Protection from light.

In uv stabilizers, here's the latest from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (U.S. office is in Tarrytown, N.Y.):

* Shelfplus UV is a uv filter based on proprietary new light-absorber chemistry. It is designed to protect contents of clear plastic packages, including foods, beverages, and personal-care products. According to Ciba, it has excellent processing stability and gives PET bottles broadband uv protection.

* Tinuvin XT is a family of HALS based on proprietary chemistry and designed for weatherable polyolefins. Tailored products are geared to specific applications such as molded-in-color automotive TPOs, polyolefin roofing membranes, and molded-in-color, impact-modified PP for siding, window profiles, and shutters.

* Tinuvin FR is also based on proprietary HALS chemistry and is said to impart both light stability and flame retardancy to PP moldings for exterior applications such as stadium seats.

* Tinuvin hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole uv absorbers are offered in a new form--ED (Easily Dosable) granules. Reduced friability, low dusting, and narrow particle-size distribution facilitate more precise dosing control.

Great Lakes Chemical Corp., Indianapolis, has expanded its product line with two new benzotriazoles to supplement its benzophenone uv absorbers. Lowlite 29 is designed for use in acrylic and PS, while Lowlite 35 is for polyolefins and PS. Great Lakes also has a new nickel quencher for PE agricultural film in hot climates where irradiance is severe and resistance to pesticides is required. The company will also offer it in an NDB together with a proprietary octoxy benzophenone.

Great Lakes recently introduced a high-molecular-weight HALS, Lowlite 94, that is similar to Ciba's Chimassorb 944. It is aimed primarily at polyolefin films and moldings.

A name not usually associated with uv stabilizers, Milliken Chemical of Spartanburg, S.C., will introduce an additive for PET food and beverage containers that is said to protect the contents from uv degradation.