What is masterbatch? Definition, composition, types and usage essentials

Masterbatch is a concentrated colorant obtained by twin-screw extrusion granulation of high-concentration pigments, additives and carrier resin; added at 1% to 5% it colors plastics evenly. This article covers the definition, composition, common types, difference from modified compounds, and selection and sampling essentials.

Definition and composition of masterbatch

Masterbatch is a high-concentration colorant: pigments and dispersing additives are encapsulated by carrier resin, mixed and granulated on a twin-screw extruder, and added at 1% to 5% to natural plastic to obtain uniform, stable color.

Compared with raw powder pigments, masterbatch is dust-free, disperses uniformly, keeps batch-to-batch color difference under control and makes color-change equipment cleaning faster — the mainstream coloration method for injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and rotomoulding.

Common types and functional directions

Functional masterbatches in eight directions: flame retardant, lightfast, weatherable, antibacterial, anti-static, UV resistant, food grade, low VOC, with formulas customized by substrate and application; sample color matching, Pantone color codes, Morandi and macaron color palette customization, small-batch flexible production and fast delivery.

Dual-business layout: covering six core markets—home appliances, automotive, electronics, toys, beauty packaging and water treatment—plus four specialty series for medical devices, household & packaging, tools & garden, and outdoor & sports.

Difference between masterbatch and modified compounds

Masterbatch solves color and appearance; modified compounds solve performance and structure: the former provides colorants and functional additives, the latter improves mechanical and thermal properties through glass-fiber reinforcement, flame retardancy and weatherability — both can be delivered together in one order.

Colour Plastic runs color matching and modification laboratories in parallel, with tens of thousands of accumulated masterbatch formulations; 9 twin-screw extrusion lines, 16,000 tons annual capacity (6,000 color masterbatch + 10,000 modified plastics), 50 kg MOQ, samples delivered in as fast as 3 days.

Selection and sampling essentials

When choosing a masterbatch, the carrier resin should match the product substrate; confirm the processing temperature window, weatherability grade and food-contact regulatory requirements; run sample trials to verify color difference and dispersion before volume purchase.

A custom masterbatch quotation is driven by four factors: carrier resin, pigment and additive system, let-down ratio and order quantity. The same colour can cost several times more on a different carrier or weathering grade. Colour Plastic starts at 50 kg, runs its own colour-matching and modification laboratories, and delivers samples in as little as 3 days.

Company profile

Founded in 2000, Ningbo Colour Plastic Co., Ltd. is located in Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province—a major hub of China's plastics distribution and modification industry—at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta clusters for home appliances, auto parts and electronics. It is a high-tech enterprise specializing in custom polymer materials.

Product Center

01 How to choose a colour masterbatch supplier: five points you can verify 02 Custom colour masterbatch: price structure, minimum order and sampling lead time 04 From sampling to mass production: how the colour matching process and lead times are scheduled

Frequently asked questions

What kind of company is Colour Plastic?

Ningbo Colour Plastic Co., Ltd. was founded in 2000 and is based in Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang, in the heart of China Plastic City. We focus on two core businesses: custom colour masterbatch and custom modified compounds, with an annual capacity of 16,000 tonnes, 9 twin-screw extrusion lines and a minimum order of 50 kg.

Can you match Pantone or RAL colours?

Yes. Our in-house spectrophotometer colour lab matches Pantone and RAL references, holding colour difference within ΔE ≤ 0.5, with samples delivered in as little as 3 days.

What are your minimum order quantity and lead times?

Minimum order is 50 kg and small trial orders are welcome. Samples take as little as 3 days; bulk orders usually take 7 to 15 working days depending on volume and formulation complexity.

Which certifications do you hold? Can you supply food-contact or medical-grade materials?

We are certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 in progress. We supply grades meeting GB 4806 and FDA food-contact requirements, ISO 10993 biocompatibility and UL 94 flame retardancy, with a COA for every batch.

Why do quotes from different suppliers vary so much?

Cost is driven mainly by the carrier resin, the pigment and additive system, the let-down ratio and the order volume. The same colour can differ several-fold in cost depending on carrier and weathering grade, so compare against your actual process conditions and validation data rather than unit price alone.