The Global Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments (CICP) Market was valued at USD 855.42 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,450.89 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This robust growth is fueled by escalating demand from the paints and coatings industry, stringent environmental regulations phasing out heavy metal-based alternatives, and the expanding application scope in plastics and construction materials.

As industries worldwide prioritize durability, thermal stability, and environmental compliance, the focus shifts to the key manufacturers who are pioneering advanced pigment technologies. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments Industry—a blend of global chemical giants and specialized innovators defining the future of high-performance coloration.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Sicopal® Pigments, Paliotan® Violet, Lumina® Royal

BASF SE stands as a global leader in chemical innovation, with its performance chemicals division commanding a significant share of the CICP market. The company’s extensive portfolio includes high-performance pigments renowned for their exceptional weather resistance and color consistency, serving automotive, industrial, and architectural coatings worldwide. Recent strategic investments focus on expanding production capacity for infrared-reflective pigments, which are critical for energy-efficient building solutions.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of cadmium- and lead-free pigment alternatives

• Expansion of Sicopal® pigment production to meet demand for cool roof coatings

• Commitment to carbon-neutral growth by 2030

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9️⃣ 2. Ferro Corporation GmbH

Headquarters: Mayfield Heights, Ohio, USA (Global Operations)
Key Offering: V-13810 Yellow, V-14300 Red, Colortherm® Infrared Reflective Pigments

Ferro Corporation, now part of the Prince International Corporation, is a dominant force in the CICP space, holding approximately 18% of the global market share. The company specializes in high-temperature stable pigments used in ceramics, coatings, and plastics. Their recent acquisition of Colorobbia España in 2024 significantly bolstered their European market presence and production capabilities for specialty pigments.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Leading provider of infrared-reflective pigments for energy-saving applications

• Focus on REACH-compliant and heavy-metal-free formulations

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8️⃣ 3. The Shepherd Color Company

Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Arctic® IR Reflective Pigments, Eclipse® Dark Colors, Royal® Colors

The Shepherd Color Company is recognized as an innovation leader in the CICP market, particularly for its proprietary Arctic® series of infrared-reflective pigments. The company’s products are engineered to provide superior heat stability up to 1000°C, making them ideal for demanding applications in automotive coatings, coil coatings, and engineering plastics. They launched five new IR-reflective pigment formulations in 2023-2024 alone.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Pioneering cool pigment technology for reduced urban heat island effect

• Continuous R&D investment exceeding 8% of annual revenue

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Global Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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7️⃣ 4. Heubach GmbH

Headquarters: Langelsheim, Germany
Key Offering: Heucodur® Inorganic Pigments, Heucorrosion® Inhibitive Pigments

Heubach GmbH, following its merger with SK Capital’s pigments businesses, has emerged as a powerhouse in the color pigments industry. The company’s Heucodur® range of complex inorganic color pigments offers outstanding lightfastness and chemical resistance. With a global manufacturing footprint and strong technical support network, Heubach serves diverse markets from automotive to construction with a focus on sustainable solutions.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of eco-friendly pigment solutions aligned with circular economy principles

• Strategic focus on high-growth markets in Asia-Pacific and North America

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6️⃣ 5. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Bayferrox®, Colortherm® Pigments

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with a strong position in inorganic pigments, particularly iron oxide and chromium oxide pigments. Their Colortherm® range specifically addresses the complex inorganic pigment segment, offering excellent thermal stability for plastics and coatings applications. The company leverages its extensive R&D capabilities to develop pigments that meet evolving regulatory and performance requirements.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Implementation of sustainable production processes with reduced environmental footprint

• Development of pigments for lightweight automotive components and electric vehicles

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5️⃣ 6. Toyocolor Co., Ltd. (Part of Toyo Ink Group)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: LIONOGEN® Pigments, SOLVAperm® Pigments

Toyocolor, a member of the Toyo Ink Group, specializes in high-performance pigments for demanding applications across Asia and globally. The company’s LIONOGEN® series of complex inorganic pigments are renowned for their excellent dispersibility and stability in various polymer systems. With strong positioning in the Asian market, Toyocolor benefits from the region’s rapid industrialization and growing demand for high-quality colorants.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on environmentally conscious pigment technologies

• Expansion of production facilities to serve growing electric vehicle market

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4️⃣ 7. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Hostaperm® Inorganic Pigments, PV Fast® Pigments

Clariant is a focused specialty chemical company with a comprehensive portfolio of pigments and additives. While historically strong in organic pigments, the company has significantly expanded its inorganic pigment offerings through strategic developments. Their complex inorganic pigments provide excellent durability for exterior applications, with particular strength in construction materials and industrial coatings across European and North American markets.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• EcoCircle initiative for sustainable product development

• Development of pigments with improved environmental profiles

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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3️⃣ 8. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Altiris® Pigments, TiO2-based Inorganic Pigments

Huntsman Corporation’s advanced materials division includes a range of performance pigments serving various industrial sectors. While primarily known for titanium dioxide, the company has developed specialized complex inorganic pigments that offer enhanced performance characteristics. Their global manufacturing presence and technical expertise position them as a key supplier to the coatings and plastics industries, particularly in North America.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in pigment technologies that reduce VOC emissions in coatings

• Development of sustainable pigment solutions for circular economy applications

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2️⃣ 9. DIC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: CF Pigments, DIC

DIC Corporation is a global leader in fine chemicals with a substantial presence in the pigment market. The company’s complex inorganic pigment portfolio serves diverse applications from printing inks to industrial coatings. With strategic acquisitions and organic growth, DIC has strengthened its position in high-growth markets, particularly in Asia where demand for durable pigments is accelerating due to infrastructure development.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and environmentally friendly pigment alternatives

• Global expansion through strategic partnerships and acquisitions

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1️⃣ 10. Sun Chemical Corporation (Part of DIC Group)

Headquarters: Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Spectraval® Pigments, Sunbrite® Colors

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is one of the largest producers of pigments and inks globally. The company’s complex inorganic pigment offerings provide excellent lightfastness and heat resistance for demanding applications in packaging, coatings, and plastics. With extensive global manufacturing and distribution capabilities, Sun Chemical serves customers across six continents with technically advanced color solutions.

Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on sustainable pigment technologies with reduced environmental impact

• Development of pigments for recyclable packaging applications

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Global Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments is Sustainable and High-Performance

The complex inorganic colour pigments market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional pigments continue to serve essential applications, the industry is increasingly focused on sustainable alternatives, advanced manufacturing technologies, and innovative formulations that meet evolving regulatory and performance requirements.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of infrared-reflective pigments for energy-efficient building materials

• Stringent global regulations driving replacement of heavy metal-based pigments

• Growing application in engineering plastics for electric vehicles and electronics

• Increased R&D investment in nanoparticle technology for enhanced pigment performance

Get Full Report Here:
Global Complex Inorganic Colour Pigments Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential coloration solutions—they’re pioneering the sustainable transformation of materials across multiple industries.