color shades and high consistency in every production batch.

3. Classification of Color Masterbatch

Depending on its purpose and technical characteristics, Color Masterbatch can be classified into several main types:

3.1. Based on color:

• Single-color masterbatch: Contains only one type of pigment, such as red, yellow, blue, black, or white.
• Customized color masterbatch: A blend of multiple pigments to create unique colors according to customer requirements.

3.2. Based on carrier resin:

• PE Color Masterbatch: Suitable for PE, HDPE, LDPE products such as films, bags, and plastic pipes.
• PP Color Masterbatch: Used for PP-based products like woven bags, plastic containers, and injection-molded parts.
• ABS, PS, PET, PVC Masterbatch: Designed for engineering plastics and high-end packaging applications.

3.3. Based on functional properties:

Besides coloring, Color Masterbatch can integrate additional functionalities, including:

• UV Masterbatch: Protects products from ultraviolet degradation.
• Anti-static Masterbatch: Reduces surface static electricity.
• Optical Brightener Masterbatch: Increases brightness and whiteness.
• Fluorescent Masterbatch: Creates fluorescent or glowing effects.
• Fragrance Masterbatch: Adds pleasant scents such as strawberry, vanilla, orange, lemon, or lavender to plastic products. This special masterbatch type is commonly used in household goods, children’s toys, stationery, or food packaging, making products more attractive and consumer-friendly.

4. Applications of Color Masterbatch in the Plastics Industry

Color Masterbatch is widely used in nearly all plastic manufacturing fields, including:

• Plastic packaging: Bags, PE/PP films, bottles, caps, containers.
• Household products: Chairs, basins, boxes, trays, cups, and bins.
• Automotive industry: Interior components, handles, dashboard parts.
• Electrical and electronic products: Sockets, wires, device housings.
• Textile and woven industries: PP straps, raffia yarns, PP woven sacks.
• Medical and food packaging: Pharmaceutical containers, medical tools, food-grade boxes (with FDA-approved pigments).

With its versatility and wide color range, Color Masterbatch is the optimal solution for modern plastic coloring needs.

5. Advantages of Using Color Masterbatch

• Stable and consistent color in every product.
• Cost-effective compared to using raw pigment powder.
• Easy dosage control and shade adjustment.
• Higher productivity and fewer processing defects.
• Improved surface finish, gloss, and durability.
• Cleaner production environment with no pigment dust or color contamination between products.

6. US Group – A Leading Manufacturer of Color Masterbatch

If you are looking for a reliable supplier of high-quality color masterbatch, US Group is your trusted partner.

With years of experience in producing Color Masterbatch, Additive Masterbatch, and Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) Filler Masterbatch, US Group proudly provides:

• International-standard masterbatch with excellent dispersion, consistent color, and outstanding heat and UV resistance.
• Customized color-matching services tailored to specific product applications.
  A professional team of engineers offering technical consultation, sample testing, and process optimization.
• Competitive pricing, fast delivery, and dedicated after-sales service.

Today, US Group is a trusted partner of hundreds of domestic and international manufacturers.
👉 Contact US Group today to request free Color Masterbatch samples and receive expert advice on the best color formulation for your products.

7. Conclusion

Color Masterbatch plays a vital role in modern plastic manufacturing — not only adding vibrant color but also enhancing production efficiency and product quality.

Choosing a reliable supplier like US Group ensures cost optimization, color consistency, and long-term brand value for your plastic products.