Carbon black dyes remain a common decoration in packaging, though they pose several environmental and recycling challenges. Because carbon black absorbs infrared light, it is incredibly difficult for recycling facilities to detect the material using near-infrared (NIR) sorting systems. As a result, black plastic packaging often ends up in landfills or incineration instead of being recycled.

The production of carbon black also involves burning fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution. And, as the final nail in the coffin, studies suggest that carbon black may contain impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which could migrate into food from packaging, raising health concerns.

Always striving for the most eco-friendly packaging solutions, CTLpack’s portfolio includes a sustainable NIR-detectable dye that allows plastic materials to be correctly identified and sorted in recycling facilities. Without compromising on quality, it offers excellent opacity while maintaining the same printing characteristics as conventional black dyes. Suitable for both PE and PP tubes, as well as caps, this solution enhances recyclability and contributes to a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.