additives for plastics

Additives are chemicals mixed into plastics during manufacturing to improve their performance or appearance. They serve various purposes, such as making plastics more flexible, resistant to UV rays, flame-retardant, or easier to process. Some common additives include stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, colorants, and flame retardants. By using additives, manufacturers can customize plastics for specific uses—like making durable packaging, lightweight electronics, or weather-resistant outdoor materials—enhancing their functionality and lifespan without changing the base polymer itself.