Transforming Black Plastic Recycling

Carbon black pigments blocked NIR sorting, hindering black plastic recycling, but new industry innovations are now solving the issue.

Black plastic recycling faced challenges because carbon black pigments absorbed NIR light, which disrupted automated sorting in recycling facilities. Sorting systems use NIR spectroscopy to identify polymer types, yet carbon black renders black plastics nearly invisible to these sensors.

You can also read: Color Coordinates.

This invisibility leads to misclassification and contamination of recycling streams, which results in more black plastics being landfilled or incinerated. However, innovations across the pigment industry now offer effective alternatives that reflect NIR light and restore visibility to black plastics. These alternatives enhance detection, improve recycling outcomes, and align with circular economy goals across the plastics value chain.

Alternative Pigments for a Circular Future

Pigment manufacturers have developed NIR-detectable black colorants that enable recycling facilities to correctly identify and sort black plastics. Companies such as Ampacet, Cabot Corporation, and LyondellBasell have introduced advanced black masterbatches that reflect NIR light, allowing automated systems to distinguish these materials without sacrificing aesthetics. For example, Ampacet’s REC-NIR Black™ enables black plastics to be sorted using standard NIR optical equipment, while remaining FDA-approved, non-conductive, and ideal for applications like packaging and automotive parts. Cabot Corporation has also introduced NIR-reflective alternatives that maintain UV protection and recyclability. LyondellBasell’s Polybatch 73641 NIR Black masterbatch has also received COTREP certification in Europe for its compatibility with post-consumer recycling streams. These innovations reduce landfill waste, support circular economy targets, and maintain the visual appeal and performance that brands require.

Meeting Technical Demands Without Sacrificing Performance

Modern black pigments support NIR detection and deliver required technical properties like opacity, gloss, and visual neutrality. Manufacturers have designed these solutions for thin-walled applications such as flexible films, bags, and compact packaging formats. Moreover, many pigment systems can be compounded with organic materials to support using bio-based or compostable resins. This compatibility ensures functionality without compromising environmental goals or processing efficiency across manufacturing lines.

Polybatch is a trademark owned and/or used by the LyondellBasell family of companies. Courtesy of LyondellBasell.

Collaboration and Regulation: Keys to Adoption

Solving the black plastic problem requires more than technical innovation; it demands coordinated action across the entire plastics ecosystem. Resin producers, converters, brand owners, and recyclers must align to support adoption of NIR-detectable black pigments. Organizations such as RecyClass and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation are promoting standardization and phasing out traditional carbon black pigments. At the same time, regulators can accelerate progress by mandating NIR-compatible pigments in sectors with high plastic disposal rates. These efforts will help standardize material recovery and ensure compatibility with modern sorting infrastructure across regions.

A Path Toward Smarter Plastics

Improving black plastic recyclability involves optimizing design, material selection, and end-of-life handling throughout the plastics lifecycle. The industry must invest in smarter materials and align production practices with emerging sustainability regulations and circularity frameworks. With the right technologies, policies, and partnerships, black plastics can transition from a recycling challenge to a circular opportunity. Ultimately, this shift will enhance material recovery, reduce waste, and promote a more responsible plastics future.