Unique marble and onyx effects for plastics from Gabriel-Chemie

Ulf Trabert, Product Manager Branded Goods

The colourists at Gabriel-Chemie Germany have developed a unique project in which shapes and structures formed over the years by nature can be emulated in plastic in ways never seen before. More precisely, it involves the representation of onyx, marble, oxidised metals and even concrete in numerous colour combinations. These will be showcased during Colour Vision No. 17, the annual trend preview from Gabriel-Chemie. Previously unachieved effects in plastic such as marble veining, wood grains, oxidation processes and stone surfaces are achievable in plastic for the first time. Such creativity has virtually no boundaries. The effects represent provoked individuality, controlled randomness and an imaginative range of colours. These impressions can be achieved in PP and HDPE.

Ulf Trabert, Product Manager Branded Goods: "Innovative product strategies are the basis for long-term market success. Consumers don't just expect an impeccable product, they also want to be addressed personally and experience the product and its packaging with all their senses. New technical ideas and solutions as well as the trend towards individualisation are taking on an increasingly important role in the world of plastics. New effects such as marble, onyx and oxidation impress the consumer and stand out at the point of sale."

Oxidized copper gold

Rusted Silver

These effects are achieved thanks to the high level of expertise of the colourists at Gabriel-Chemie Germany. The outstanding marble effect is obtained through the careful selection of polymers and the master batch recipe. It also involves the accurate adjustment of the processing machinery, essential in itself for a perfect final result. The advice of specialists at Gabriel-Chemie is indispensable here. Almost every colour used for the marble and onyx effects is suitable for the manufacture of foodstuffs (in accordance with Decree 1935/2004 EC).