News & Updates

BADGER COLOR USA Launches Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training Program

June 24^th, 2025

Mukwonago, Wisconsin – BADGER COLOR USA is excited to announce the launch of its Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt training program, reinforcing its dedication to continuous improvement and employee development.

Twelve team members have been nominated by their managers to participate in this in-depth training focused on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology—an industry-recognized approach for driving operational excellence and solving complex challenges.

“We’re proud to invest in our team through programs that build capability and support innovation,” said Thomas Bernhardt, General Manager at BADGER COLOR USA. “These team members will play a key role in helping us work smarter and drive progress.”

Participants will be trained and coached by an experienced instructor from Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), bringing hands-on knowledge and practical insight to the training experience.

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BADGER COLOR USA and Corporate Training Center at WCTC Partner to Enhance Workforce Skills with Yellow Belt Training

March 11^th, 2025

Mukwonago, Wisconsin – BADGER COLOR USA, in collaboration with the Corporate Training Center at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its Yellow Belt training program. This initiative equips employees with valuable Lean Six Sigma skills, reinforcing the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Through this program, BADGER COLOR USA team members participated in hands-on training led by a WCTC instructor, focusing on process efficiency and waste reduction. On March 5th, employees were awarded their official WCTC Certificates of Training and Yellow Belt pins, marking their achievement.

“This training has empowered our team to take a proactive approach to process improvement. By applying Lean Six Sigma principles, they are making meaningful changes that enhance our operations and deliver greater value to our customers,” said Thomas Bernhardt, BADGER COLOR USA General Manager.

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BADGER COLOR USA Attains Maturing Status

December, 2024

Mukwonago, Wis. – The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized BADGER COLOR USA at the Maturing level within its Green Masters Program®. Recognizing Wisconsin businesses that are prioritizing sustainability, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master.
Maturing status signifies that an organization is effectively engaging in sustainability, has identified and is improving its performance in most material sustainability issues, and is integrating systems to manage its performance in those issues.
“At BADGER COLOR USA, sustainability is not just an initiative—it’s a fundamental aspect of our business aspirations,” said Thomas Bernhardt , General Manager. “Achieving the Maturing level in the Green Masters Program® reflects our dedication to reducing environmental impact while driving innovation and value for our customers.” Recent efforts include implementing advanced energy-saving technologies like variable drive systems and launching a returnable packaging program to reduce single-use materials and promote a circular economy. By focusing on waste reduction, reusing materials, and enhancing recycling capabilities, we are committed to continuously improving our environmental footprint. These initiatives align with integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations.

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BADGER COLOR USA Joins Global Refuge’s Preferred Refugee Employers Initiative

November 7, 2024

Mukwonago, Wisconsin, —BADGER COLOR USA, Inc. is proud to announce its inclusion in Global Refuge’s Preferred Refugee Employers initiative, marking a significant step forward in promoting workplace diversity and inclusion. In partnership with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS), BADGER COLOR USA has hired 14 refugees from various regions, including seven with Afghan and Rohingya backgrounds and seven from Venezuela.

“We are incredibly excited to join Global Refuge’s initiative,” said Thomas Bernhardt General Manager of BADGER COLOR USA. “Our commitment to inclusivity and building opportunities aligns with Global Refuge’s mission, and we are honored to welcome these talented individuals into our team.”

BADGER COLOR USA's engagement with Global Refuge is part of a broader commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and supportive workplace environment. By hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, the company aims to foster growth and provide new opportunities for those seeking refuge.

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BADGER COLOR USA Announces Transition to PFAS-Free Raw Materials in Manufacturing Facilities

September 18, 2024

Mukwonago, Wisconsin, —BADGER COLOR USA, a leader in masterbatch manufacturing, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to environmental responsibility and product safety. Both of the company’s manufacturing facilities have successfully transitioned to using PFAS-free raw materials.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent synthetic chemicals in the environment and can adversely affect human health. By eliminating PFAS-containing raw materials from our manufacturing processes, BADGER COLOR USA proactively minimizes environmental impact and prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees, customers, and communities.

“Our decision to go PFAS-free in raw material sourcing underscores our dedication to sustainability and product safety,” said John Grabski, Director of Production and Technology of BADGER COLOR USA Concentrates. “We have worked closely with our suppliers to ensure that all raw materials used in our masterbatch and liquid formulations are free from PFAS compounds.”

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BADGER COLOR USA Recognized by EcoVadis for Third Consecutive Year

August 19, 2024

Mukwonago, Wisconsin - BADGER COLOR USA is proud to announce its recognition by EcoVadis for the third consecutive year, earning a prestigious Bronze medal. This accolade places BADGER COLOR USA in the top 35% of all companies evaluated by EcoVadis over the past 12 months, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings, assesses companies across four key areas: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The Bronze medal ranking reflects BADGER COLOR USA's dedication to implementing and maintaining high standards in these critical areas.

“We are honored to be recognized by EcoVadis for the third year in a row,” said Thomas Bernhardt General Manager of BADGER COLOR USA. “This Bronze medal is a testament to our team's hard work and commitment to sustainable practices. We will continue to strive for excellence in all areas of our business, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our stakeholders.”

