REACH $3.4 BILLION IN 2009
Demand in the U.S. for color pigments,
including inorganic, organic and specialty
types, is forecast to increase 5.2% per
year to $3.4 billion in 2009, driven by
above average gains in high-performance
organic pigments and various specialty
types, according to “Pigments:
Inorganic, Organic & Specialty,” a new
study from The Freedonia Group, Inc.
Specialty pigments, such as pearlescents,
are projected to achieve the most
rapid gains through 2009. Opportunities
will arise from increased requirements
for unique and novel eye-catching optical
effects by manufacturers of such
products as paints and coatings, printing
inks, plastics, leather and cosmetics.
Certain luminescent pigments (e.g.,
phosphorescent) will also achieve favorable
gains, due to their use in anti-forgery,
anti-counterfeiting and other security
applications, the report said.
Growth in organic pigments will continue
to benefit from the trend toward
more expensive, high-performance pigments
and the displacement of heavy
metal-based inorganic pigments. These
colorants have a superior environmental
profile in comparison to inorganic
pigments and are also benefiting from
the desire to produce more vivid colors,
particularly in printing inks.
However, inorganic pigment demand
will post below average gains through
2009, primarily due to the continued
phase out of heavy metals, such as chromate.
With most viable reformulations
having already taken place, declines in
chromate pigments will slow as they are
replaced by various organic and complex
inorganic types. On the other hand,
favorable opportunities exist for other
types of inorganics, such as complex
inorganic pigments, which offer superior
lightfastness and chemical resistance.
Nearly three-quarters of color pigment
demand in the U.S. is consumed
by three major markets including
paint and coatings, printing inks and
plastics. Of these three markets, printing
inks are expected to record the
fastest growth, boosted by the greater
use of metallic pigments in inks
designed for packaging and promotional
graphics; and phosphorescent
pigments in anti-forgery, anti-counterfeiting
and other security applications.
Opportunities will also arise in paint
and coating, and plastics markets, as
pigments benefit from manufacturers
seeking to create new colors and visual
effects that distinguish their products
in the marketplace.
For more information on the report,
contact Freedonia at (440) 684-9600 or
www.freedoniagroup.com.