Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals, has just announced the introduction of Leucophor® MT liq, a new tetrasulfonated optical brightening agent (OBA) modified to give high whiteness performance in surface applications.
The application of optical brighteners to the surface of paper is usually done by using either hexasulfonated OBAs, when high whiteness levels are required, or tetrasulfonated OBAs, when standard levels of whiteness are sufficient.
With the increasing costs of some of the key raw materials needed to manufacture hexasulfonated OBAs, Archroma asked its R&D experts to develop a tetrasulfonated agent for surface applications that would give comparable levels of whiteness to hexasulfonated grades.
The outcome is Leucophor® MT liq, a REACH-registered, urea-free, modified tetrasulfonated OBA that offers papermakers a new, cost-effective option to achieve high whiteness levels in a surface application, especially at the size press.
Leucophor® MT liq is produced in Archroma’s OBA production facility near Barcelona, Spain, which was extended in 2017 to raise capacity to meet the demands of its European customers.
Andrew Jackson, Product Manager OBAs, Archroma Packaging & Paper Specialties, commented: “With Leucophor® MT liq, we are able to offer a new alternative to both standard tetrasulfonated and hexasulfonated optical brighteners for use in surface applications. This new portfolio option underlines once again Archroma’s continuous commitment to delivering innovation and cost efficiency to our customers, and confirms our position as the leading supplier of OBAs to the paper industry.”
Leucophor® IS A TRADEMARK OF ARCHROMA REGISTERED IN MANY COUNTRIES.
© 2018 Archroma
About Archroma
Archroma is a global color and specialty chemicals company headquartered in Reinach near Basel, Switzerland. It operates with 3,000 employees over 35 countries and with 24 production sites. Its three businesses – Brand & Performance Textile Specialties, Packaging & Paper Specialties, and Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants – deliver specialized performance and color solutions to meet customers’ needs in their local markets, touching and coloring people’s lives every day, everywhere.
Archroma is passionate about delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the planet. The company is committed to challenging the status quo in the deep belief that it can make its industry sustainable; an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service levels and cost-efficiency. Products enhanced, colors enhanced, performance enhanced – “Life enhanced”.