White Inorganic Pigments Market by Application and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, South America) Product Type (Aluminum Silicate, Calcium Silicate, Calcium Carbonate, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide)- by , Partner & Customer Ecosystem (Product Services, Proposition & Key Features) Competitive Index & Regional Footprints by MarketDigits - Forecast 2024 – 2032

The Global Market for white inorganic pigments, which includes paints & coatings, adhesives & sealants, plastics, cosmetics, paper, inks, among others, exhibited a value of USD 22.7 billion in 2023. It is projected to reach USD 29.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the period from 2023 to 2030. The growth in this market can be primarily attributed to the increasing utilization of white inorganic pigments in various industries such as construction, automotive, and personal care. These pigments are sought after due to their ability to achieve high light scattering power, excellent hiding power, strong tinting strength, high brightness, minimal undertone, and superior whiteness. These factors are expected to drive the demand for white inorganic pigments throughout the forecast period.

COVID-19 impact on the Global White Inorganic Pigments Market

However, it should be noted that the white inorganic pigments industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term effects of this impact remain uncertain. The pandemic led to the closure of numerous dental hospitals and clinics in the US, causing a recession that affected the pigments industry. The prices of raw materials also experienced unexpected fluctuations before and after the pandemic, posing challenges for suppliers and manufacturers of inorganic pigments worldwide. Despite these challenges, the construction and automotive industries have witnessed a significant rebound after the pandemic, while e-commerce retail sales have seen a notable increase. Europe, in particular, is expected to observe an approximate 20% annual growth in e-commerce trade.

White inorganic pigments Market: Market Dynamics
Driver: Growth of global construction sector

The global demand for white inorganic pigments is bolstered by the growth of the construction industry. This sector encompasses both residential and non-residential infrastructure, and it is anticipated to expand by 85% in terms of volume, reaching USD 15.5 trillion by 2030, according to Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). The construction industry's growth is driven by economic recovery in major economies, globalization, urbanization, improving living standards, increasing purchasing power parity (PPP), infrastructure development, and the demand for megacity construction in emerging countries. Construction activities are expected to double in emerging markets by 2020, with China and India offering significant growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific region. In regions such as North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America, the demand for residential and non-residential construction is high due to rising living standards. According to the OECD, global annual household disposable income has been increasing for the past six years, leading to higher purchasing power and improved living standards among consumers. These factors drive the demand for interior decoration and home renovation, consequently increasing the demand for decorative paints & coatings and stimulating the white inorganic pigments market within the construction sector.

Restraint: Stringent regulations related to cadmium- and chromium-based pigments

Cadmium- and chromium-based pigments are hazardous to workers as well as the environment because of their heavy metal content. These heavy metals are harmful to human health and their disposal during the pigment manufacturing process leads to pollution. They need to be processed carefully to ensure that the acid extractable metal levels are controlled. Several Chinese producers have faced challenges pertaining to inadequate treatment facilities and stringent government norms. These factors have led to the closure of major inorganic pigment manufacturing units. Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemical Substances (REACH) has imposed regulations on the application of these pigments. In Europe, according to Directive 91/338/EEC, the use of cadmium pigments is not permitted in many types of applications. The US-based Environment Protection Agency (EPA) frequently evaluates and bans various pigments that have an adverse impact on animal and human life. Ban on Pigment Violet 29 in 2018 is one such example of the agency’s vigilance. These stringent regulations on the manufacture and application of cadmium- and chromium-based pigments adversely affect the white inorganic pigments market. The regulations can delay or even prevent the launch of new products, increasing the prices of new products.

Opportunity: Rapid industrialization in emerging economies

The white inorganic pigments market is poised for growth, driven by the rapid industrialization in emerging economies across regions such as the Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. These regions have witnessed significant growth in industries like building & construction, automotive, packaging, and textiles. Countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Brazil, and Chile have experienced remarkable expansion in key manufacturing sectors, which is expected to further propel market growth. Government policies in these countries are supportive of industrial growth, and factors such as low labor costs, skilled workforces, raw material availability, and urbanization have facilitated the establishment of domestic and foreign manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the robust growth of the plastics industry, with an estimated growth rate of approximately 8%, is anticipated to drive the consumption of inorganic pigments in these regions. The textiles industry, particularly in Asian countries like India and China, also plays a significant role globally, creating opportunities for white inorganic pigments in fabric printing.

