The global organic pigments market is expected to witness substantial growth on account of increasing use in various industries including paints and coatings, plastics, and textiles. Organic pigments contain carbon compounds typically derived from plants or petroleum, in contrast with inorganic pigments which are made of metallic salts. These pigments are usually available as fine powders, which are then suspended in a binder and added or applied to various materials. These pigments can be employed in a variety of hi-tech applications such as photo-reprographics, optical data storage, and optoelectronic displays.
Organic pigments offer several advantages over inorganic pigments including transparency, brighter colors, high strength, excellent resistance to fading and good chemical stability, which is expected to drive their adoption in the coming years. A major factor driving the growth of this market will be their improved level of safety as compared to inorganic pigments such as white lead, cadmium pigments, chromate pigments, and carbon black which are associated with incidences of anemia, nerve damage, kidney failures, rashes, and lung cancer. Increase in government infrastructure spending coupled with rapid urbanization in emerging economies namely India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia is likely to boost the demand for paints, consequently fuelling the organic pigments market over the upcoming years. The recent trend towards organic and sustainable clothing in western countries is anticipated to augment the demand for organic pigments in the textiles industry. Organic printing inks made from soybean, or vegetable oils are expected to witness augmented demand in the foreseeable future as they contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and also make it easier to recycle paper.
The global expansion of the plastics industry in automotive, consumer goods, electronics, packaging, and construction segments is anticipated to lead enhanced product demand in the near future. Vibrant color coupled with the non-toxic nature of these compounds is expected to propel their application in the food packaging industry, which will further drive market growth. Furthermore, increasing consumer awareness regarding the harmful effects of artificial ingredients and chemicals in cosmetic and personal care products will lead to their substitution by organic substances, favoring industry growth. Advancements in manufacturing techniques and technological innovations which have resulted in sustainable and high-performance organic pigments with better stability and durability will open new market opportunities.
Higher cost of organic pigments as compared to inexpensive inorganic options is anticipated to pose a challenge to market growth in the future. Volatile raw material prices and low dispersibilitywill hinder market growth.
Organic pigments are segmented into synthetic organic pigments, derived from petroleum chemicals, and natural organic pigments which are obtained plant and animal sources. The majority of end-use industries favor synthetic organic pigments on account of better light fastness and lower cost. However, natural organic pigments are expected to witness enhanced demand as they are more sustainable and eco-friendly than synthetic ones.
On the basis of product type, organic pigments are segmented chiefly into monoazo, diazo, phthalocyanine, and quinacridone pigments. Out of these, the monoazo yellow, orange, and red pigments are expected to account for the largest market share over the next few years. Copper phthalocyanine pigments are also likely to be very popular as they provide brilliant blue and green shades with excellent colourfast properties.
Organic pigments find applications in various sectors including paints and coatings, printing inks, plastics, textiles, and rubber. Textiles are anticipated to be the largest application sector for organic pigments on account for wide colour availability as well as easy compatibility with most fibres.
Asia Pacific was the largest and will show significant rise owing to the presence of rapidly developing countries namely China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Rapid industrialization, rising disposable incomes, and the flourishing construction and textile industries are the key factors that are likely to contribute to the growth of the organic pigments market in the region. Numerous organic pigment manufacturers are shifting their production bases to developing countries in Asia Pacific on account of lower labor costs and the absence of stringent environmental regulations, which will augment future domestic demand. The Middle East and Africa market in anticipated to witness substantial growth in the coming years as a result of large construction and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Nigeria, and South Africa. Although the organic pigments market has reached maturity in Europe and North America, it is anticipated to receive a significant boost as key companies are aiming to design and develop products in sync with the continuously evolving technology requirements.
Key industry participants operating in the global organic pigments market include BASF SE, Cabot Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Cappelle Pigments N.V., DIC Corporation, Evonik Industries, and Heubach Colour Pvt. Ltd. Various other players include Huntsman International, KemiraOyj, Lanxess, Pidilite Industries Ltd., Rockwood Holdings, Toyo Color Co. Ltd., Trust Chem Europe Bv, Sudarshan Chemical Industries, and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
