How to Specify Masterbatch for an International Order

Sep 7

2 min read

An effective masterbatch enquiry should provide more than a colour name and required quantity. The same colour can perform differently depending on the base resin, manufacturing process, product thickness and end-use conditions.

Providing the correct technical and commercial information at the beginning helps the supplier select a compatible carrier, prepare a more accurate sample and reduce delays during colour approval.

Masterbatch supplier reviewing an international buyer specification

1. Identify the Base Polymer

State the exact polymer and, where possible, its commercial grade and melt-flow characteristics. For example, “polyethylene” alone may be insufficient because LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE behave differently during processing.

If recycled material is used, specify its percentage and whether its natural colour varies between batches.

2. Describe the Manufacturing Process

Tell the supplier whether the masterbatch will be used for blown film, cast film, injection moulding, blow moulding, pipe extrusion, sheet or another process. Processing temperature, screw design and product thickness can affect dispersion, opacity and final colour.

3. Provide a Reliable Colour Standard

A photograph displayed on a phone is rarely a reliable colour reference. Whenever possible, provide a physical approved sample, a recognised reference such as RAL or Pantone, the base resin used for approval, required lighting conditions and an acceptable colour tolerance.

For critical projects, instrumental colour measurement should supplement visual approval.

Masterbatch colour approval using a physical reference

4. Define the Required Performance

Colour may be only one part of the specification. Inform the supplier if the product also requires UV resistance, heat stability, food-contact suitability, low migration, anti-static performance or another functional property. These requirements may affect pigment selection, additives and the carrier system.

5. Discuss Dosage and Cost-in-Use

The lowest price per kilogram does not necessarily produce the lowest finished-product cost. Compare masterbatches using the recommended dosage, colour strength, reject rate and processing consistency. A higher-strength formulation may offer a lower cost per tonne of finished plastic even when its unit price is higher.

6. Specify Documentation Requirements

Before ordering, list the documents needed for customs clearance or customer approval. Depending on the market and application, buyers may request a technical data sheet, safety data sheet, certificate of analysis, declaration of conformity or regulatory statements. Requirements should be agreed before production rather than after the shipment is ready.

7. Confirm Quantity, Packaging and Logistics

Include the trial quantity, expected annual demand, destination country and preferred shipping terms. Confirm bag weight, pallet requirements, labelling language, batch traceability and storage recommendations.

Export packaging for Corbi Polymer masterbatch

Recommended RFQ Checklist

• Company and destination country • Base polymer and grade • Manufacturing process • Product thickness and end use • Physical or recognised colour reference • Required dosage or cost target • Performance and regulatory requirements • Trial quantity and annual forecast • Packaging and preferred Incoterm • Requested documentation

Conclusion

A detailed RFQ allows the masterbatch manufacturer to respond with a technically relevant formulation instead of a generic quotation. It also improves sampling efficiency, colour consistency and repeat-order reliability.

Corbi Polymer supplies custom colour, white, black, filler and additive masterbatches for international customers. Send your polymer details, process, application, reference sample and destination to begin a technical review.

Contact Corbi Polymer Tel: +98 21 22637450 WhatsApp: +98 912 0585654 Email: Info@onlinecorbi.com