# Rotuba

This MFR.ID profile was supplied, reviewed, and approved by Rotuba. Originally approved on 8/8/2025; last updated 9/10/2025. Capability data is manufacturer-approved for public sourcing and RFQ use.

## Profile Links

- Canonical profile: https://mfr.io/rotubacompounding
- JSON data: https://mfr.io/rotubacompounding.json

## Company Overview

Founded in 1948, Rotuba is a third-generation, family-owned custom manufacturer that compounds cellulose-based polymers (acetate, propionate, butyrate). Operating out of a 95,000-ft² facility in Linden, NJ, our manufacturing capabilities include 4 customized compounding extruders and five mixers. We are supported by a color and fragrance lab to ensure superior product development and quality control. Our sister division includes Pen Company of America - which affords us injection molding capabilities. Rotuba is Its privately emphasizes domestic manufacturing, quick prototyping, and environmentally responsible polymers.

## Quick Reference

- Processes: Thermoplastic Compounding, Scent-Encapsulating Cellulosic Polymer Resins, Plant-Based Cellulose Acetate Resins, Secondary Operations & Value-Added Services, Writing Instruments
- Lead Time: 2-4 weeks
- Production Scale: Prototype (50-100 lb), Short Run (100-5000 lb), Prototype (100-1000 lb), Short Run (1001-10000 lb), Prototype (1-10 parts), Short Run (11-500 parts), Prototype (100-1000 pieces), Short Run (1001-10000 pieces), Medium Run (10001-100000 pieces)
- Location: Linden, NJ 07036
- Employees: 51-200
- Revenue: $25M-$50M
- Founded: 1948
- Contact: info@rotuba.com - +1 908-486-1000
- Verified: Manufacturer Approved

## Capabilities

### Custom Cellulosic & Polymer Compounding

Rotuba melt-blends cellulose acetate, propionate, butyrate and bio-based esters on 50–95 mm twin-screw lines equipped with gravimetric feeders, vacuum venting and inline pelletizers. Low-shear screw profiles preserve DP and fragrance microcapsules, while closed-loop moisture control and spectrophotometer color matching deliver tight ΔE < 0.8 pellets ready for extrusion or molding in as little as two weeks.

- Process: Thermoplastic Compounding
- Highlights: Largest independent global compounder of wood-derived cellulosics, Fragrance-encapsulated Auracell™ masterbatch retains >90 % scent after 140 °F bake test, Bio-content certification per ASTM D6866 on Naturacell® sustainable grades, ISO-modelled QC system with full batch traceability and 10-year record retention【user supplied WHY ROTUBA / QA text】, In-house color lab matches ΔE ≤ 0.8 using spectro-photometers within 24 h
- Subprocesses: Cellulosic Ester Compounding, Bio-Based Cellulosic Compounding, Encapsulated-Additive Masterbatch, Paddle-Blender Dry-Blend, Twin-Screw Compounding & Pelletizing
- Specifications:
  - Lead Times: 2-4 weeks - Starts once colour/fragrance approval is confirmed; rush slots available.
  - QC Report Format: PDF, CSV - Standard lot certification includes melt flow, moisture, ΔE and bio-content where applicable.
  - Melt Temperature Range: 380-450 °F - Low-shear screw design prevents thermal degradation of cellulosics within this window.
  - Maximum Throughput: 100-1000 lb/hr - Rate varies with resin viscosity, filler loading and vent-vacuum level.
  - Bio Content (ASTM D6866): 20-100 % - Naturacell® grades validated for renewable carbon content.
  - Fragrance Capsule Loading: 0.5-5 % - Low-energy compounding preserves 50–500 µm microcapsules for controlled scent release.
  - Screw Diameter: 2-3.75 in - 50 mm pilot screws up to 95 mm high-output barrels accommodate lab to production lots.
  - Colour ΔE Tolerance: 0.8 ΔE - Spectrophotometer-verified colour control on every lot.
  - Packaging Formats: 25 lb valve-bag, 50 lb flat-bottom bag, 1,100 lb foil-lined gaylord, Bulk tanker - Custom labelling and barcoding on request.
  - Pellet Diameter: 0.08-0.12 in - Cylindrical pellets sized for consistent feed in downstream extrusion or molding equipment.
  - Moisture Content Target: 250 ppm - Foil-lined gaylords and nitrogen purge maintain ≤250 ppm moisture for optical clarity.
  - Production Scale: Prototype (50-100 lb), Short Run (100-5000 lb) - Flexible batch sizing—from pilot runs to sustained high-volume supply.

