Nucleation delivers sustainability benefits
6 March 2023
IMAGE: MILLIKEN
Modern nucleating agents can improve the processing, mechanical and optical properties of polymers by initiating and accelerating crystallite formation during cooling. They are especially effective in polypropylene (PP), where the ability of nucleators and clarifiers—a specific-type of nucleating additive—to provide clarity and robustness in thin-wall injection moulded packaging appeals to brand owners wanting to display their products in a durable and sustainable manner. But there is more to nucleating additives — they also present opportunities to improve productivity and enhance recyclability, the latter a key attribute in enabling the circular plastics economy.