Features

Metallic Pigments Market

As the market crisis appears to be stabilizing and the automotive industry begins to rebound, metallic pigment manufacturers are cautiously optimistic for 2010.

Kerry Pianoforte06.01.10

The past few years have been a challenging time for the metallic pigments market. Decreased demand for higher-end items due to the economic downturn coupled with the recent automotive crisis have certainly had an impact on demand for metallic pigments. However, metallic pigment makers have reported that 2010 is off to a promising start. Only time will tell if this upstart will continue.

“Due to the downturn in the coatings markets in Europe and North America and the worldwide economic crisis in 2009, the market demand for metallic pigments was strongly affected,” said Aaron Hollman, global product manager effect pigments, performance pigments, Sun Chemical. “However, we have seen an upswing in these markets during the first quarter of 2010. This improving economic situation coupled with our focus on quality, service and innovation has put us in an excellent position for long term growth in metallic and effects pigments. Although we are off to a strong start in 2010, there is still a high degree of uncertainty regarding demand. We are cautiously optimistic that the challenging economic environment of 2009 is behind us.”