Pigments Market Panel Discussion

Coatings World (CW): How did the pigments market perform in 2008? How does this compare to 2007 and what are your predictions for 2009?

Thierry Chevrier, director of performance chemicals-coatings, plastics and specialties-for BASF in North America: The second half of 2008 was difficult as the economic situation began to impact consumers, especially in the automobile and housing sectors. For 2009, pigment suppliers will have to continue to offer value-added solutions that take into account the "total cost" mindset of coatings producers. The ability to innovate and bring cost-effective solutions to the industry will be the key to success going forward.

Bernadette Corujo, director of NAFTA marketing, coatings, Ciba Corporation: The pigments market tracks the coatings market overall. 2008 was a difficult year for several segments of the coatings market and by extension the pigments market. Pigment growth slowed in 2008 versus 2007 mainly due to the slowdown in coatings demand in the fourth quarter of the year. 2009 will likely remain challenging through the first half of the year.

Falko Orlowski, c