Specialty Polyesters

Replace alternative materials with BPA free specialty polyesters that meet specific needs of transparency, heat-resistance, and good chemical stability.

Tailoring Specialty Polyesters for Unique Requirements

Benefit from more than 35 years of expertise in the specialty polyester industry and compounds that maximize their potential as a versatile material. 

Our experience in the processing of specialty polyesters and our profound knowledge about their mechanical and chemical properties allow us to develop tailored products that leverage the strengths of this polymer group and optimize it for various end-uses. 

Where Our Products Make an Impact

  • PETG – Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
  • PEF – Polyethylene Furanoate
  • PBT – Polybutylene Terephthalate
  • Biomass-based transparent copolyester - ECOZEN by SK chemicals
  • Clear, chemical resistant, BPA free copolyester - Tritan™ by Eastman

Developments in Specialty Polyesters

The latest developments in specialty polyesters emphasize customization and the replacement of alternative materials. These advancements are driving efficiency and change in the plastic industry.

Replacing Alternative Materials with Specialty Polyester

In the plastics industry, more and more companies switch from PC, PS, and PP to specialty polyesters to facilitate the production of more lightweight and cost-effective end applications. The unique properties of specialty polyesters open new possibilities for innovation in product design and functionality. Thanks to their flexibility, they can be tailored to meet specific application requirements. 

Customization in Specialty Polyesters

In the ever-evolving plastics industry, customization is becoming increasingly important. This is particularly relevant for high-value materials such as specialty polyesters. For these highly specialized materials, it is crucial to have specific properties that meet end use requirements. This is where our expertise comes in: We create custom solutions to enhance the color and visual appeal of your specialty polyester end application, making sure you meet all needs of the final application.

Specialty Polyester Solutions with Expert Precision

Leveraging over 35 years of PET expertise, we innovate in the field of specialty polyesters. Our masterbatches are designed with the same resin carrier as your application, ensuring full compatibility and seamless integration. With deep technical expertise in specialty polyesters and their processing conditions, we provide professional advice on food safety, food contact compliance, and regulatory compliance tailored to your end market. Trust our solutions to meet your specific needs and enhance your applications. 

Innovation in Specialty Polyesters

Pioneers for PEF Master­batches

In a joint project with Avantium, we successfully developed Antiblock masterbatches for bi-axially oriented PEF (BOPEF) films, toning agents for a glass-like appearance in PEF injection molded applications, and white masterbatches for PEF fiber applications. 

This innovation is just one example of our pioneering mindset and devotion to developing masterbatches for PEF resins. By leveraging our expertise in additive and color masterbatches, we provide the market with fit-for-purpose innovative PEF solutions, facilitate the adoption, and accelerate the growth of biobased polyester. 

PEF is an excellent material for more environmentally friendly food packaging and beverage bottles compared to fossil-based virgin plastics. The material is mechanically resilient and can be processed at lower temperatures, reducing material and energy consumption. Overall, applications using PEF can enjoy a lower carbon footprint in comparison to its virgin counter types.

The recyclability of PEF was confirmed by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP). EPBP conducted tests that showed PET bottles containing PEF as a barrier layer do not negatively impact the PET recycling stream.

Our Regulatory Expertise

The landscape of industrial regulations is complex and varies internationally. With Sukano, you gain access to a team specializing in regulatory affairs and trained to navigate through global regulations. Thus, you can be sure your final product fulfills all applicable compliance requirements.

Our experts provide professional guidance and advice to keep you ahead of new regulations and ensure your products remain relevant and competitive in the market. In addition, we meticulously assess our formulations against declarable or restricted substances lists, safeguarding your business from potential industrial regulatory pitfalls. 

Explore Our Specialty Polyesters Portfolio

Color and Appearance
Slip, Antiblock & Release Modification
Barrier and Shelf-Life Modifiers

Color and Appearance for Specialty Polyesters

We offer a broad and customizable color portfolio, including NIR-detectable colors and blacks, white, and special effect colors for specialty polyesters to achieve a premium visual-appeal. Further transform the aesthetics of your applications with durable matting effects, and achieve transparent, translucent or opaque sheets that effectively scatter transmitted light with our Light Diffusors.

Slip, Antiblock & Release Modification for Specialty Polyesters

Improve processing efficiency of films and thermoforms as well as injection molded applications for specialty polyester by enhancing slip, antiblock, and release properties. Our Slip/Antiblock masterbatches reduce friction while Mold Release additives lower demolding forces for higher productivity and better part quality.

Barrier and Shelf-Life Modifiers for Specialty Polyesters

We enhance the barrier properties of your specialty polyesters with our UV Content Protection masterbatches that protect sensitive transparent applications, such as cosmetic, personal care or pharmaceutical packaging from harmful UV light to preserve the content’s integrity.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Packaging
Consumer Durables
Healthcare

Specialty Polyesters in Packaging

With over 35 years of experience in optimizing polyesters, our masterbatches and compounds are designed to meet the diverse needs of various applications. Specialty polyesters in particular offer good barrier properties while maintaining heat-stability and chemical resistance. Thus, they are ideal for a wide range of packaging applications from food packaging to thick-walled transparent luxury and cosmetic packaging. 

Specialty Polyesters in Consumer Durables

By leveraging the mechanical and visual properties of specialty polyesters, you can produce high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing consumer durables that meet the demands of modern customers. Our additive combination packages ensure visual effects and high-performance in toys, furniture, kitchen appliances, and refillable containers. 

Specialty Polyesters in Healthcare

Specialty polyesters are a good material choice for sterile pharmaceutical packaging, medical equipment and disposable medical devices, offering both performance and aesthetics. PBT and PC are common materials due to their proven performance and safe use in medical applications. For example, they are used in high-resistant and durable casings for EpiPens.

Get in Touch with Our Experts

You did not find what you were looking for? We tailor our masterbatches individually to your specialty polyester and end application. Our experts are looking forward to hearing from you.