Wesel, July 21, 2025 – At this year’s K 2025 in Düsseldorf, BYK will be presenting an innovative solution for the long-term UV stabilization of polyamides and polyolefin composites. The new additive was specifically developed to preserve the properties and surface quality of plastics in the long term when exposed to light, since polyamide-based components suffer a deterioration of their properties and surface quality when subjected to longer-lasting exposure to light. Besides deterioration in the physical properties, this often also results in changes in color and gloss.
On account of their mechanical strength, temperature resistance and versatility, polyamides are indispensable in a great many sectors – from the automotive industry, construction materials, and consumer and leisure products all the way to fibers and textiles. But UV radiation can lead to discoloration, loss of gloss, and material degradation.
BYK-MAX LS 4128 application in an automotive front bumper (image source: Adobe Stock).
BYK-MAX LS 4128 addresses this challenge with a synergistic additive of highly concentrated stabilizers that effectively hinders light-induced degradation processes in the polyamide. In doing so, the additive acts as a radical catcher and peroxide decomposer, protecting both the visual and the mechanical properties of the materials. The new BYK product is a granulated, organic UV stabilization system that was specially developed for use in polyamides as well as in polyolefins. It is especially well suited for outdoor applications.
A welcome side effect: The high level of active ingredients it contains minimizes the need for carrier resins, thereby reducing the overall costs for customers. Thanks to BYK’s proprietary technology, BYK-MAX LS 4128 is a flowable product that is easy to handle.
Learn in greater detail about BYK-MAX LS 4128 and further high-performance plastics additives at “K 2025”, the World’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics, from October 8 to 15, 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and visit the BYK booth in Hall 5, Booth E17.
BYK is a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals. The company’s innovative additives and differentiated solutions optimize product and material properties as well as production and application processes. Among other things, BYK additives improve the scratch resistance and gloss of surfaces, the mechanical strength or the flow behavior of materials, and properties such as light resistance and flame retardancy.
BYK has an extensive product portfolio with which it supports customers in the plastics industry. Plastics processors, compounders, formulators, and OEMs make use of the vast selection of high-performance additives for processing advanced composites, PVC plastisols, and a wide range of thermoplastic materials. Amongst others, these include lightweight materials for the automotive industry, reinforced plastics for wind turbines, and weather-resistant plastics for outdoor applications such as facades, stadium seating, outdoor furniture, and greenhouses. Besides this, BYK additives also promote greater comfort when, for example, they optimize PVC flooring or ensure flame retardancy, scratch resistance, and odor reduction. Together, the world’s largest network of application laboratories, its technical service, and its customer focus form the basis for BYK’s profound insights into market demands and trends.
BYK has a global network of branches and operates production sites in Germany (Wesel, Kempen, Schkopau, Moosburg, Geretsried), the Netherlands (Deventer, Denekamp, Nijverdal), and the UK (Widnes), in the USA (Wallingford, Chester, Columbia, Earth City, Gonzales, Louisville, Pittsford) and in China (Shanghai, Tongling). The company is part of the ALTANA Group and employs more than 2,600 people worldwide.
You can also find this press release on the internet at byk.com/press.
