The Global Water Based Pigments Market was valued at USD 7,991.73 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9,767.07 Million by 2029, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.40% during the forecast period. This steady growth is fueled by stringent environmental regulations favoring low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products, rising demand from the construction and automotive industries, and the accelerating shift toward sustainable manufacturing processes across the globe.

As industries worldwide prioritize eco-friendly solutions, the focus intensifies on the key pigment manufacturers driving innovation in color technology, performance, and environmental compatibility. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water Based Pigments Industry—a blend of chemical giants, specialty pigment producers, and sustainability pioneers shaping the vibrant future of coatings, inks, and polymers.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Organic and Inorganic Water-Based Pigments, Dispersions

BASF is a global leader in the chemical industry and a major supplier of high-performance pigments. Its comprehensive portfolio includes a wide range of water-based colorants designed for various applications, from automotive coatings to industrial finishes. The company invests heavily in R&D to develop pigments that meet evolving sustainability standards without compromising on color strength or durability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and low-carbon footprint pigments
• Commitment to CO2-neutral growth by 2030
• Advanced water-based dispersion technologies for reduced environmental impact

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9️⃣ 2. PPG Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Waterborne Coatings, Specialty Pigments

PPG is a foremost global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. While primarily known for its finished coating systems, PPG is a significant player in developing and supplying proprietary pigments optimized for its water-based formulations, which are used in architectural, automotive, and industrial applications worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering low-VOC and zero-VOC coating technologies
• 2025 Sustainability Goals include 40% of sales from sustainable products
• Investment in circular economy principles for raw materials

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Global Water Based Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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8️⃣ 3. AkzoNobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Water-Based Decorative and Performance Coatings, Pigment Dispersions

AkzoNobel, the maker of Dulux paints, is a powerhouse in the paints and coatings market. The company possesses deep expertise in pigment technology, creating vibrant and durable colorants for its extensive range of water-based products. Its R&D efforts are focused on enhancing the sustainability profile of its pigment offerings.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Target of 100% sustainable sourcing of raw materials
• People & Planet 2030 strategy focusing on carbon reduction and circular solutions
• Development of pigments from recycled content

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7️⃣ 4. The Sherwin-Williams Company

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Waterborne Architectural and Industrial Coatings, Colorants

As one of the largest paint and coating manufacturers globally, Sherwin-Williams is a key consumer and developer of water-based pigments. The company’s vast distribution network and strong brand presence in both consumer and professional markets drive significant demand for high-quality, environmentally compliant colorants.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of its GreenSure® portfolio of sustainable paints
• Commitment to sustainable water management in manufacturing
• R&D into next-generation, eco-friendly colorant systems

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6️⃣ 5. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: High-Performance Pigments, Pigment Preparations

Clariant is a focused and innovative specialty chemical company with a strong pigments business unit. It offers a wide array of organic and inorganic pigments, including many designed specifically for water-based systems in plastics, coatings, and printing inks. Clariant is renowned for its expertise in color matching and technical support.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• ECO-Tain® certification for sustainable product design
• Development of pigments free of heavy metals and other hazardous substances
• Ambitious climate goals aligned with the Paris Agreement

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5️⃣ 6. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Inorganic Pigments (Iron Oxides), Battery Materials

LANXESS is a leading producer of inorganic pigments, particularly synthetic iron oxides, which are widely used in water-based systems due to their excellent lightfastness and chemical stability. These pigments are essential for coloring construction materials, coatings, and plastics, benefiting from growing demand in emerging economies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Production processes optimized for energy and water efficiency
• Focus on circular economy by utilizing by-products from other industries
• Climate-neutral target for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Water Based Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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4️⃣ 7. Kao Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty Chemicals, Pigments for Cosmetics and Industrial Use

Kao is a diversified chemical company with a significant presence in specialty chemicals, including pigments used in various applications. While known for personal care, its chemical division supplies high-quality colorants that can be formulated into water-based systems for niche industrial and printing ink applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Kirei Lifestyle Plan focusing on sustainable product innovation
• Development of environmentally benign chemical processes
• Commitment to biodiversity conservation

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3️⃣ 8. Neelikon Food Colours & Chemicals Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: FD&C Colors, Dyes, and Pigments for Various Industries

Neelikon is a prominent Indian manufacturer of colors and pigments, supplying both domestic and international markets. The company has been expanding its portfolio to include pigments suitable for water-based formulations in paints and inks, capitalizing on the growth of the South Asian market and its stringent quality standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in effluent treatment and waste reduction technologies
• Adherence to global safety and environmental regulations (REACH, FDA)
• Focus on developing safe and sustainable color solutions

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2️⃣ 9. Chromatech Incorporated

Headquarters: Canton, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Custom Color Concentrates, Pigment Dispersions

Chromatech is a specialized North American producer of color concentrates and dispersions for the plastics industry. The company provides custom water-based pigment dispersions tailored to specific customer requirements, serving markets from packaging to consumer goods with a strong focus on technical service and color matching.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of dispersions for bio-plastics and recycled polymers
• Focus on reducing waste through precise color matching and formulation
• Partnerships with clients to achieve their sustainability goals

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1️⃣ 10. Radha Krishna Pigments

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Phthalocyanine Pigments, High-Performance Organic Pigments

Radha Krishna Pigments is a key manufacturer of organic pigments, particularly phthalocyanine blues and greens, which are fundamental components in water-based printing inks and coatings. The company has a strong export orientation and is recognized for its cost-effective and reliable pigment solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Implementation of cleaner production techniques
• Compliance with international environmental and safety standards
• Ongoing process optimization to minimize resource consumption

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Global Water Based Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water Based Pigments Is Bright and Sustainable

The water-based pigments market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional pigment technology remains vital, the industry is channeling investments into bio-based alternatives, advanced dispersion technologies, and novel pigment chemistries that offer superior performance with a minimal environmental footprint.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Strong regulatory push for low-VOC and non-toxic products in Europe and North America
• Rapid market expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by industrialization and urbanization
• Growing adoption of water-based systems in flexible packaging and digital printing
• Increasing R&D in nanotechnology for enhanced pigment performance and functionality

Read Full Report:
Global Water Based Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only providing color to the world—they are actively deploying sustainable chemistry to ensure a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.