Marketing Strategies of Main HPP Producers

As in the case of textile dyes, lower cost azo pigments are acquiring more and more the character of commodities . For this reason it is logical that the major pigment producers focus their research and development activity on HPPs. The goal of finding new or modified HPPs is the reason why BASF, CIBA and Clar-iant aU maintain their research activity at quite a high level (2—4-% of sales). 

These companies very actively promote their HPPs in order to further strengthen their positions in the pigment market Thus, the suppliers become their own driving factor  

I believe that for quaUty reasons the big paint producers in Europe and USA are more likely to consume HPPs than the small and middle size paint producers in developing countries. 

However, because of the merger and acquisition policy of the major paint producers, these companies are extending their presence into Asia, India and South America. And in order to have a worldwide quality standard, they transfer their production formulations and raw material requirements to these countries, with the effect that the use of HPPs will increase there. 

For the specialty chemical business and especially for the organic pigments segment, organic HPPs remain an attractive business. The fact that five major suppliers continue to dominate the market is another reason why most pigment producers would like to get at least a minimum share. 

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