### Auracell® – Scent-Encapsulating Cellulosic Polymer Resins

Cellulose-based thermoplastic compounds engineered with integrated, micro-encapsulated fragrances for controlled, long-lasting scent release. Auracell® runs on standard injection-molding and profile-extrusion equipment, maintains optical clarity and color fidelity, and eliminates post-spray or surface coatings.

- Process: Scent-Encapsulating Cellulosic Polymer Resins
- Highlights: Plant-derived cellulosic backbone (CA/CAB/CAP) with low inherent base odor, Integrated fragrance microcapsules—scent intensity tunable via load level, Processes on conventional molds and dies; no secondary coating required, Colorable from water-clear to opaque; tight spectrophotometer matching, Regrind-friendly within OEM limits; dust/fines minimized at pelletizing, Moisture-managed packaging for pellet stability and consistent molding, Cellulosics properties: high impact strength, chemical resistance, optical clarity at thick sections, breathable for controlled additive migration, Auracell® retains >90% scent after a 140 °F bake test
- Specifications:
  - Production Scale: Prototype (100-1000 lb), Short Run (1001-10000 lb) - Pilot to sustained production; fragrance approval gates first production.
  - Notched Izod Impact: 0.4-1.5 ft-lb/in - Impacted by plasticizer package and fragrance loading.
  - Melt Flow Rate (ASTM D1238): 3-25 g/10 min - Grade-dependent; chosen to match part thickness and flow-length needs.
  - Regulatory / Compliance: IFRA guidance, REACH, RoHS, CPSIA, California Prop 65 (per fragrance) - Fragrance-specific disclosures provided at approval; safety data included with COA.
  - HDT @ 66 Psi: 140-190 °F - Higher heat grades available with appropriate base resin and additives.
  - Lead Time: 2-4 weeks - Starts after color/fragrance approval; expedited slots available.
  - Packaging Formats: 25 lb bag, 50 lb bag, 1,100 lb foil-lined gaylord - Lot-labeled with batch and fragrance code; barcoding available.
  - Fragrance Type (IFRA Category): Citrus, Floral, Woody, Herbal, Gourmand, Custom (IFRA-compliant) - Formulated with major fragrance houses; safety/labeling per IFRA guidance.
  - Odor Release Profile: Initial: strong, on-mold release, 24-hr: stabilized intensity, 30-day: sustained, moderate - Profile tuned via capsule size/load and base resin; validated with retained-sample checks.
  - Fragrance Load: 0.5-5 % - Typical loading window; higher loads subject to migration and tool-deposit review.
  - Microcapsule Size Range: 50-500 µm - Distribution tailored for melt-shear survival and uniform scent release.
  - Tensile Strength: 7000-10500 psi - Representative range for cellulosic esters; final values per grade TDS.
  - Density: 1.17-1.3 g/cm³ - Varies with base resin and capsule/additive loadings.
  - Base Resin Chemistry: Cellulose Acetate (CA), Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP) - Selected per clarity, impact, and chemical-resistance targets for the end use.
  - Drying Recommendation: 160–180 °F for 2–4 hr (pellets spread 1–2 in deep), Target moisture ≤ 0.02 % (≤ 200 ppm) - Critical for optics and fragrance retention; use desiccant dryer with dew point ≤ −40 °F.
  - Mold Or Die Temperature: 100-180 °F - Injection toward the lower end for cycle time; extrusion dies benefit from higher settings for gloss.
  - Recommended Melt / Barrel Temperatures: 380-430 °F - Stay within window to avoid browning and fragrance volatilization.
  - Transparency / Haze: 5-90 % haze - From near-clear to fully diffusive; color and diffuser packages adjustable.

### Naturacell® – Plant-Based Cellulose Acetate Resins

Bio-based cellulose-acetate thermoplastics compounded with renewable plasticizers and modifiers. Naturacell® is a drop-in material for existing molds and dies, delivering premium ‘warm-touch’ feel, durable finishes, and reprocessable scrap for sustainable consumer products.

