Best Practices for Measuring the Color of Plastic Pellets

Best Practices for Measuring the Color of Plastic Pellets

Determining the color of plastic pellets can be challenging when you only rely on visual inspection. Whether the pellets are transparent or opaque, subtle changes in color can be easy to miss. You need to develop an effective color measurement system and use advanced tools to ensure consistent and precise results with each batch. Explore some of our best practices for measuring the color of plastic pellets. 

Measure Plastic Pellets According to Industry Standards

ASTM provides testing standards for the color determination of plastic pellets. The standard outlines testing methods for the degree of yellowness in transparent and opaque pellets.

Adhering to industry standards during the measuring process is essential for adapting uniform procedures and ensuring quality control. 

Accurately Assess the Degree of Yellowness 

Plastic resin or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) can turn yellow over time due to oxidation, making it critical to assess the degree of yellowness to ascertain the amount of optical brighteners needed to mitigate it. Optical brighteners are used in plastic production to mask the yellow appearance and make the plastics look clear or bright.

Optical brighteners are also used when restoring recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET). As governing and standard bodies push for the use of recycled plastic resin, using a spectrophotometer can help determine the color of plastics as they move throughout the supply chain and counter the yellowing effect. Additionally, counteracting the yellowing effect can minimize product waste and revenue loss. 

Maintain Color Consistency

Maintaining color consistency throughout production is essential for reducing waste, lowering costs, and producing a final product that aligns with your desired appearance. A reliable spectrophotometer can alert you to any color shifts that may occur at various stages of production, enabling you to make adjustments quickly.

Meet Regulatory Compliance

HunterLab helps you meet Regulatory Compliance. Medical, food, pharma, and auto have strict material standards.  Our spectrophotometers provide objective color data to demonstrate compliance.

Understand How Color Relates to Quality

The color measurements of plastic pellets do not directly impact the final product's color due to other variables, such as various stages of the production process. However, measuring the color of plastic pellets is essential for comparing samples of the same sizes and shapes. With these measurements, you can ensure the pellets meet the set standards and maintain color consistency across production lines.

Use Spectrophotometers to Streamline the Process

A spectrophotometer measures the color of plastic pellets and provides comprehensive information about the color and the variables that influence it. This detailed analysis allows for precise color measurement, resulting in better consistency and quality. Advanced solutions like spectrophotometers from HunterLab are specially designed to enhance the accuracy and speed of the measuring process. 

HunterLab solutions have the color and fluorescent quality measurement capabilities needed to measure the color of virgin PET, rPET, and a mixture of both.

Our Agera spectrophotometer is equipped with a range of features to facilitate precise measurements for transparent and opaque plastic pellets. From advanced optics to a larger sample viewing area, the cutting-edge device can help you achieve desired results and streamline production.

Integrate Sustainability Into Color Measurement

The plastic circular economy is driven by the need to eliminate waste, recirculate product materials, and maximize resources. Accurately measuring plastic resins throughout the cycle with spectrophotometers helps minimize product and energy waste as well as your carbon footprint.

HunterLab solutions offer a holistic approach to the circular economy by contributing to the entire product life cycle, from measuring the color of raw materials to the color of end products made from recycled material.

Discover the HunterLab Difference

HunterLab has over 70 years of experience supplying robust color measurement solutions. Our easy-to-use spectrophotometers provide an objective approach to the process, giving you speedy and accurate measurements with each batch. Partner with our professionals for better production. If you want to learn more about our solutions, contact us online today!