UK-based colour masterbatch supplier Colour Tone Masterbatch has reported that is has enjoyed increased order and enquiry levels from Middle Eastern countries for specialist colour masterbatches for use in polymers for building products and engineering projects.

Demand is particularly strong for infrared and heat-reflective colour masterbatches — which lower surface temperatures and “reduce heat on the street”. Typical applications include outdoor roofline products (such as guttering and soffits on housing and conservatories), outdoor furniture, agricultural goods as well as automotive components.

Colour Tone’s infrared colouring technology was originally developed for use in PVCu compounds for Northern European markets. However, today it is available for a wide range of other materials.

Heat-reflective masterbatches incorporating specialist pigment technology, which enables any colour to be used with improved temperature performance compared with conventional pigments. With this, manufacturers can benefit from increased thermal stability and dramatically increased service life. Furthermore, end users using cooler plastics will enjoy a better quality of life for everyone.