The growth of the high performance and special effect pigments has show an upward
trend in the past year.
Bridget Klebaur, Associate Editor
High performance and special effect pigments manufac- turers Coatings World interviewed reported continued economic recover.
“The overall economic growth continues upward across mature markets,” said Scott Heitzman, global products man- ager, high performance pigments, Sun Chemical Performance
Pigments. “The European market is showing moderate improve-
ment. Emerging markets are flat due mostly to slower growth
in China. High performance and special effect pigments con-
tinue to outrun the economy. This is largely due to color trends.
Architectural palettes have taken on harmony and neutral pal-
ettes that are soft but colorful.”
According to Heitzman, automotive sport and SUV
models are contributing to growth with high performance
pigment reds and blues. “Strong fleet sales in the Americas
bring volume on saturated primary colors,” he added. “Tri-
coat special effect sparkle is supporting the growth in ef-
fects. These sectors will continue to outpace the economy.
Effects will continue to benefit by the need to differenti-
ate. The ease of use and dependability of high performance
pigments will gain share from classical pigments as well as
enjoy new use in emerging markets.”
BASF also found that the market continues to grow.
“The North American automotive production recovery continues with a three percent growth rate anticipated for 2014,” said
Mike Crosby, transportation segment manager transportation,
BASF Industrial Coatings & Plastics Business. “So across the
board we are seeing increased demand for pigments. Increased
High Performance and
Special Effects Pigments Market
