Global Dye & Pigments Market Outlook, 2028

The world is an incredibly vibrant and colourful place, and much of this vibrancy is due to the dyes and pigments industry. Dyes and pigments are essential components in the production of textiles, paints, inks, plastics, cosmetics, and more, adding life and beauty to our surroundings. The history of dyes and pigments dates back thousands of years, with evidence of their use in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and India. Early dyes were derived from natural sources like plants, minerals, and animal materials. These natural dyes offered a limited colour palette, but they were integral to the textile and artistic traditions of their time. One of the most famous natural dyes is indigo, obtained from the leaves of the indigo plant. This blue dye was highly prized and played a significant role in cultures worldwide, including in ancient Rome and during the Edo period in Japan. With the advancement of chemistry in the 19th century, synthetic dyes were introduced, revolutionizing the industry. The discovery of synthetic dyes like mauveine by Sir William Henry Perkin opened up a world of possibilities and marked the birth of the modern dye and pigment industry. Pigments and dyes are compounds that are used to provide colour to a wide range of materials, including paints, inks, fabrics, and polymers. Dyes and pigments have various qualities and behave differently with materials, even though they are both used to colour materials. Usually soluble in water, dyes are applied to materials to impart colour by a process called absorption, in which the molecules of the dye cling to the fibres on the material's surface. They are distinguished by their vivid hues and can be either natural or artificial. Pigments are used to colour materials by a process called dispersion, in which the pigment particles are suspended in a medium like water, oil, or a polymer resin. Pigments, on the other hand, are insoluble in water. They are frequently found in paints, inks, and polymers and can be either organic or inorganic. Pigments are more opaque and less brilliant than dyes; they are renowned for their longevity and fading resistance.

According to the research report, “Global Dyes and Pigment Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to cross USD 65 Billion by 2028, increasing from USD 46.07 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow with 6.47% CAGR by 2023-28. Dyes and pigments are crucial components in a wide range of industries, including textiles, paints and coatings, printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, and more. As these industries grow and diversify, the demand for dyes and pigments increases. For example, the expansion of the fashion and automotive industries, as well as the construction and packaging sectors, is driving the need for a broader spectrum of colours and innovative pigment technologies. Rapid urbanization, particularly in emerging economies, leads to increased construction activities and the need for paints, coatings, and decorative materials. Dyes and pigments are essential in these applications, driving market growth. On-going research and development in the dyes and pigments industry have led to the creation of innovative products with improved performance, colour fastness, and environmental sustainability. These advancements encourage industries to adopt new and improved dyes and pigments, fuelling market growth. As consumers become more conscious of product quality and aesthetics, industries are under pressure to offer a wider variety of colours and environmentally friendly products. This drives the demand for specialized dyes and pigments that meet these preferences. The market is predicted to develop as a result of rising demand from a variety of application industries, including plastics, paints and coatings, textiles, and construction. Large manufacturers are continually attempting to improve their products by employing cutting-edge technologies to effectively remove dangerous contaminants throughout the manufacturing process. Because raw material prices, like those of benzene, might fluctuate, manufacturers may face a wide range of production costs.

Increasing awareness of environmental issues and stringent regulations are on the use of hazardous chemicals push the industry towards developing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions. The demand for environmentally responsible dyes and pigments is rising as companies seek to align with sustainability goals. The naturally coloured, brightly coloured organic compounds known as dyes are what give a substrate colour by absorbing light. Pigment is a chemical substance that, by wavelength-selective absorption, changes the colour of transmitted or reflected light. Pigments and dyes are the materials used as colorants in many different sectors, including plastics, leather, textiles, paints, and building. It is projected that the production of a variety of bio-based dyes and pigments will continue to be a major trend in order to meet the end-use industries' increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products. This trend is anticipated to continue being significant in the future because to the increasing number of activities aimed at reducing global warming and the effects of climate change. The need for clothing is predicted to rise due in large part to the growing population worldwide, which will drive the market for dyes and pigments from the textile industry. Bio-based dyes and pigments are becoming more and more popular in many end-use industries because they lessen industrial water pollution, a problem that is prevalent in the dyes and pigments business. Demand for dyes and pigments is also being driven by rising knowledge of and use of bio-plastic goods, as well as rising demand for digital ink in the printing of garments. Some of the main reasons that are expected to limit the growth of the dyes and pigments market are the volatility of raw material prices and environmental concerns.

The Asia Pacific Dyes & Pigments market area will dominate this market, owing to demand from the textile, construction, & automotive industries in the region.

Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, has experienced unprecedented levels of industrialization and economic growth in recent decades. This has led to increased production in various industries that heavily rely on dyes and pigments, such as textiles, paints, plastics, and printing inks. The expansion of these industries has created a substantial demand for dyes and pigments in the region. Asia-Pacific boasts a massive manufacturing base, making it a global manufacturing hub. This includes the production of textiles, automobiles, consumer electronics, and more. The manufacturing of these products often involves the use of dyes and pigments for colouring and coating, thereby driving the market's demand. The Asia-Pacific region is known for its cost-competitive production processes. Lower labour and manufacturing costs, as well as access to raw materials, enable dyes and pigments manufacturers to produce these products at a competitive price, attracting businesses from around the world. The region's growing middle class and increasing disposable income have driven consumer demand for a wide range of products, including textiles, cosmetics, and vehicles, all of which rely on dyes and pigments for aesthetics. This consumer demand fuels the growth of the market. Asia-Pacific's position as a global manufacturing hub has made it a significant player in the global supply chain. Companies worldwide source dyes and pigments from the region due to its vast production capabilities and cost advantages. In several Asian countries, governments have implemented policies and initiatives to support and promote the chemicals and dyes industry. These initiatives can include tax incentives, subsidies, and research funding, further stimulating growth in the sector. The Asia-Pacific region caters to a diverse set of applications for dyes and pigments, including textiles, construction, automotive, packaging, and more. This diversity ensures a stable and expanding market with numerous opportunities.

Based on the product type, pigments represented the largest segment due to the rising demand for high-performance pigments (HPP) and the widespread product utilization across the textiles, construction, paints, coatings, and plastics industries.

Pigments generally offer better durability and light-fastness compared to dyes. They are less prone to fading when exposed to UV light and other environmental factors. This makes them particularly suitable for applications where long-lasting color is essential, such as outdoor paints and coatings. Pigments provide better color opacity and coverage. They can cover a surface more effectively and are often used to achieve vibrant and opaque colors, which is especially important in industries like automotive coatings and interior wall paints. Pigments are often more chemically resistant than dyes. This makes them suitable for applications that involve exposure to harsh chemicals or solvents, such as industrial coatings and specialty inks. Pigments offer a wider range of colors and color options, including metallic and pearlescent finishes. This versatility makes them preferable in various industries, including cosmetics, plastics, and specialty paints. Pigments can be used in a variety of media, such as water-based paints, oil-based paints, and solvent-based inks. This flexibility makes them versatile and widely applicable. Pigments are often perceived as more environmentally friendly than certain synthetic dyes because they are less likely to leach into the environment. They are considered safer in terms of ecological impact and are preferred in industries where environmental sustainability is a priority. In some applications, pigments can be more easily recycled or reused. For instance, in the plastics industry, colored pigments can be incorporated into recycled materials without significant quality loss, making them more sustainable. Pigments are generally more stable under various conditions, including temperature and pH. This stability is advantageous in industries where products may be subjected to extreme conditions or long storage periods.

By dye type, disperse dye segment is dominating the market in 2022 whereas based on pigment types; inorganic segment is anticipated to remain market leader by 2028.

Based on the dye types, disperse dyes are projected to lead the market by 2028. Disperse dyes are a type of dye that is primarily used for coloring synthetic fibers like polyester and acetate. They are often preferred in certain applications because of their specific characteristics, which can make them dominant in those contexts. Disperse dyes have excellent sublimation properties, meaning they can change from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This property makes them ideal for dyeing synthetic fibers under high-temperature conditions, such as in the sublimation transfer printing process. Disperse dyes can produce bright and vibrant colors, and they are known for their resistance to fading when exposed to sunlight and washing. This makes them suitable for applications where color fastness is critical, such as outdoor textiles and sportswear. Disperse dyes are often cost-effective when compared to other types of dyes, making them a preferred choice for dyeing synthetic fibers, especially in large-scale textile manufacturing. Disperse dyes are suitable for digital printing processes, allowing for precise and customizable designs. This is particularly important in industries like fashion and home textiles, where unique and intricate patterns are in demand. Disperse dyes are specifically designed to work well with synthetic fibers, such as polyester, which are widely used in the textile industry. They have a strong affinity for these fibers, resulting in good color fastness and durability.

