-
The company supplies antimony trioxide (ATO) masterbatches that make it possible to incorporate this synergistic agent for flame-retardant systems while reducing dust generation and promoting more homogeneous dispersion in industrial processes.
-
The ATO range comes in different formats adapted to the needs of each process, including standard pellet, micropellet and flake for PVC, as well as specific grades for PE and EVA.
-
The range includes grades with 80% ATO for PVC and specific formulations for EVA and polyethylene with a 90% concentration.
Barcelona, October 6, 2026 — Delta Tecnic, a company specializing in the manufacture of masterbatch for the cable and PVC industry, is promoting a safer and more controlled way of incorporating antimony trioxide (ATO) into plastics processing. Its proposal is to replace the direct handling of powdered ATO with its prior incorporation into a polymer matrix in masterbatch format.
The technology pursues two goals: reducing operators’ exposure associated with handling powdered ATO, and enabling a more homogeneous incorporation of the additive into the production process.
The change leaves the chemistry of antimony trioxide untouched and concerns the way it reaches the converter. In the solution developed by Delta Tecnic, the ATO is distributed and encapsulated within a polymer matrix before it arrives at the customer’s plant, which makes it easier to handle and dose and gives greater control over its incorporation into the compound.
“The innovation lies in transforming the way ATO is used in the plant, rather than in replacing it,” explains Eva Gotor, Marketing Manager at Delta Tecnic. “The masterbatch format addresses a handling safety issue and a process issue at the same time, enabling a more controlled and homogeneous incorporation of the additive.”
A change of format with an impact on the plant
ATO remains a relevant component in certain flame-retardant systems. It acts as a synergistic agent, especially in halogenated systems, boosting their effectiveness and helping to achieve the fire performance required in a range of technical applications.
Traditionally supplied as a powder, its handling can generate airborne particles during operations such as loading, internal transport or dosing, increasing operators’ potential exposure and the need for cleaning and control in the plant.
The masterbatch technology developed by Delta Tecnic addresses precisely these challenges. The ATO is incorporated beforehand into a polymer matrix, reducing the variability associated with adding the powder directly and promoting a more uniform distribution of the active ingredient in the final compound.
On top of this comes the use of high-purity ATO, above 99.8%, and a high level of batch-to-batch consistency, factors that are particularly relevant in technical applications where formulation stability is essential to maintain reproducible behavior during production.
Provided that the effective ATO content in the final formulation stays the same and the other components of the flame-retardant system are not modified, switching from powdered ATO to masterbatch should not alter the expected fire performance.
A solution adapted to different industrial processes
To ease the transition from powder to masterbatch, Delta Tecnic has developed different formats and carriers adapted to the characteristics of each process.
For PVC, the range includes standard pellet, micropellet and flake, all with 80% ATO. For polyethylene and EVA there are specific grades with their respective carriers and an ATO concentration of 90%.
This variety makes it possible to select the most suitable format and carrier according to the feeding system and the incorporation needs of each process. The high concentration of active ingredient also limits the amount of carrier added to the formulation, while the availability of different polymer matrices facilitates compatibility with the final compound.
The range is aimed at applications such as power and data cables, flame-retardant compounds, construction and flooring products, and technical films and sheets, among others.
Own REACH registration, traceability and regulatory control
Delta Tecnic also holds its own REACH registration for ATO, which allows direct management of regulatory compliance and provides traceability within the European market.
This capability is particularly important in the current context. The European Critical Raw Materials Act includes antimony among the European Union’s critical raw materials, owing to its economic importance and the risks associated with its supply.
For manufacturers, having a source able to combine technical performance, regulatory control, traceability and supply continuity therefore becomes an additional factor to consider in managing their formulations and supply chains.
A technology ready for market evolution
The masterbatch format offers a way to improve how ATO is handled, dosed and incorporated into the process without changing the chemistry on which the flame-retardant system is based.
Compared with conventional powder handling, the solution supplied by Delta Tecnic allows cleaner and safer handling, promotes more homogeneous dispersion and greater batch-to-batch consistency, and adds the benefits of stronger regulatory control and traceability.
With its range of ATO masterbatch for PVC, PE and EVA, Delta Tecnic offers manufacturers an industrial solution designed to move toward safer handling, more homogeneous incorporation and greater process control.
About Delta Tecnic
Founded in 1982, Delta Tecnic is an international benchmark in the production of high-quality colour masterbatches for the cables and PVC industry. With a strong focus on innovation, the company combines technical expertise, tailor-made solutions, and a continuous commitment to excellence. Operating globally, Delta Tecnic delivers products and services that optimize customer processes and enhance the final quality of their applications.