Coloring recycled plastics is not just an aesthetic detail. It can be an expensive mistake if not managed properly.
As the use of recycled materials increases, so does the complexity behind achieving consistent, repeatable color. Variability in feedstock, shifting expectations, and pressure from cost and sustainability targets all influence what is possible.
This session brings together industry and technical perspectives to explore how these challenges are experienced in real workflows, and how companies are navigating the gap between expectations and reality.
What Will Be Discussed
- Why color becomes a critical factor when working with recycled materials
- What color variability really looks like at the starting point
- How these challenges impact production, timelines, and efficiency
- The tension between sustainability goals, cost, and achievable results
- How companies handle expectations around “perfect color”
- What has made a difference in improving consistency
- The role of process, collaboration, and internal alignment
- How teams are adapting to more digital color workflows
Who Should Attend
- Plastics manufacturers
- Masterbatchers
- Quality control teams
- Color laboratories
- R&D and formulation professionals
- Technical and production managers
Why This Conversation Matters
Color challenges in recycled plastics are not solved by technology alone.
They sit at the intersection of materials, processes, people, and expectations. Understanding how others are approaching these challenges provides valuable perspective on what is achievable, where compromises are made, and how workflows can evolve.
Meet the Speakers
Gary Panknin | Guest speaker, Supply Chain Manager at PakTech
Gary Panknin has more than 25 years of experience in the plastics industry. He leads sourcing strategies focused on high-quality recycled materials and has played a key role in advancing 100% recycled material streams. His perspective connects sustainability goals with operational realities.
Tom Melvin | Host, Regional Sales Manager at Datacolor
Tom Melvin brings over 20 years of experience in the coatings industry and more than eight years at Datacolor. He works closely with plastics, textiles, and coatings companies to support more consistent and controlled color workflows.
Earl Balthazar | Technical Expert at Datacolor
Earl Balthazar specializes in color measurement, formulation, and quality control. He supports companies in navigating complex color challenges and aligning workflows with measurable, repeatable results.
