PolyOne Corp. this week introduced its new OnColor Bio Colorants and OnCap Bio Additives for use in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate- valerate copolymer (PHBV), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate- co-terephthalate (PBAT) and starch blends.

Over the past five years packaging suppliers have been introducing various forms of biodegradable materials in response to projections that consumers and recycling regulations will drive demand for environmentally-friendly packaging.

Mandates from giant supermarkets forcing suppliers to make the switch are also coming into effect.

PolyOne said its new OnColor Bio Colorants are available in a range of transparent and opaque colours. The OnCap BIO Additives product line includes denesting, antistatic, slip, antiblock, UV protection, blue tone and anti-fog additives.

"We developed these new colorants and additives in direct response to requests from our customers around the world for products based on sustainable materials," said John Van Hulle, a PolyOne manager. "OnColor BIO Colorants and OnCap BIO Additives enable our customers to manufacture products with low environmental impact."

PolyOne also offers masterbatches, which combine OnColor Bio Colorants and OnCap Bio Additives. PolyOne said it can customise an OnColor BIO Colorant or OnCap BIO Additive to meet a customer's specific processing need or end-use application.

The products can be used for food and beverage packaging, bottles and caps. The colourants can be used in extrusion and blow molding processes.

PolyOne claims the colourants meet several global industry and composting standards, including the EU's EN 13432, the US's ASTM D640, Japan's BPS GREENPLA and Germany's DIN CERTCO certifications.

PolyOne had 2006 annual revenues of about $2.6 billion. It has operations in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.