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More and more processors and brand owners in packaging and consumer goods are taking keen interest in liquid color, and a growing number have already made the leap. Liquid color is a dispersion of pigments and/or dyes in specially selected liquid carriers. The technology has been around for decades, but its growth has been hamstrung by negative percep- tions suppliers have worked to address. In recent years, there have been improvements in pigment blends and carrier tech- nology for better compatibility and dispersion across a broad range of plastics. There have also been advances in delivery systems that make the liquid-color option more precise, safe, and clean. (For the latest news, see Keeping Up section.) Still, more than 90% of all color masterbatches sold in North America are in solid pelletized form, notes Peter Prusak, head of marketing at Clariant Masterbatches North America, Holden, Mass. (clariant.com). "A lot of potential users have a negative view of liquids because some suppliers are still ofering outdated carrier and dispensing tech- nology that has limited applicability in today's world," he explains. "As we are able to show molders and OEMs the true benefts of liquid masterbatches, I think those preju- dices will vanish and we could see double-digit growth in the coming years." Suppliers seem to be preparing by adding capacity and initiating service programs aimed at addressing increased demand. Long-time liquid-color specialist Riverdale Global By Lilli Manolis Sherman, Senior Editor Why Processors Are Rediscovering Liquid Colorants In extrusion, injection, and blow molding, liquid color is enjoying something of a renaissance. Cost is one reason, but advances in pigments, carriers, delivery systems, and innovative service programs have played a role too. PCC's newest product offerings are customized liquid colorants that include other additives ranging from fame retardants, UV stabilizers, fllers and antioxidants to anti- counterfeiting tags. 38 DECEMBER 2014 Plastics Technology PTonline.com ADDITIVE S