Protecting Contents of Packaging

Sunlight is not the only way that UV light can damage products. Retail packaging materials can be affected by the now widespread use of brilliant fluorescent lighting in shops, which can even affect the contents if they are wrapped in transparent packaging. 

Shelflife can also be used to protect personal care and household products. Ciba has directed considerable attention to the protection of packaged contents, and has marketed an oxygen absorber to shield packaged goods from the effects of high oxygen contents. 

Hostavin B-CAP from Clariant is a new UV stabiliser for polycarbonate and PET, based on a benzylidene-bis-malonate type UV absorber. It has good absorption in the high-energy range of the UV spectrum, and reduces yellowing. It does not interact with residual metal ions, and therefore does not affect either the colour or transparency of the polymer. Clariant recommends combining this UV absorber with other stabilisers for the long-term protection of polycarbonate and PET. 

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