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market , and PMB , which is a leader in the manufacture and supply of color masterbatches primarily for injection molding applications , supplying to the largest fast moving consumer good ( FMCG ) and industrial markets .”
These acquisitions have allowed Colloids to diversify its offerings . While PMB focuses on producing smaller batches with quick turnaround times needed by this FMCG market , Colloids concentrates on engineering materials for highly specialized products , such as the blue and yellow polyethylene pipe masterbatch widely used around the world . “ These products have strict requirements ,” Russell explains . “ They must be weather-resistant and remain stable against ultraviolet light , be able to withstand even the harshest of environments , be easily fusion welded , while also ensuring the medium it is transporting , whether it is drinking water or gases , remain uncontaminated and safe . Additionally , they need to ensure the protection provided by the formulations enables the pipes to remain in constant operation for at least 100 years .”
Russell highlights that Colloids ’ focus on challenging and technical markets as well as on quality whilst exceeding its customers ’ expectations sets it apart from its competitors . “ We work closely with OEMs and integrated chemical compounders – some of the biggest names in plastics and chemicals . By doing so , we have earned their trust , which requires us to maintain rigorous quality standards , because those types of companies tend to be far more scrupulous in what they require from a business .”
Our capabilities in technical masterbatch development are second to none in our industry
Staying ahead of industry trends for a business like Colloids requires extensive research and development . “ In the past decade , we have invested significantly in environmental initiatives , such as using recycled materials , sustainable fillers , and biopolymers . For example , we have introduced a product that uses waste coffee beans as a polymer filler ,” Russell notes .
Another area of innovation involves transforming insulating plastics into conductive and semi-conductive materials , which improve thermal management for applications like batteries , electrical motors , electronic and computer components . “ We are also funding a PhD at the National Graphene Institute , part of the University of Manchester ( UoM ) to explore advanced graphene applications . This investment and partnership with the UoM in research of 2D materials in thermoplastics gives us a competitive edge in the future when we are able to introduce new sophisticated materials .
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