The pigments section is subdivided into inorganic and organic pigments. The inorganic sector accounted for the largest portion of the pigment market and is anticipated to grow rapidly. Certain items can be coloured with pigments by painting them or combining them with the drug's contents. Organic pigments are used as food and beverage colouring agents and in skin cosmetics. For many uses, inorganic pigments use chemical formulas to create the necessary material qualities. Inorganic pigments are comprised of substances generated from inorganic metal compounds and salts, such as metallic oxides, chromates, and sulphates. Industrial coatings, such as automobile refinish, house paints, printing inks, and plastics, are the most common applications for inorganic pigments. The pigment segment is estimated to grow on the back of its higher adoption rate owing to the its excellent properties such as, high chemical, wetness, abrasion, and light resistance, free-mixing, small particle size, and others. Moreover, the pigment segment is additionally bifurcated into plastics, paints & coatings, construction, printing inks, and others, out of which, paint & coating are projected to witness exponential growth over the forecast period.

On the basis of applications, dyes are majorly used in textile industry, however; pigments find their prime application into paints & coatings industry.

Dyes can be classified as substances that, when applied to a substrate, give color through a process that alters the crystal structure of the colored substances, at least temporarily. With substantial coloring ability, these substances are commonly used in the textile industry. In the textile industry, up to 200,000 tons of such colors, due to the inefficiency of the dyeing process, are lost to effluents every year during the dyeing and finishing operations. Leather dyeing requires the application of active and acidic dyes in alkaline environments, most often with mordant. These are generally picked from the clothing dyes. The leather used in the making of clothing includes overall dyeing in which the surface color is the same as that of the cut area. The textile market is estimated as dominating segment during the forecast period as the textile industry is ever-growing wherein the US, China, India, and the European Union being the primary competitors. Further, evolving technology and rapid industrialization in developed and developing countries are assisting the textile sector in creating advanced installations that are capable of high-efficiency fabric production. Therefore, these factors are driving the growth of the textile segment. Moreover, the excess fibers, particularly cotton, in countries such as the US, China, and India, are significantly contributing to the global textile market's growth. The rising government initiatives for the development of the textile sector are also majorly driving the growth of the segment. For instance, in February 2021, the Indian government announced the establishment of 7 mega textile parks in the coming next three years. Additionally, the government has also decided to rationalize duties on raw materials that are used in manmade textiles by decreasing the customs duty rate nylon fiber, yarn, and others to 5%.

On the other hand, pigments offer enhanced durability in paints and coatings. They are less susceptible to fading when exposed to environmental factors such as sunlight, moisture, and pollutants. This durability ensures that the color remains vibrant and long-lasting over time, making pigments an ideal choice for exterior paints and coatings that need to withstand harsh conditions. Pigments provide excellent color opacity and coverage. They can effectively cover the surface, hiding imperfections and underlying layers, and are capable of producing bold and opaque colors. This makes them well-suited for applications where a high degree of opacity is desired, such as in architectural coatings. Pigments offer a broader range of colors and are available in a variety of shades, including metallic and pearlescent finishes. This versatility allows paint manufacturers to meet a wide array of customer preferences and design trends, appealing to a diverse customer base. Pigments are more chemically resistant compared to some dyes. This resistance is important in the coatings industry, especially in industrial coatings where the surface may come into contact with chemicals or solvents. The chemical resistance of pigments contributes to the long-term performance of coatings.

Major drivers

• Increasing demand for textiles: The global textile industry is a significant driver of the dye & pigment market. As the demand for textiles continues to rise, driven by factors like population growth, rising disposable incomes, and fashion trends, the need for dyes and pigments also increases. Dyes and pigments are essential components in producing colorful and attractive fabrics, and their demand is directly linked to the growth of the textile industry.
• Growing demand for high-performance dyes and pigments: The demand for high-performance dyes and pigments is increasing from a variety of industries, including automotive, plastics, and construction. High-performance dyes and pigments are used to produce products that are resistant to fading, abrasion, and chemicals. For example, high-performance dyes are used to produce automotive paints that are resistant to fading and chipping, and high-performance pigments are used to produce plastics that are resistant to UV degradation.

Major challenges

• Environmental regulations: The global dye & pigment industry is facing increasing environmental regulations. These regulations are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the dye & pigment manufacturing process and the use of dyes and pigments in finished products. For example, the European Union's REACH regulation has restricted the use of certain hazardous dyes and pigments.
• Competition from low-cost producers: The global dye & pigment market is highly competitive, with a number of low-cost producers from China and India. These producers are able to offer dyes and pigments at lower prices than their competitors in developed countries. This is a challenge for dye & pigment producers in developed countries, who need to focus on innovation and quality to compete with low-cost producers.