- Process: Plant-Based Cellulose Acetate Resins
- Highlights: High renewable-content cellulosic backbone with bio-based plasticizers, Runs on current tooling with a broad, forgiving processing window, Colorable (clear, translucent, opaque) with tight ΔE color control, Scratch-resistant, glossy surface with premium tactile feel, Regrind-compatible to reduce waste, subject to part aesthetics, Suitable for premium consumer goods, packaging, eyewear, and handles, Cellulosics properties: high impact strength, chemical resistance, optical clarity at thick sections, breathable for controlled additive migration
- Specifications:
  - Moisture Content (Pellets): 100-500 ppm - Maintain within range through storage and handling to preserve optics and strength.
  - UV Stability (QUV Accelerated): 250-500 hours - Measured to a ΔE cosmetic threshold; final rating depends on color/UV package.
  - Color ΔE Tolerance: 0.8 ΔE - Spectrophotometer-controlled color matching for repeat orders.
  - Lead Time: 2-3 weeks - Typical from color approval; large programs scheduled with blanket releases.
  - Bio Based Content (ASTM D6866): 50-95 % - Varies with renewable plasticizer loading and color package; certificate available on request.
  - Notched Izod Impact: 0.4-1.2 ft-lb/in - Impact performance adjustable with modifier choices.
  - Drying Recommendation: 160–180 °F for 2–4 hr, Target moisture ≤ 0.03 % (≤ 300 ppm) - Use desiccant dryer; proper drying prevents splay and maintains clarity.
  - HDT @ 66 Psi: 150-185 °F - Appropriate for typical consumer-use temperature ranges.
  - Production Scale: Prototype (100-1000 lb), Short Run (1001-10000 lb) - Pilot, pre-production, and sustained volumes supported with consistent QC.
  - Transparency / Haze: 0-85 % haze - Water-clear to translucent; diffuser grades available for aesthetics.
  - Base Resin Acetyl Content: 39-41 % - Typical acetyl content range for CA used in transparent and tough grades.
  - Melt Flow Rate (ASTM D1238): 3-25 g/10 min - Grade-dependent to match wall thickness and gate design.
  - Mold Or Die Temperature: 110-180 °F - Higher mold/die temperatures improve gloss and reduce internal stress.
  - Regulatory / Compliance: RoHS, REACH, California Prop 65, CPSIA (where applicable) - Material and pigment packages selected to meet program-specific requirements.
  - Tensile Strength: 7000-10500 psi - Representative for CA compounds; confirm per final grade data sheet.
  - Packaging Formats: 25 lb bag, 50 lb bag, 1,100 lb foil-lined gaylord - Sealed, moisture-managed packaging with lot and color codes.
  - Flexural Modulus: 250000-400000 psi - Stiffness tuned via plasticizer and modifier package.
  - Recommended Melt / Barrel Temperatures: 380-420 °F - Balanced to protect renewable plasticizer and avoid thermal yellowing.

### Secondary Operations & Value-Added Services

Integrated engineering and launch support provided only alongside awarded Rotuba production programs (cellulosic compounding and/or Pen Company of America manufacturing). Services focus on de-risking ramp—DFM feedback, quick-turn color/fragrance proofs, molded first-articles from existing tools, fixture/insert machining, and decorated sample approval—so production can start faster with fewer iterations.

- Process: Secondary Operations & Value-Added Services
- Highlights: Integrated-only: not offered as a standalone service, Same-day/next-day DFM feedback and art proofs, In-house CNC for fixtures and mold inserts to accelerate first-articles, 3-D printed fit-check parts, jigs, and color step-strips for approval, SharePoint-based revision control and traceable sample/lot records
- Specifications:
  - First Article Availability (Existing Tooling): 3-7 days - Molded samples pulled from existing production molds for form/fit verification.
  - Color/Fragrance Proof Turnaround: 1-2 days - Spectrophotometer color matches and injection-molded color step-strips; fragrance intensity proofs when applicable.
  - Service Availability: Available only with an awarded Rotuba compounding and/or PCA manufacturing program, Scope limited to supported SKUs/parts produced by Rotuba/PCA - Prevents standalone requests; aligns engineering effort to committed deliveries.
  - Decorated Sample Lead Time (Existing SKUs): 5-7 days - Includes art proof, pad-print cliché set-up or laser program, and sample pens for approval.
  - Mold Cavity Surface Finish: 4-12 µin Ra - SPI A-2/A-3 equivalent for glossy consumer-facing pen components.
  - Production Scale (Assisted Pilots): Prototype (1-10 parts), Short Run (11-500 parts) - Applied to engineering pilots and decorated-sample lots only; full runs scheduled under the awarded production capability.
  - DFM Feedback Turnaround: 24 hours - Annotated recommendations for draft, wall, gating, tolerances, and assembly fit returned within one business day.
  - Machining Tolerance (Fixtures/Inserts): 0.0005 in - Critical locating features held to ±0.0005 in to ensure repeatable assembly/printing registration.
  - 3 D Print Build Volume: 11.8L x 11.8W x 11.8H in (300L x 300W x 300H mm) - FDM prints for fit-checks, assembly jigs, and sample fixtures.
  - CNC Machining Envelope (Fixtures/Inserts): 20L x 50W x 25H in - 3- and 5-axis vertical machining centers for aluminum/P-20 inserts and assembly fixtures.
  - Supported CAD & Art Formats: STEP, IGES, Parasolid, SolidWorks *.sldprt, DXF/DWG, AI/EPS/PDF (vector art) - Files exchanged via revision-controlled SharePoint workspace.