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BADGER COLOR USA Welcomes Thomas Bernhardt as New General Manager

June 27, 2024

Mukwonago, Wisconsin -  BADGER COLOR USA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas Bernhardt as the new General Manager, effective July 1st, 2024. Mr. Bernhardt succeeds Mr. Mike Madey, who will be retiring at the end of this month.

Thomas has been with the Kafrit Group since last year as VP for Strategic Projects and has played a key role in Kafrit’s recent North American acquisition of ABSA Resin Technologies in Canada and BADGER COLOR USA in the US. Thomas brings a wealth of experience and expertise in senior positions within the plastics industry, particularly in the Masterbatch and Compounding sectors. His track record includes driving growth and success in leading companies such as Clariant, Archroma, Sukano, and Ingenia Polymers, making him an excellent fit for this new role.

In his new position, Thomas will drive BADGER COLOR USA's strategy, enhance customer experience, and ensure sustainable growth.

Daniel Singer, Kafrit Group CEO, emphasized the importance of this transition: "Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision during his time with Kafrit. We are confident that under his guidance, BADGER COLOR USA will continue to thrive and innovate. We also want to thank Mike Madey, founder and previous General Manager of BADGER COLOR USA, and wish him a fulfilling retirement. His legacy will always be remembered."

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Masterbatch Process Versus Dry Blending in Polymer Manufacturing

In the world of polymer manufacturing, the methods employed to incorporate additives and colorants into base resins significantly impact product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Two prevalent techniques, the masterbatch process, and dry blending, stand as pillars of additive integration in the industry. While both methods serve the same purpose, they exhibit distinctive differences that warrant exploration for manufacturers aiming to optimize their production processes.

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Kafrit Group to acquire BADGER COLOR USA Concentrates to strengthen its color masterbatch business and extend its presence in North America

February 28, 2024

Mukwonago, Wisconsin - Kafrit Industries (1993) Ltd. (“Kafrit Group”) announced its acquisition of BADGER COLOR USA, a leading manufacturer of color concentrates and liquid colorants to the North American plastics industry.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone to Kafrit Group's global growth journey, adding a complete line of specialty color and additive concentrates to its already highly differentiated polymer solution portfolio.

Daniel Singer, Kafrit Group's CEO, remarked: "We are thrilled to welcome BADGER COLOR USA to the Kafrit family. This acquisition aligns with our strategy to strengthen our position as a service and technology leader to the global plastics industry. We see significant opportunities to enhance the depth and breadth of our service offering to our existing and future customers in North America."

Mike Madey, former Owner and President of BADGER COLOR USA, who will lead the integration into Kafrit Group as General Manager, added: "We are excited to join forces with Kafrit Group. This is a natural evolution for our company, as it brings together complementary and competitive strengths, facilitating the next growth steps to the benefit of our customers and partners."

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BADGER COLOR USA Attains Maturing Status

December 2023

Mukwonago, WI – The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized BADGER COLOR USA at the Maturing level within its Green Masters Program®. Recognizing Wisconsin businesses that are prioritizing sustainability, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master. Maturing status signifies that the organization is effectively engaging in sustainability, has identified and is improving its performance in most material sustainability issues, and is integrating systems to manage its performance in those issues.

“Achieving Maturing status in our first year participating in the Green Masters Program®. is a remarkable milestone for BADGER COLOR USA, underscoring our unwavering dedication to sustainability," expressed Mike Madey, President, and Owner of BADGER COLOR USA. The resources and tools provided by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council and the Green Masters program are essential to help us continually improving our impact on employees,
customers and the local communities in which we operate.

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BADGER COLOR USA Celebrates 25 Years of Solving Color and Additive Concentrate Needs.

November 3, 2023

MUKWONAGO, WI -  BADGER COLOR USA is excited to announce its 25th Business Anniversary, marking a quarter-century of innovation, quality, sustainability, and commitment to its customers and partners in the masterbatch and liquid colorant manufacturing industry.

Founded in 1998, BADGER COLOR USA has grown from a small operation into a dynamic organization with global reach. Renowned for its Post-Consumer Resin coloring solutions and vibrant range of colorants used across various plastic industries. Over the past 25 years, BADGER COLOR USA has established itself as a pioneer in pellet and liquid concentrates, consistently delivering products that enhance aesthetics, performance, and sustainability.

"Our 25th anniversary is a remarkable milestone that underscores our journey of growth and excellence," said Mike Madey, President and owner. "We owe our success to our dedicated team, loyal customers, and collaborative partners who have believed in our vision and trusted us with their color and additive needs."

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BADGER COLOR USA has again been awarded a “Silver” EcoVadis Medal for its sustainability performance.

March 14, 2023

MUKWONAGO, WI, March 14, 2023 -  BADGER COLOR USA, an industry leader recognized for specializing in custom color, and functional additive concentrates manufactured for the plastics industry, has been awarded the Silver medal for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and business sustainability from EcoVadis. The Silver rating places BADGER COLOR USA among the top 25% of more than 100,000+ global companies assessed by EcoVadis for the second year. 

"Achieving the Silver Medal is an exceptional achievement for BADGER COLOR USA, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable business practices and allowing customers to partner with us confidently. This rating is a tribute to our employees' hard work and dedication to BADGER COLOR USA's sustainability journey," says Michael Madey, President and Owner of BADGER COLOR USA.    

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