Plastic packaging, like beverage bottle crates, commonly require UV protection by light stabilization and weather resistant pigments.

Exposure to sunlight can have adverse effects on the useful life of plastic products and can initiate chemical reactions in polymers, which result in discoloration, the breakdown of chemical bonds and loss of chemical and physical properties.

Appropriate pigment and polymer additive selection is necessary to ensure long-term performance in outdoor applications. The light stabilization system has to be considered together with the pigment formulation and the determinant failure criteria like area of exposure, expected life time of the article and brand identity/brand color.

Surface radiation in KLy (Kilo-Langley)

Ciba Specialty Chemicals has many years of experience in testing and recommending weather resistant systems for outdoor use.

For more details on product recommendations and testing facilities please contact us.

Pigment and light stabilizer (HALS and UV absorbers) selection for HDPE outdoor crates:

Pigments

Substrates    

Light Stabilizers

Substrates