### High-Volume Injection Molding & Pen Manufacturing

Pen Company of America (a Rotuba subsidiary) produces complete writing instruments in New Jersey—from multi-cavity molded plastic parts to in-house wound springs and Swiss-turned brass cartridges. Fully robotic lines assemble, print, and package up to 650 000 pens per week, offering low MOQs, rapid imprint turns, and ISO-modelled batch traceability.

- Process: Writing Instruments
- Highlights: Only full-line pen factory still operating entirely in the USA, 650 k pens/week output with three robotic assembly lines, Pad-printing up to four PMS colours or 600 dpi laser engraving, Two-shot soft-grip over-molding on select SKUs, 20 000-cycle click-life testing ensures durability
- Subprocesses: Plastic Injection Molding, Multi-Shot / Two-Shot Injection Molding, Robotic Assembly, Pad Printing, Laser Engraving, Spring Wire Forming, Swiss-Type CNC Turning, Hardware & Kitting – Mount Assemblies, Spring Load / Deflection & Fatigue Testing
- Specifications:
  - Production Scale: Prototype (100-1000 pieces), Short Run (1001-10000 pieces), Medium Run (10001-100000 pieces) - Three-shift scheduling and parallel assembly allow scale-up with minimal notice.
  - Line Length (ISO 12757 2): 0.93 mi - Typical writing distance for 1.0 mm ball-point refill.
  - Clamp Force Range: 30-150 ton - Electric and hydraulic presses sized for barrels, caps, clips, and internal mechanisms.
  - Packaging Options: Bulk bag (100 pcs), 50-pen polybag, Retail gift box (single), Carded blister - Bagging, boxing, or kitting performed in-line; custom barcoding supported.
  - Minimum Order Quantity (Custom Imprint): 250 pieces - Lower MOQ available for repeat art with stock barrel colours.
  - Standard Barrel Length: 5.35 in - Tip-to-plunger length for primary ball-point models; other formats on request.
  - Tool Cavities: 8-32 count - Hot-runner molds with balanced filling; typical barrel tool = 16 cavities.
  - Tip Sizes Offered: 0.5 mm (0.020 in) needle, 0.7 mm (0.028 in) medium, 1.0 mm (0.039 in) broad - Stainless or brass tips assembled in-house for ballpoint and gel formulations.
  - Supported Materials: ABS, Polypropylene, TPE over-mold, Acetal, Brass, Stainless-steel - Plastic parts molded in ABS/PP; acetal for ratchet; metal components produced in-house.
  - Prototype & Decor Lead Time: 7-10 days - Artwork proof, pad-print cliché, molding, assembly, and shipment for custom runs.
  - Pad Print Colors: 4 count - Pantone-matched UV-cured inks; wrap or spot imprint options.
  - Functional Life Test: 20000 cycles - Retractable mechanism endurance test—samples must exceed 20 k clicks without failure.
  - Ink Formulations: ISO oil-based (blue/black/red), Low-viscosity hybrid, Food-grade permanent-marker ink - Inks blended and filled on-site; QC for viscosity, colour density, and write-out length.
  - Dimensional Tolerance: 0.002 in - Critical fit on plunger/ratchet mechanism held to ±0.002 in for smooth action.
  - Laser Engrave Resolution: 600 dpi - Fiber-laser marks on anodized aluminum or stainless barrels; permanent, no ink.

## Certifications

- ISO 9001:2015 (Type: Certification; Authority: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); Status: Unknown; URL: https://www.iso.org/iso-9001-quality-management.html)

## Industries Served

- Point-of-Purchase (POP) & Retail Displays: Supplies compounded cellulosic materials and scented plastics used in POP display fixtures.
- General Manufacturing: Precision cellulosic compounding for diverse general-manufacturing needs.
- Electronics & Semiconductors: Compounded cellulosic materials for LED-lighting housings and diffuser profiles.

## Facilities

### Rotuba – Linden Plant & HQ

50,000-ft² compounding facility with 3 extruders, five blenders, Kason classifiers, in-house machine shop, CAD support, and a color/fragrance lab. Pen Company of America is co-located with 10 injection-molding lines.

- Type: manufacturing_facility
- Headquarters: Yes
- Email: info@rotuba.com
- Phone: +1 908-486-1000
- Address: 1301 Park Avenue South, Linden, NJ 07036, United States of America

## Verification Status

- Business Entity: Verified 7/30/2025
- Technical Capabilities: Verified 8/8/2025
- Locations & Facilities: Verified 8/8/2025
- Reviews & Ratings: Not yet verified
- MFR.ID Created: 6/18/2025
- Last Updated: 9/10/2025