Product innovation Vocaflex-RN

Vocaflex-RN is a new series from Arichemie based on selected additives that are characterised by a high proportion of renewable raw materials. The organic pigments used have also been selected for their industrial compostability in accordance with DIN EN 13432. Compostability determines the biodegradability of products. Vocaflex-RN is intended to be used specifically for colouring water-dilutable systems, which should take particular account of sustainability, the efficient use of resources and a reduction in the product carbon footprint (PCF).

A colour system with 4 colour indices based on organic pigments is available. The basic paste system is still being developed with the aim of achieving significantly greater coverage of the colour spaces. There are 6 further colour indices in development. In addition to 3 further organic pigments in the yellow and red range, inorganic pigments will also be included in the selection.

The product highlights of the aqueous pigment preparations

Vocaflex-LF with CIT/MIT free preservation

Vocaflex-LF is an aqueous pigment preparation that is mainly used for in-plant and POS tinting. The CIT/MIT-free preservation of the series has already proven itself successfully on the market since 2018 and fulfils the requirements of the Ecolabel (Commission Decision 2014/312/EU) and RAL UZ 12a. New regulatory requirements are continuously taken into account in the further development of the range.

Additional sources of supply and alternative raw materials are constantly being qualified in order to ensure a stable supply and flexibility in the face of tight supply chains.

Vocaflex-EN with isothiazolinone-free preservative for applications in the area of the Toy Safety Directive

Vocaflex-EN is an aqueous pigment preparation for colouring water- dilutable lacquers and paints that comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC and EN 71-3 and -7. The raw material selection for Vocaflex-EN was made according to the current state of the art, with the best possible selection of pigments, additives and preservatives. The EN 71-7:2020-06 finger paints places strict requirements on the preservatives and pigments. Arichemie has set itself the goal of developing the Vocaflex-EN series in line with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. The isothiazolinone-free formulations fulfil the stricter limits for end uses intended for children under 36 months. Specifically, this refers to aqueous, liquid toy materials.

The range includes a wide selection of organic and inorganic pigments, as well as carbon blacks for Category 1 applications according to AfPS-GS 2019 and REACH Annex XVII No.50.

Vocafine

Vocafine is an aqueous pigment preparation with very finely dispersed pigments for applications where high transparency is particularly important.

Following the very successful presentation at ECS 2023, the Vocafine pigment preparation range has been further expanded. The existing Colour Index range has been expanded and now includes a base paste system with 11 monopastes. The specifications for particle size distribution of less than 1 micrometre and a low VOC content in accordance with Directive 2004/42/EC are complied with. The series is used in wood, leather, glass and writing ink applications.

Vocateint-A

Vocateint-A is an aqueous, binder-containing pigment preparation that has proved particularly successful in colouring paper pulp for the production of decorative papers and aqueous printing inks.

Under the names Vocateint-FC or Vocateint-FD, special settings are also available for applications with direct food contact (e.g. printing on food packaging). The Vocateint-FD series has been expanded to include Pigment Blue 15:3, Pigment Violet 19, Pigment Yellow 138 and Pigment Red 122.

Aqueous pigment preparations suitable for contact with food

Vocafil FC and Vocafil-FD

Vocafil-FC and Vocafil-FD, are aqueous pigment preparation, for food contact applications. The migration of substances in food contact applications is a technical problem that has become increasingly complex in recent years. The aim of product development was to take into account the most important regulations of the BfR and the FDA in connection with the Plastics Regulation 10/2011, the so-called PIM list (Plastic Implementation Measure), and Swiss Ordinance, Annex 10. Only pigments and additives that are suitable for food contact are used in Vocafil-FC. The Vocafil-FD series fulfils the same conditions, but is based exclusively on FDA-approved pigments (Colorants for Polymers). A selection of organic and inorganic pigments and low-PAH carbon blacks are currently available.

The base paste system has been expanded to include an FDA 21 CFR §178.3297 compliant yellow pigment and a TMP (trimethylolpropane) free titanium dioxide without aluminium surface treatment. This pigment powder type is intended to comply with the amended food law regulations regarding the purity of titanium dioxide (Regulation (EU) 10/2011).

Product highlights of the resin-based pigment preparations

Vocaplast-L and Aricolor-N

Vocaplast-L and Aricolor-N are based on vegetable oils from renewable raw materials, which has a positive effect on sustainability and the product carbon footprint (PCF).

Vocaplast-L is based on linseed oil and is characterised by oxime-free additives. The series is considered low-VOC and low-solvent. In addition to colourful transparent iron oxides, it offers a selection of organic pigments. The colour strength and transparency of the important transparent iron oxides have been optimised for wood applications. The main area of application is wood preservation.

Aricolor-N is based on a castor oil with a low, specified water content. The pigment preparation is suitable for colouring PU industrial flooring, 2K PU foamed or cast polyurethane parts and for colouring ‘green’ coatings such as wood oils.

Special settings are available for applications with direct food contact in accordance with the Plastics Regulation 10/2011 and FDA § 21 CFR (selected paragraphs).

Vocaplast-UV

Radiation curing application systems are considered sustainable in terms of their energy efficiency and pioneering when it comes to avoiding solvents. Vocaplast-UV is suitable for all types of 100% radical curing systems (UV, LED, electro beam curing/EBC). The additives used do not contain organotin and the monomers have been selected to minimise TMPTA (<0.1%). This enables the broad application of Vocaplast-UV in coatings and printing inks.

Further development for all 100% radical curing systems is currently focussing on sustainability and the use of raw materials with the highest possible proportion of renewable raw materials.

Heliocolor-W

Heliocolor-W is based on a phthalate-free plasticiser. It is suitable for colouring PVC plastisols, PMMA, PVB films, MS polymer sealants or ABS as well as a variety of other water-free application systems.

Heliocolor-W offers a wide range of organic and inorganic pigments. The colour space with yellow tones has been expanded with two high-quality colour indices. RAL shades and colour adjustments are covered by the base paste system. Sustainability is also taken into account in this area of application. A special setting with a plasticiser based on renewable raw materials is currently being developed.

Vocaplast-A

Vocaplast-A is a pigment preparation containing solvent and binder on the basis of a universally compatible aldehyde resin. The solvent has a flash point > 100°C.

The main areas of application are solvent-based coating systems such as alkyd resin or 2K-PU.

Vocaplast-P

Vocaplast-P is a pigment preparation based on a polyether or polyester polyol for use in 100% 2K PU systems.

The main areas of application are 2K PU moulded parts, roller coatings.