Global pigment provider opens new plant in China to meet demand

26-Feb-2013 - Last updated on 25-Feb-2013 at 14:23 GMT

The Hong Kong-based manufacturer of iron oxide and chrome oxide pigments, Cathay Industries, has invested, together with Tonghua Group, in a state-of-the-art production plant for yellow, red and black iron oxide pigments in an effort to expand and meet demand on the region.

Greater capacity

The new facility based in China’s Anhui Province will help Cathay increase its total manufacturing and finishing capacities to keep up with increasing demand for its ready-to-use pigments.

The joint venture between the pigment provider and the chemical manufacturer will be referred to as the ‘Rely Science & Technology Plant’, and is set to feature the most modern technology, including a fully integrated waste stream recycling.

The production process will also feature the all-liquid phase method, which both companies say, significantly reduces liquid and solid waste.

Greener footprint

According to Cathay, the investment is also being based on its' awareness of environmental responsibilities and is using advanced capabilities to help preserve the environment of the Tongling region.

The pigment provider's global CEO Mr. Yu, emphasized the plant will be engineered to run with the waste heat from neighboring fertilizer facilities, which will optimize the energy use and substantially reduce the carbon exhaust.

“It will be a demonstrably green approach to the production of iron oxides and as such will be a low energy consumer with a small carbon footprint.”

As it stands, stage one of the development will create a capacity limit of 100,000 metric tons per annum, whilst stage two will enable 150,000 metric tons per annum.

China emerges as a leading provider of pigments

China has evolved as one of the world’s leading providers of pigments, partly due to the fact that the country's players have developed a reputation for competitive pricing and high quality.

The rapid evolution of the industry in China means that the country is expected to be the second largest producer of effects pigments in the world, second only to the United States.

For the cosmetics market, pigments are most often used in color cosmetics products, such as lipsticks, nail varnish and eye shadow, and are vitally important to distinguish products and to provide formulators with the right shades and effects for this fashion-driven and fast-changing sector.