Food Industry is Target for CTI's Color-Changing Plastics

When food companies began looking at plastic utensils having the capability to change color based on temperature, the first question was always the same: Are these innovative plastics compliant with FDA?

Having achieved FDA compliance in target end-use applications, Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI), a pioneer in the use of temperature-sensitive inks and coatings based in Colorado Springs, Colo., set out to become a market leader in thermochromic “Masterbatch” (the industry term for a solid or liquid additive used for achieving color in plastics). In the process, CTI launched its own version with the color-changing capability, calling the process Powercapsules.

Unveiled by CTI in November 2014, Powercapsules are the result of the company’s breakthrough chemistry which includes thermochromic color concentrate pellets. Powercapsules offer customers the benefits of an enviable let-down ratio, temperature indication, and powered by new technology that drives vibrant color and UV stability, all combined with U.S.-based manufacturing utilizing good manufacturing practices.

CTI’s Powercapsules have been qualified in such popular applications as polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).

Powercapsules serve to enhance the consumer experience across a diverse range of products including QSR utensils, soda closures, ice cream spoons, ice trays, baby bath toys, coffee lids and soup bowls, the company said.

According to WorldCentric.org, among plastics utensils, an estimated 40 billion are used every year in the U.S. alone. Additionally, according to American Chemistry Council, 34% of plastics in the U.S. today are earmarked for packaging applications (making plastics the largest market). And PlasticsEurope Market Research Group (PEMRG) showed that, in Europe, packaging accounts for nearly 40 percent of plastics demand.

Research from Freedonia Group has also shown that, “Demand for foodservice disposables in the U.S. is projected to increase 3.9% per year to $21.9 billion in 2019. Packaging will remain the most common product segment and will outpace service ware, napkins and other foodservice disposables.”

CTI established three temperatures for use in the plastics industry: 59° F, 64° F, and 104° F. Custom temperatures are also available and Powercapsules are available in the CMYK and blue colors, which can be mixed to make a virtual rainbow matching most Pantone colors. A major accomplishment was achieved when CTI validated regulatory compliance in several categories concerning the food application of Powercapsules including RoHS directives, CONEG and EN 71-3 regulations, Dodd-Frank Conflict Mineral legislation, TSE requirements, California Proposition 65 legislation, no use of BPA, no use of phthalates, no use of ITX or benzophenone, manufactured in a facility free of FDA allergens or derivatives, and manufactured from materials not expected to contain genetically modified organism (GMOs), the company said.

CTI also produces photochromic, glow-in-dark and security taggants for plastic. For more information on Powercapsules, visit www.thermochromicplastic.com or www.thermochromicmasterbatch.com.  .