The Indian market for manufacturing pigments and dyes has reached a volume of 164.51 million tonnes. This flourishing sector is expected to develop at a CAGR of 11% between 2023 and 2028.
The pigment manufacturing industry is driven by the country's rich cultural heritage and ever-growing technology.
India has been witnessing steady growth in this domain due to the availability of technology, ecosystem, feedstock, and other factors. From vibrant dyes to colourful hues, it has become the hub for the best-quality pigments for various industrial applications.
Major Drivers of the Pigment Industry
The major drivers of the industry are an increasing population, rising disposable incomes, evolving needs for cosmetics, and increasing demands for high-quality paints and coatings. In addition, increased construction and infrastructural activities are also leading the way to globalisation and urbanisation.
Applications Of Pigments
Pigments find their applications in leather, textiles, food, paper, paint and coatings, plastics, printing inks, and other sectors.
10 Most Popular Pigment Manufacturers & Suppliers in India
Today, leading pigment Manufacturers have been making significant contributions to this industry through quality, innovation, and results. These manufacturing units have diverse product portfolios that make them go-to choices for businesses across the globe. Following is the list of the top pigment Dealers in India:
Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd.:
Sudarshan Chemical Industries is one of India's leading color pigment manufacturers, offering a wide range of high-quality pigments for diverse applications. With more than 70 years of expertise, the company has been developing innovative solutions for pigments and solvent dyes with a prime focus on technology and quality. It has 10 well-equipped sales offices, more than 60 channel partners, and over 70 sales members to cater to the demands of companies, basedin more than 85 countries.
Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd.:
Located in Navi Mumbai, India, Clariant Chemicals has become one of the global leaders in the domain of pigments and dyes. The company owns well-equipped manufacturing units at Bonthapally in Telangana, Nandesari in Gujarat, Kashipur in Uttarakhand, and Edayar in Kerala to develop high-quality specialty chemicals, including pigments.
Meghmani Pigments:
Meghmani Pigments is counted as one of the largest manufacturers of pigments, with a 14% global market share. The company is listed among the leading three (capacity-wise) global pigment players. With a focus on technological advancements and innovation, the company has developed a strong global presence in more than 75 countries. It has six multi functional ISO-certified production facilities located in Gujarat with proximity to key ports.
Atul Ltd.:
With vast expertise in the domain of science and technology, the company manufactures
more than 1,350 formulations. Founded on September 5, 1947, it is an ISO 14001-certified company serving more than 4,000 customers across 30 industries. The company provides high-quality products with a group of experienced professionals and a quality-driven approach.
VIBFAST Group:
Established in 1992 by Mr. Amit Banthia, it has become a leader in the field of textiles and chemicals. The group has witnessed significant development in the span of 13 years and attained a turnover of more than USD 25 Million. It has achievedISO 9001:2015 and a Good Manufacturing Practise Certificate owing to its high quality standards. Moreover, its pigments are REACH-registered, halal, and kosher-certified.
Heubach Colour Pvt. Ltd.:
Heubach Colour is one of the premier pigment suppliers and manufacturers, delivering excellent and innovative products. Its 19 production facilities around the globe ensure the production of best-in-class and sustainable pigment solutions to meet the needs of markets.
Narayan Group of Companies:
Established in 1985, the company is counted among the Top 10 manufacturers of pigments in India. It has five manufacturing facilities in the state of Gujarat with an installed capacity of 18000 MT/year. The group has developed a strong presence in more than 30 countries by focusing on quality, competitive pricing, and complete customer satisfaction.
Trust Chem (India) Private Limited:
It is one of the international pigment manufacturers, dealing in a wide range of organic and inorganic pigments. This is a Non-government company that has been doing business for the last 28 years, with its registered office in Mumbai (Maharashtra). It has modern manufacturing facilities and plants to develop high-quality pigments to meet the demands of the national and international markets.
Meghdoot Chemicals:
The company was incepted in the year 1970 as a Public Limited Indian Non-Government Company. With a registered office in Thane, Maharashtra, India, the company has been manufacturing high-grade pigments and dyes to revolutionize the industries of paints, cosmetics, textiles, and other sectors.
Kiri Industries Limited (KIL):
With more than a century of experience in product development, the company has become a leading pigment manufacturer. The company is a winner of CHEMEXCIL and GDMA performance awards.
FAQs: Pigments manufacturers
Q. What are pigments?
Ans. Pigments are white, black, or coloured powdery substances widely used in the production of cosmetics, paint, coatings, etc. They are insoluble in water or oil.
Pigments with carbon content are called organic pigments, and those without carbon are known as inorganic pigments. They are provided in different colours, shades, strengths, opacities, particle sizes, brightness, undertones, oil absorbing properties, etc.
Q. How are pigments different from dyes?
Ans. Dyes are intensely coloured organic substances that impart colour to a substrate. They use the process of selective absorption of light. On the other hand, pigments are coloured, black, white, or fluorescent particulate solids. They remain physically and chemically unaffected by the substrate with which they are mixed. Following are some of the factors based on which we can differentiate
dyes and pigments:
Size: Particles of dyes are very small, whereas pigments are comparatively large.
Transparency: Dyes are more transparent than pigments.
Solubility: Dyes are soluble in water, and pigments are non-soluble in water and oil.
Types of Compounds: Dyes are organic, and pigments are organic or inorganic.
Binding Agents: Dyes do not need any binding agents, whereas pigments require binding agents.
Diffusion: Dyes diffuse in the fabric, and pigments diffuse on the fabric.
Lightfastness: Dyes have a lower lightfastness than pigments.
Combustive Properties: Dyes are compatible with the burning of candles, whereas pigments clog the wick of candles during burning.
Q. What are the primary sources of pigments?
Ans. Minerals: Different inorganic pigments are derived from minerals such as natural iron ore, rutile, chromium oxide green, ultramarine blue, ilmenite, cobalt blue, etc.
Synthetic Chemicals: Synthetic pigments are derived through various chemical processes and reactions.
Plants and Natural Sources: Plant extracts and natural materials are used for creating pigments for artistic and cultural purposes.
Animals and Insects: Certain pigments are derived from animal and insect sources, such as the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, the secretion of the lac beetle, etc.
Metals and Metallic Compounds: Metallic pigments are derived from metals and metallic compounds such as copper, bronze, aluminium, and various alloys.
Synthetic Mica and Silica: They are treated with metal oxides to produce the desired iridescent effect.
Q. What are the different types of pigments?
Ans. Organic Pigments: Organic pigments are carbon-based compounds sourced from natural as well as synthetic sources. They come in a wide range of colours with excellent colour strength to meet the demands of different applications such as inks, plastics, paints, and textiles.
Inorganic Oxide Pigments: Inorganic oxide pigments are sourced from metal oxides or mixed metal compounds. They are available in a wide range of colours with unmatched stability and opacity. They are one of the perfect options to be used in applications such as paints, coatings, plastics, and ceramics.
Inorganic Pigments: Inorganic pigments are mineral-based compounds derived from earth minerals or chemical processes. They have excellent resistance to light, heat, and chemicals. In addition, these highly stable pigments are widely used in the production of different productssuch as plastics, ceramics, paints, coatings, and construction materials.
Synthetic Pigments: Synthetic pigments are created artificially through a series of chemical processes. They ensure high colour strength, stability, durability, and other properties to meet the demands of various industries such as paints, inks, plastics, textiles, and cosmetics.
Natural Pigments: Natural pigments are sourced from plant, animal, or mineral sources. For decades, they have been used in traditional art and cultural practises owing to their subtle shades. They are limited in colour and stability in comparison to synthetic pigments.
Pearlescent Pigments: Pearlescent pigments are synthetic pigments with an iridescent effect. They are made up of thin platelets coated with metal oxides or other materials to produce interference and diffraction of light. Their matchless texture and quality standards make them ideal to be used in plastics, cosmetics, coatings, and other sectors. They are perfect for achieving a shimmering, pearl-like appearance.
Fluorescent Pigments: Fluorescent pigments are synthetic pigments used in the manufacturing of printing inks, safety signs, textiles, plastics, and other products. They show bright, intense colours under UV light, which makes them ideal for creating eye-catching and high-visibility effects.
Metallic Pigments: Metallic pigments are made up of small particles of metal or metal alloys to show unmatched lustre, sparkle, and reflectivity. They are ideal to be used in the making of plastics, automotive coatings, printing inks, and cosmetics to impart a metallic appearance.
