Coloured plastics and polymers are widely used in packaging and consumer goods. Despite their critical roles, there is limited literature on detailed analysis of effective pigment dispersion in polymer matrices for masterbatch applications. In this study, detailed research was conducted on pigment dispersion using different wax materials and their performances in polyethylene masterbatches were compared. During the study, it was first found that the presence of salt crystals plays a critical role in dispersion in one of the tested pigments. Using a laser particle size device, it was shown that homogeneous particle size distribution is another critical parameter for proper pigment distribution. Although filter testing is a common method in industrial applications, there is very limited information in the academic literature. The filter test method was used to examine the effects of different polyethylene waxes on pigment dispersion. The best filter pressure values were obtained in masterbatches made with micronised wax. It was also observed that the improved dispersion increased the mechanical properties of the masterbatch. The masterbatch colours were measured with a sphere spectrophotometer and it was observed that uniform pigment distribution increased the colour strengths. Similar results were also seen in polyethylene films produced by the blown film process.

Rodents cause enormous damage to stored foods. Anticoagulant rodenticides used to eliminate rodents cannot be used in food packaging because they are toxic to humans. In this study, the use of various non‐lethal repellents and natural clinoptilolite in food packaging has been investigated. For this, capsicum oleoresin was used because of the burning sensation created by the mammals' mouths. Denatonium benzoate and denatonium saccharide were used because of their extremely bitter taste. Finally, natural clinoptilolite was used to absorb the smell of foods, and its synergistic effect was observed with repellents. The additives were mixed with polypropylene carrier and converted into anti‐rodent masterbatches in a laboratory‐type extruder. Then, packaging films were prepared by a cast film extruder. These films were used for the packaging of mouse foods in pellet form with the aid of a heat‐seal tester. In experiments on house mice (Mus musculus), a mixture of repellent additives capsicum oleoresin, denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide and odour‐absorbing natural clinoptilolite showed 100% repellency synergistically.

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