Challenges: Regulations related to recycling plastics

In the context of plastic recycling, transparent plastics hold the highest preference in the recycled market, followed by white and colored plastics. Dark-colored plastics are more valuable than light-colored ones within the colored category. EU regulations dictate the selection of appropriate pigments to meet specific application requirements and legal standards. Depending on the application, certain grades of pigments may be mandatory, while lower-cost substitutes can be utilized in others. Adherence to regulations is a challenge for inorganic pigment manufacturers in the plastic recycling sector, as it is difficult to customize solutions according to customer needs while considering cost and regulatory mandates.

Titanium dioxide is the largest product type segment of the white inorganic pigments market
The market is segmented based on product type, including aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, silica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and others. Among these, the titanium dioxide segment holds the largest market share in terms of both value and volume. Titanium dioxide is the most prominent member of this group, and white extender pigments are commonly used in paints to enhance quality and reduce costs.

Paints & coatings is the largest application segment of the white inorganic pigments market
The market is divided into different applications, including paints & coatings, adhesives & sealants, plastics, cosmetics, paper, inks, and others. Paints & coatings, in particular, lead the market in terms of both value and volume. Paints containing white extender pigments are used to reduce costs and improve the properties of the paint. White inorganic pigments, also known as hidden pigments, provide coatings with light-scattering properties. These pigments scatter all wavelengths of light due to their high refractive index, resulting in a white appearance to the human eye.

Asia Pacific is the largest market for white inorganic pigments market

The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the largest market in terms of value, and it is also projected to grow at the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. The growth in the Asia Pacific region is driven by the efficient demand and supply cycle of the paints & coatings, adhesives & sealants, plastics, cosmetics, paper, and inks industries, primarily in countries like China, India, and Japan, among others. The construction and automotive industries are expected to experience a significant rebound, contributing to the market growth in this region. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region serves as an industrial hub with a large market size. Furthermore, factors such as increasing demand for consumer goods, innovation in electronics and other sectors, etc., are anticipated to support the growth of the regional market in the forecast period.

Key Market Players

The key players in the white inorganic pigments market include Venator Materials PLC (UK), The Chemours Company (US), Tronox Holdings plc (US), LANXESS (Germany), and KRONOS Worldwide, Inc. (US). These companies have implemented various growth strategies to strengthen their market position. Expansion, new product development, mergers & acquisitions, and collaborations are the primary growth strategies adopted by these players to enhance their product offerings and expand their presence in different regions to meet the growing demand for white inorganic pigments, particularly in emerging economies.

The White Inorganic Pigments Market, 

By Product Type:

• Aluminium Silicate
• Calcium Silicate
• Calcium Carbonate
• Silica
• Titanium Dioxide
• Zinc Oxide
• Others

The White Inorganic Pigments Market, 

By Application:

• Paints & Coatings
• Adhesives & Sealants
• Plastics
• Cosmetics
• Paper
• Inks
• Others

The White Inorganic Pigments Market,
By Region:

• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Recent Developments

• The Chemours Company commenced the construction of a mining facility in Clay County, Florida in July 2023. This initiative aims to employ sustainable mining technology and provide Chemours with increased access to top-quality concentrated deposits of titanium and zircon mineral sands. These mineral sands are crucial for the production of Chemours' Ti-Pure brand titanium dioxide (TiO2).
• In May 2020, Tronox Holdings plc finalized an agreement to acquire the TiZir Titanium and Iron (TTI) business from Eramet S.A. The TTI facility, located in Tyssedal, Norway, is expected to bolster the supply of ilmenite. This, in turn, will support the production of high-grade titanium slag and high-purity pig iron, with projected annual capacities of up to 230,000 tons and 90,000 tons, respectively.
• In November 2019, Venator Materials PLC introduced TIOXIDE TR29, a white pigment specially designed for applications requiring low moisture and demanding processing conditions. This pigment is primarily targeted for use in plastic applications and offers the capability to create masterbatches with high TiO2 loading.
• In November 2019, the Chemours Company unveiled a novel variant of Ti-Pure titanium dioxide pigment, known as low-abrasion grade. This particular grade is produced using the chloride process and has been specifically engineered to enhance the performance of printing inks. The introduction of this innovative product is anticipated to cater to the requirements of customers operating in the paper and printing sectors.
• In August 2019, the Chemours Company completed the acquisition of Southern Ionics Minerals, LLC, a company engaged in mineral exploration, mining, and manufacturing. This strategic acquisition is set to provide Chemours with access to extensive and valuable deposits of ilmenite ore, which will support the production of TiO2 pigments.