The addition of effect pigments such as XYMARA™ pearlescence and aluminium to colorants is widely used in the creation of interesting special effects and “flip-flops” in the plastic industry. Especially in packaging applications for cosmetic and body care goods those effects are used to support a message of freshness, cleanliness, power, sensuality, and warmth, in plastic applications like bottles and small containers, to allow product differentiation and new shelf appeal to attract the consumer.

Pearlescent pigments are also used for laser marking in applications like bottles, caps or lids in the food packaging and home care industry.

Special Effect Pigments develop their full potential in transparent and translucent polymers in combination with very transparent color pigments or polymer soluble colorants.

Ciba offers a broad range of effect pigments to the plastic industry. For more styling possibilities see also XYMARA.com

XYMARA™ pearlescent and metallic effects pigments based on Mica provide Silver, Gold, Bronze and Dual effects.

XYMARA™ Graphitan^® turns plastic applications to a dark “silk” effect shades.

XYMARA Nordic™ a strong sparkling product range based on glass flakes provides special sparkling color effects.

Combinations of Xymara effect pigments with each other and/or together with colorants provide new styling options and allow the creation of unique shades and design for plastics. Many of the most used effect pigments are available as dust free, easy handle and metric concentrates.