Coating World Q&A with Vibrantz Technologies

CW: Can you tell us how Pearls™ tinting technology came about and what inspired its creation?

Lozada: Pearls tinting technology was inspired by the simplicity of a coffee machine. Over a decade ago, our innovation team in the Netherlands noticed an industry need for a sustainable, precise and user-friendly tinting solution. Coffee machines dose just the right amount of coffee grounds to create a perfect cup, and this simplicity sparked an idea: What if tinting paint could be as clean and straightforward? This analogy drove the creation of Pearls, a first-of-its-kind technology that volumetrically doses solid colorants into water-based paints, offering an eco-friendly, waste-free and highly efficient alternative to traditional liquid tinting.

CW: How have customer needs or market trends influenced the direction of Pearls technology?

Lozada: Increasingly stringent environmental regulations, particularly in Europe, mean colorant companies are looking for more eco-friendly solutions that don’t compromise overall paint performance. Current paint products face a limited shelf life, with 5-10% often wasted due to improper storage that leads to mold growth and contamination. Many paints also contain biocides and other controversial preservatives that may cause skin irritations, allergies and pose environmental risks.
Vibrantz developed Pearls sustainable tinting solution, a technology package that includes a dispensing machine to volumetrically dose solid colorants and a select array of solid colorants that can be mixed to create myriad end-use paint colors. Pearls is a simple to use, sustainable and lower total cost of ownership alternative with zero harmful chemicals and fully recyclable packaging. 

CW: Can you give a simplified explanation of how Pearls are made?

Lozada: Pearls are created through a patented, highly controlled production process that transforms pigment into solid, precisely measured colorant units. Pigments are processed into small, uniform pellets, or "Pearls”. These colorants are then dried and compacted to ensure stability and long shelf life. The result is a solid colorant that can be volumetrically dosed into paint, maintaining consistent quality and vibrant color output. This streamlined production method minimizes resource usage and enhances the durability of the product.

CW: How is the Pearls production process and tinting system sustainable?

Lozada: Sustainability is at the core of Pearls’ production. First, the shift to solid colorants eliminates the need for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biocides, which are common in liquid tinting systems. Second, the manufacturing process generates minimal waste, as the solid form avoids issues like spillage or sedimentation. Finally, Pearls come in fully recyclable packaging, reducing environmental impact along the supply chain. This combination of cleaner production, waste reduction and recyclable materials aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly innovations in the coatings industry.

CW: Why did Vibrantz choose volumetric dosing over gravimetric dosing technology when developing Pearls?

Lozada: Volumetric dosing was chosen for its precision, simplicity and efficiency. Unlike gravimetric systems, which require weighing and are prone to mess and error, volumetric dosing uses pre-measured Pearls to ensure exact colorant quantities every time. This system is faster and eliminates the need for frequent calibrations or purging cycles, which are common with gravimetric systems. By simplifying the process, volumetric dosing not only ensures consistent, accurate color matching but also reduces operational costs for paint producers.

CW: How is Vibrantz prepared to integrate a disruptive technology like Pearls into the market?

Lozada: In September, Vibrantz celebrated the upcoming groundbreaking of a new production facility at its Sittard, Netherlands, site to significantly expand the capacity of its patented Pearls sustainable tinting solution. This project is the first in a series of planned optimizations, part of a nearly $20 million investment, that will increase Vibrantz’s global Pearls production capacity to approximately 1.2 million liters per year to adequately serve the sustainability, performance and cost demands of colorant manufacturers and paint retailers globally.

CW: What makes Pearls unique in the marketplace?

Lozada: Pearls technology stands out as the first volumetrically dosed solid colorant solution for water-based paints. Unlike liquid alternatives, Pearls are free from VOCs and biocides, offer longer shelf life, and simplify the tinting process. Their innovative design ensures precise color matching, reduces waste and eliminates the mess associated with traditional systems. Fully recyclable packaging further enhances their eco-friendly credentials, making Pearls a game-changer for sustainable tinting.

CW: How does Pearls provide value to its users and the market?

Lozada: Pearls deliver unmatched value by addressing critical pain points in the paint industry. The elimination of harmful chemicals ensures safety for both users and the environment, while the solid form reduces waste and maintenance costs. Its recyclable packaging and extended shelf life make it an economical choice. Retailers benefit from an easy-to-use system that creates diverse custom colors, while paint producers can align their operations with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. Pearls is not just a product; it’s a strategic advantage for environmentally conscious businesses.

CW: What is the environmental and societal impact of Pearls technology?
Lozada: Pearls technology significantly reduces environmental impact by replacing traditional liquid colorants with solid alternatives free from harmful chemicals. The fully recyclable packaging and waste reduction during production and use contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. Operationally, Pearls enhance efficiency, helping paint producers avoid the 10% product loss common with liquid tinting systems. Societally, Pearls support a shift toward sustainability, aligning with consumer demands for eco-friendly products and benefiting ecosystems and communities through reduced pollution and waste.

In conclusion, Pearls represents a new chapter in paint tinting technology. With its sustainable design, simplified operation and unmatched precision, Pearls is poised to redefine how we color our world.

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