Innovation in Action Clarifiers

Forty-five years. Twenty-two markets.

Milliken scientists couldn’t have known the dramatic impact the Millad® platform would have when they first introduced its polypropylene (PP) clarifying technology nearly 45 years ago. They set out to solve a problem—and, in the process, opened up a field of opportunity for the plastics value chain.

The history of Millad® is defined by identifying a need and applying our deep materials science expertise to develop a practical solution that performs. These solutions often proactively addressed a problem looming on the horizon or drew on a demand signal ahead of its time—helping transform PP into one of the most commonly used plastics across 22 markets globally.

Developing A New Category

PP was first polymerized in 1951, but even into the 1980s, its applications were limited. In many instances, converters and brand owners shied away from PP because of PP’s inherent haziness in its finished form, and consumers disliked the material’s yellow appearance on the shelf.

Creating the first clarifying agent for PP meant that Milliken could partner with resin producers and converters to concept new applications for the material. Backed by our legacy of curiosity and discovery, what became known as Millad® clarifiers would address the visual appearance of PP, lending it the glass-like clarity that consumers craved. It made PP suitable for various visually driven applications, like packaging, food storage, and housewares, and began an upward trend in PP use.

By developing the chemistry necessary to make PP clear, the material became a viable alternative to other naturally clear plastics and even glass—while still offering the performance characteristics of durability, strength, flexibility, and low density that PP was known for.

Adapting to Consumer Behavior

Once available to the market, Millad® clarifiers continued to evolve with the demands of consumers. Providing that transparency craved by end users, both Millad® and Milliken needed to adapt to the seismic changes shaping consumer behavior.

In the last decade, the shift to LED lighting seemed an easy win for retail businesses and builders—lower energy costs and longer bulb life. However, consumers could see a noticeable difference in how products, especially clarified PP, appeared under that lighting. Millad® tuned its platform to offer clarifying technology that would retain its fresh appearance under any lighting, including LED, before converters and resin producers fully recognized the need.

The shift in buying habits also helped refine the use case for Millad® clarifiers. The rise of e-commerce meant more consumers were receiving items via shipping, and global commerce expanded the miles goods might travel. Clarified PP packaging aids in this transportation growth, providing highly impact-resistant and durable packaging to house consumer goods safely while in transit.

Translating Sustainable Benefits

PP's growing use since the 1980s was primarily shaped by the inherent value proposition of the material—namely, a lightweight, low-cost material that could withstand consumer demands and was highly compatible with the expanding recycling infrastructure. Clarifying technology, like Millad®, made PP suitable for even more market applications, thus delivering these benefits to more industries.

Especially as recycling capacity grew and sustainability gained traction in both organization and consumer mindsets, plastic converters and resin producers sought additional ways to contribute to the conversation. Resin producers wanted to elevate their portfolios with resin options that helped contribute to their value chain customers’ sustainability goals—and further positioned by brand owners when marketing to their end-user customers. Converters looked for ways to reduce operational impacts, with reductions that could be passed along the value chain.

Clarified PP became a lightweight option for products and packaging, which could reduce transportation costs when moving similar amounts of heavier products. With Millad® clarifiers, this weight reduction was coupled with additional operational benefits. Converters using Millad®-enhanced resin increased production efficiencies with shorter production cycles, less energy usage, and lower defect rates.

And Now?

Even today, we continue to move the needle in a way that creates tangible benefits that expands clarified PP beyond the 22 markets. Millad® clarifiers are the leading technology in the space, and with a range of applications and benefits, Millad® is the perfect addition to your plastic project. But as the last 45 years have shown, we’re constantly innovating to develop tomorrow’s next great solution.