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Plastics Color Corporation is the long-time champion of the environment in the plastics colorant/additive market. Long before others talked the talk about “green plastics,” PCC was not only walking the walk but cutting the trail with biodegradable colorants, resins and additives.
Innovation in Eco-Friendly Plastics
 In 2007, PCC introduced an innovative line of masterbatch additive using a new impact modifier polylactic acid, a bioplastic polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn. PLA has been welcomed by the packaging industry to reduce dependence on petro-chemical based plastics.
This move toward PLA-based packaging has now been enhanced by the introduction of our new masterbatch. While there had been attempts to strengthen PLA with impact modifiers in the past, they were unsuccessful in producing an acceptable level of transparency.
PCC's PLA masterbatch broadens the usability of bioplastics by making them stronger without losing desirable clarity. Ourmasterbatch also complies with food contact requirements in Europe and with room-temperature food contact requirements in the United States. PCC is now developing on the second and the third generation of that product.
Walking the Talk
Creating environment-friendly products is only part of our commitment to sustainability. It also extends to our facilities. We recently reduced our own carbon footprint in our Calumet City, Ill. manufacturing facility by replacing existing lighting with new energy-efficient lights. The 247 tons of CO2, 1001 pounds of SO2 and 1667 pounds of NOX saved by doing this project is equivalent to taking 40 cars off the road or the planting of 4600 trees!
PCC continues to replace aging machinery at all of our facilities with newer, more energy-efficient models.
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Making Recycling A Reality
When it comes to "green plastics," PCC is at the forefront in creating biodegradable colorants, resins and additives. This includes a new line of color concentrates made partially with post-consumer and industrial plastic content, providing manufacturers with a way to meet recycled material requirements while protecting valuable natural resources.
Our number-one priority in developing the line was to create a quality product that meets our customer’s technical requirements and helps them achieve their sustainability objectives.
Vendor selection and qualification for sources of post-consumer regrind was critical in the process.
Offered in a variety of resin types and wide range of colors, these new color concentrates are suitable for many applications including playground equipment, construction material, furniture, pallets, packaging, and house wares. The recycled content of the concentrate formulations range from 25 percent to 82 percent, depending on their color.
Starting At Home
 In addition to what’s being responsibly produced for the market, PCC promotes sustainability within its own walls. PCC is at the head of the class when it comes to the three R's:
- Recycling material whenever it can.
- Recapturing 100 percent of its production residual for additional use.
- Reusing 100 percent of the oil servicing production floor equipment.
Thanks to the investment in a state-of-the-art filtration system, PCC can use the same oil almost ten times over. The system has already paid for itself, confirming that being good to Mother Nature is good for the bottom line.
Green Art from PCC's waste?
Visit Asheboro, NC
Sustainability at PCC even supports art. An artist in Asheboro, North Carolina, reshapes the material of PCC’s “purge pools” to create unique works for private display and for such public places as hotels and restaurants (www.etsy.com). |
