Simulated foil-laminated tubes and molded caps and packaging components that can look like wood or marble are two of Clariant Masterbatches’ Enigma special effects that were introduced at HBA. The new looks were a part of a range of color and performance innovations featured by the company at its booth.

The new foil-look is an effect that brings together Clariant color expertise and bi-layer extrusion technology to replicate the high-end visual appearance normally achieved only by laminating a layer of aluminum foil between two polyethylene (PE) layers, which can be a costly process. The new Enigma process brings together a highly reflective plastic base layer (the inside of the tube) and a color-saturated transparent outer layer. The end result, created entirely in an automated extrusion process, creates a stunning visual appearance, reduces costs, and can be totally recyclable.

“Historically, most reflective effects have been achieved with pearlescent particles, and although the results have been pretty good, pearls can look flat,” explained Len Kulka, director of creative development – packaging for Clariant ColorWorks. “In the new Clariant foil-look, we’ve developed a proprietary blend of reflective elements, which are incorporated into the base layer. That’s where the reflectivity is created. The color, the brilliance and the depth are created in the surface layer, and the result is anything but dull.”

An added benefit is that a color change can be made quickly and easily because only the surface layer needs to be changed. The reflective base layer remains the same.