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The challenge: Black, yet cool
Black surfaces are indispensable in many applications—whether for stylistic reasons, to block light, or to meet technical requirements. However, traditional black pigments absorb a large portion of solar radiation, particularly in the near-infrared (NIR) range, causing the surface to heat up significantly.
Although IR-reflective black pigments already exist, they have a significant drawback: they often appear brownish or greenish and therefore do not meet the visual requirements for a true, deep black.

The solution: Functionality meets true black
ROWA Masterbatch now offers a solution that combines the following:

• high NIR reflectance to reduce surface temperature
• deep black color that is visually comparable to classic carbon black systems
• customer- and polymer-specific solutions: customized masterbatches tailored to customers’ specific requirements, for example for polymers such as PC, PMMA, or PA                             

An innovative material has been developed that is visually indistinguishable from high-quality standard black, yet significantly reduces heat build-up.

Benefits at a glance

• reduced heat exposure to structural elements and underlying components
• extended service life due to lower thermal stress
• greater comfort when touching surfaces
• energy savings, for example, through reduced cooling requirements
• design flexibility without compromising on color impact

Added value for customers
Users benefit both from the functional improvements and from the ability to create high-quality black designs without visual limitations. In addition, the material helps minimize heat-related issues, such as warping or material aging.
With this development, ROWA Masterbatch once again underscores its expertise in combining color performance with functional materials. The new masterbatch solution embodies innovation, design freedom, and sustainable efficiency—setting new standards for black plastic applications in outdoor environments.

Typical applications
The new NIR-reflective black masterbatch opens up a wide range of applications, including:

Construction and outdoor applications

• roof and carport components, roofing membranes, and covers
• street furniture such as benches or bicycle rack housings
• patio elements and garden furniture

Automotive

• exterior components such as mirror housings, trim strips, or roof components
• RV interior trim
• charging infrastructure and housings for e-mobility components

Electrical engineering and infrastructure

• housings for outdoor equipment
• protective covers

Household and consumer goods

• garden tools and accessories
• design-oriented products for outdoor use