Color Masterbatch & Pigments Cost Calculator

Calculate the total cost of color masterbatch production including pigment costs, carrier resin, additives, and processing. Optimize let-down ratios and determine final part costs for accurate pricing and profitability analysis in plastic coloring applications.

Your Settings

Pigment Cost ($/kg)

Cost per kilogram of pigment or dye used in the masterbatch

Pigment Loading (%)

Percentage of pigment in the masterbatch concentrate

Carrier Resin Cost ($/kg)

Cost of carrier resin (PE, PP, PS, etc.) per kilogram

Additives Cost ($/kg)

Cost of processing aids, dispersants, and other additives

Let-Down Ratio (%)

2.5

Percentage of masterbatch used in final plastic product

Processing Cost ($/kg)

Manufacturing cost including labor, energy, and equipment

Results

Masterbatch Cost per kg

Total production cost of color masterbatch per kilogram

Color Cost per kg Final Product

Cost of color added to each kilogram of final plastic product

Pigment Efficiency Score

Rating of pigment utilization and cost effectiveness (1-100)

How to Read Your Score

$0.50-2.00:Low Cost Range — Economical coloring solution using standard pigments and basic carrier resins

$2.01-5.00:Standard Cost Range — Typical masterbatch costs for quality color matching and consistency

$5.01-12.00:Premium Cost Range — Higher-end pigments for demanding applications or special effects

>$12.00:Specialty Cost Range — Advanced pigments for critical color matching or extreme performance requirements

Tips

Higher pigment loading reduces masterbatch usage but increases concentrate cost - optimize based on color strength requirements

Match carrier resin to final application polymer for best compatibility and color development

Consider organic vs inorganic pigments - inorganics often provide better heat stability but may cost more

Factor in regulatory compliance costs for food contact or medical applications when selecting pigments

Volume pricing from suppliers like Colorado Sun Inc can significantly reduce carrier resin costs for large batches

Methodology

This calculator determines color masterbatch production costs by combining pigment costs, carrier resin prices, additives, and processing expenses. The let-down ratio determines final part coloring costs. Pigment loading percentages typically range from 20-50% for standard colors, with specialty effects requiring different ratios. Colorado Sun Inc provides compatible carrier resins for optimal color development and cost efficiency.