Major trends

• Growing demand for sustainable dyes and pigments: The demand for sustainable dyes and pigments is increasing from a variety of industries, including textiles, automotive, and plastics. Sustainable dyes and pigments are produced from renewable resources and/or using environmentally friendly processes. For example, bio-based dyes are produced from renewable resources such as agricultural waste products.
• Development of new technologies for dye and pigment application: New technologies are being developed for the application of dyes and pigments. These technologies are aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of the dyeing and pigmentation processes. For example, digital printing is a new technology that is being used to apply dyes to textiles. Digital printing allows for the printing of complex designs and patterns with high precision and accuracy.

Covid-19 Impacts

The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, affecting the availability of raw materials, production, and transportation. Dye and pigment manufacturers faced challenges in sourcing raw materials and chemicals, leading to supply shortages and price fluctuations. With lockdowns and restrictions on non-essential manufacturing and businesses, demand for many products that rely on dyes and pigments, such as textiles, automotive coatings, and construction materials, decreased significantly. This led to decreased production and lower sales. The pandemic influenced consumer behavior, with more people working from home and staying indoors. This impacted the demand for products like clothing and textiles. Demand for home improvement and renovation products, which often use pigments and dyes, experienced some fluctuations. Many industries reduced spending, affecting the dye and pigment market as well. Manufacturing facilities faced challenges in maintaining operations due to labor shortages, social distancing measures, and lockdowns. This led to production delays and a decrease in output. Dye and pigment manufacturers, like other industries, had to implement health and safety measures to protect their employees. These measures could lead to additional costs and reduced production efficiency. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of antimicrobial and antiviral coatings, which can be developed using specific dyes and pigments. This created opportunities for innovation within the industry.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the market are involved in the research & development for the production of superior-quality colors that provide improved features. In addition, the companies are also engaging in technological collaborations to boost the efforts in R&D activities. The products are primarily distributed through company-owned distribution channels. Moreover, third-party distribution channels are also employed. The companies lay high emphasis on expanding their geographical reach to increase their market share. The global dyes & pigments industry is significantly fragmented owing to the presence of a large number of manufacturers across the globe. Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Dyes & pigments market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, Dyes & Pigments industry must offer cost-effective items. Major players in the Dyes & pigments market are DIC Corporation, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Atul Ltd , Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, BASF Corporation, Huntsman International LLC, Cabot Corporation, Lanxess AG, Bodal Chemicals Ltd., Carl Schlenk AG, kronos worldwide inc, Merck KGaA, Everlight Chemical Industrial Co., kiri industries , DCL Corporation, Asahi Songwon Colors Ltd., Bhageria Industries, Meghmani Group and Flint Group GmbH are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Key Developments

• In March 2023, BTC Europe, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals signed an agreement with Sudarshan Chemical Industries, a manufacturer of high-quality pigments, for the distribution of Sudarshan's range of organic and inorganic pigments in Europe. This agreement enables BTC Europe to expand its product portfolio and offer a wider range of pigments to its customers across Europe.
• In August 2022, Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals acquired Textile Effects Business of Huntsman Corporation, a leading provider of textile dyes and chemicals. This acquisition significantly expand Archroma's product portfolio and strengthen its position in the textile industry. The Textile Effects Business of Huntsman Corporation a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region and provide Archroma with greater access to this fast-growing market.
• In January 2022, the sale of Clariant's Pigments business to a partnership comprised of Heubach Group ("Heubach") and SK Capital Partners ("SK Capital") was successful. Despite this, the corporation continues to own an interest in the newly created Group equal to twenty percent.
• In June 2021, in continuing with the statement made in August 2019, DIC Corporation has successfully completed the acquisition of BASF's global pigments business, which is referred to as BASF Colours & Effects (BCE).

Considered in this report:

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:

• Global Dyes and Pigments market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & Country-wise Dyes and Pigments market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Product Type:

• Pigments
• Dyes

By Dyes Product Type:

• Reactive Dyes
• Vat Dyes
• Acid Dyes
• Direct Dyes
• Disperse Dyes
• Others

By Pigments Product Type:

• Organic
• Inorganic

By Dyes Application:

• Printing Inks
• Textiles
• Paper
• Leather
• Others

By Pigments Application:

• Paints & Coatings
• Construction
• Printing Inks
• Others

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the Dyes and Pigments industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.