Food & Drink Process & Packaging Issue 14 2017 | Page 64

Moulding technical compliance with processing ad- vancements WRITTEN BY Silvergate Plastics PHOTOGRAPHY BY Silvergate Plastics www.silvergate.co.uk When it comes to manufacturing blow moulded bottles and jars for the food and drink industry, processors requi- re their supply chain to comply with rigorous regulations. Whilst many suppliers deliver approved products, it is unusual to find a material manu- facturer that can provide a technically advanced solution to slash cycle times, improve product appearance and meet the toughest demands of EU 10/2011 and FDA regulations. Yet that is exactly what Silvergate Plastics is able to offer processors of mind that the formulation fulfils Bestall, said: with its revolutionary range of colour industry requirements. “At Silvergate, we are continually exploring new ways to assist our cus- masterbatch, Optiblo®. Hailed the UK’s largest manufacturer of custom colour The advantage for blow moulders is tomers whether that’s by delivering masterbatch, Silvergate also has the that Optiblo’s® formulation fully com- highly effective yet affordable pro- technical expertise to develop bes- plies with EU 10/2011 and FDA regu- cessing solutions, such as Optiblo®, poke formulations that enhance both lations. This is exciting because it has or pioneering completely bespoke product performance and production the ability to reduce cycle times and formulations for specific applications. processes. operating costs by up to 20%! It does We work closely with our customers this by reducing the friction between to overcome challenges and develop For all masterbatch orders that are to the machine surface and polymer melt. new products. We can also formula- be used in applications that come into The polymer flows more smoothly te masterbatches to comply with a contact with food or drink, Silvergate and at a quicker pace, even at lower host of other regulations, including implements strict controls from the temperatures. Available in any colour, Directive 94/62/EC for Packaging and outset of the manufacturing process. Optiblo® overcomes many processing Packaging Waste, REACH and RoHS. Pigments, additives and polymers are challenges, increases productivity We are proud of our ability to deliver carefully selected to adhere with the and improves the surface finish of the technically-advanced, compliant and requirements of both EU 10/2011 application. performance-enhancing masterbatch for our customers when they need and FDA regulations. Any approved ingredients that contain SMLs (specific Commenting on Silvergate’s ability to it wherever they are located in the migration limits) will be declared at the deliver technically advanced solutions world.” time of sale for complete transparency. for such a demanding sector, the Processors can therefore enjoy peace company’s managing director, Tony 64 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk