Pre-Dispersed Pigments

Pre-dispersed pigments are high-concentration, single-pigment color preparations that deliver precise, dust-free, and highly consistent coloring for plastics. Unlike full color masterbatch, which already contains the final color blend, a pre-dispersed pigment isolates a single pigment in a carrier system so formulators and compounders can build exact shades with maximum flexibility. For manufacturers who demand tight color control, faster changeovers, and cleaner handling, pre-dispersed pigments are the professional-grade building block of plastic coloration.

What Is a Pre-Dispersed Pigment?

A pre-dispersed pigment (also called a pigment preparation or single-pigment dispersion) suspends one organic or inorganic pigment at high concentration — typically 40% to 70% — in a polymer-compatible carrier and wetting/dispersing additive system. The pigment is fully wetted and de-agglomerated during production, so when it is let down into the base resin it disperses instantly and evenly. This eliminates the dusting, uneven dispersion, and color-strength variation that plague raw pigment powder, while giving the formulator full freedom to blend pigments into any final color.

Key Benefits of Pre-Dispersed Pigments

• Dust-free handling for a cleaner, safer production environment
• High color strength (40–70% pigment) for efficient, cost-effective dosing
• Excellent dispersion with no specks, streaks, or agglomerates
• Full formulation freedom to blend any final color in-house
• Precise, repeatable dosing for batch-to-batch consistency
• Faster color changeover and reduced inventory of finished masterbatches
• Organic and inorganic options across the full color spectrum
• Compatible with PE, PP, PS, ABS, and engineering resins

Technical Highlights

MHK Color supplies pre-dispersed pigments with pigment loadings from 40% to 70% in universal polyolefin or polymer-specific carriers. Our dispersions achieve full color-strength development at low addition rates and are verified for heat stability up to 300°C, light fastness of Grade 6–8, and migration resistance for regulated applications.

How to Choose the Right Pre-Dispersed Pigment

Choosing the right pre-dispersed pigment depends on the color target, polymer system, and end-use requirements.

• For bright, saturated shades, choose organic pigments (reds, yellows, blues, greens)
• For high opacity and weatherability, choose inorganic pigments (titanium dioxide, iron oxides, carbon black)
• For food-contact or medical applications, specify FDA- or USP-compliant grades
• For engineering plastics, match the carrier to PA, PC, PET, or PBT
• For outdoor products, verify light fastness and UV stability of the selected pigment

Typical Applications

Pre-dispersed pigments are ideal for color compounders, masterbatch producers, and processors who color in-house across film, injection molding, blow molding, and fiber extrusion. They are especially valuable for custom color development, small-batch production, and applications requiring tight Delta E control.