Pearlescent Pigments: Bringing Shimmering Charm to Industries and Innovations
Some applications of pearlescent pigments are as follows:
Automotive Industry
One of the most common uses of pearlescent pigments is in the automotive industry. Pearl pigments are added to automotive paint to create a unique color effect that provides an attractive appearance to a car. These pigments are widely used in high-end luxury cars and sports cars to create a sense of exclusivity and luxury.
Cosmetic Industry
Pearl pigments are also widely used in the cosmetic industry. They are added to makeup products such as lipsticks, eyeshadows, and nail polishes to provide a glittering, glowing effect. This effect can help to improve the natural beauty of the wearer by creating a sense of glamour and luxury.
Printing Industry
Pearlescent pigments are used in the printing industry to create a range of unique effects. These pigments are added to inks and coatings to provide a shimmering effect on paper or other materials. This effect can be used to create eye-catching advertising materials or packaging for products.
Plastics Industry
In the plastic industry, pearl pigments are added to plastic materials to create a lustrous effect that can make a product aesthetically appealing on supermarket store shelves. This effect can be used in various applications, from consumer products to industrial materials.
The pearlescent pigments market has witnessed many recent innovations in terms of technology and product development. Some of the major innovations in the pearlescent pigments market are:
Biodegradable Pearl Pigments: With the growing focus on sustainability and environment, biodegradable pearlescent pigments are gaining popularity. These pigments are made by using natural materials like starch or cellulose, which can be easily disintegrated with the help of microorganisms. This technology is still in its initial stages, but it has the potential to lessen the environmental impact of pearl pigments.
Low-Cost Pearlescent Pigments: Pearl pigments that are generally used can be expensive, which restricts their use in certain applications. However, the development of low-cost pearlescent pigments that are more affordable while still providing the desired color and glimmer is saying differently. This innovation has extended the range of applications where pearlescent pigments could be used, making them more accessible to a broad range of industries and consumers.
Pearlescent pigments are fluorescent or phosphorescent-based pigments which are also known as shine pigments. These pigments produce a shining surface when coated with metallic oxide or mica. These pigments have a transparent appearance and higher refractive coefficient. Inherent properties of these pigments include high resistance to acid, temperature, and ultraviolet radiations. Unique properties of these materials make them suitable for use across a wide array of applications such as in automotive paints, toys, and the printing industry. Addition of pearlescent in any color produces different visual effects, or metallic shade finish, which makes them highly preferable in the coatings industry.
Since pearlescent pigments are non-hazardous to humans,these are used in food packaging applications as well. These pigments are also being tested for use in cosmetic applications. Advancements in research and development regarding their increasing scope of applications offer a wide opportunity to these pigment manufacturers to enter the market.
Pearlescent pigments enhance the aesthetics of objects, components, packaging, or surfaces, makingthese widely preferable for product differentiation activities by companies. Automotive paints are the largest end-use sector for these pigments. In developed economies such as the U.S., Germany, France, and the U.K., the pearlescent pigment market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR between 7% and 9%. However, with growth in the automotive and FMCG sector in AsiaPacific, the pearlescent pigmentsmarket is expected to grow above the global average CAGR and reach double-digit figures. Some of the market players are BASF SE, Cristal, Brenntag Specialties, Inc., Huaian Concord Industrial Product Co., Ltd., Spectra Colours Ltd., Lansco Colors, Merck Performance Materials, Sun Chemical, and other chemicals and paint manufacturing companies.
