Iron Oxide Pigments Market Analysis

Iron Oxide Pigments Market Overview

The Iron Oxide Pigments Market Size was valued at USD 2.67 Billion in 2023. The Iron Oxide Pigments industry is projected to grow from USD 2.80 Billion in 2024 to USD 4.07 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.80% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Iron oxide pigments are found naturally in different colors, including black, brown, yellow, and red. Natural iron oxides are made up of a mixture of ferrous and ferric oxides, as well as impurities including manganese, clay, and organics. Commercial Iron oxide pigments, on the other hand, are made via chemical synthesis or precipitation. Because of their great qualities, such as high brightness, good dispersion, low cost, and non-toxicity, these are widely used in paints, coatings, plastics, ceramics, paper, cosmetics, food packaging, and textiles. The rising demand for iron oxide pigment in various applications will propel market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Iron Oxide Pigments Market Trends

• 
  

  Increased use of iron oxide pigments in construction applications such as concrete, roof tiles, bricks, blocks, etc.

  
  

The rising demand for iron oxide pigment in various applications will propel market growth. The properties such as stability, opacity, tinting strength, dispersibility, and the consistencmakees iron oxide pigments a preferred choice in different industries. In the construction industry, iron oxide pigments are mainly used for producing decorative concrete and flooring. Also, they are utilized as colorants for glass, ceramic glazes, plastic, paper, textiles, rubber, and cosmetics. Hence, rising product demand in these applications will fuel the growth in the iron oxide pigment market during the forecast timeline.

Additionally, stringent environmental regulations over the production of synthetic iron oxide pigment have impacted the overall product demand. Hence, this is anticipated to hamper the market growth.

Cathey Industries announced in July 2024 that it had acquired Venator’s iron oxide pigment operations. As a result, Cathay’s global manufacturing capacity will significantly increase through the addition of eight production sites and one administrative facility across six different countries. Cathay’s strategic focus on sustainability, innovation, and supply chain security aligns this acquisition with its quality. Through such an acquisition, Cathay Industries will gain more growth opportunities and synergy to support its position in the industry of inorganic pigment.

The third revision of the standard for iron oxide pigments used in paints was subjected to public consultation by BIS from March through April 2024. Lead, as well as other toxic heavy metals, have also been limited further so that health and safety aspects are taken into account. Moreover, it also reorganizes material classifications while updating test procedures to align with current market practices​.

Iron Oxide Pigments Market Segment Insights

Iron Oxide Pigments Type Insights

The Iron Oxide Pigments Market segmentation, based on Type, includes Synthetic and Natural. The synthetic iron oxide segment holds the largest market share of over 80% and is expected to register a CAGR of over 4% between 2020-2027. The growth is mainly attributed to the increased adoption of synthetic iron oxide pigments in the components of electrical and electronics, paints and coatings, and medical and industrial equipment. 

Iron Oxide Pigments Colour Insights

Based on Colour, the Iron Oxide Pigments Market segmentation includes red, yellow, black, and others. The red iron oxide segment holds the largest market share of over 40% and is expected to register a CAGR of around 4.5% between 2020-2027. The growth is mainly due to its pure hue, consistent properties, and tinting strength. However, yellow iron oxide pigment is expected to register the fastest growth with a CAGR of over 5% in the forecast period.

Iron Oxide Pigments End-use Insights

Based on End-use, the Iron Oxide Pigments Market segmentation includes Construction, Paints and Coatings, Plastics, Paper, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, and Others. The construction segment accounts for the largest share of around 50% of the global market and is expected to register a CAGR of around 4% from 2020 to 2027. Furthermore, the paints & coatings segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for iron oxide manufacturers also comes from the coatings industry and pigments are used for exterior and interior industrial coating applications.

Figure 2: Iron Oxide Pigments Market, by Type, 2023 & 2030 (USD Billion)             Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Iron Oxide Pigments Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia-Pacific market accounts for the largest share of over 45%in 2019 in the Iron Oxide Pigments Market. This is due to the high demand for iron oxide pigments in the major end-use industries and the industrial growth in the region. Further, Asia-Pacific has witnessed the fastest growth globally with a CAGR of around 6% during the review period. The growth in this market can be attributed to the fast-paced industrialization and urbanization in emerging economies such as India, China, Thailand, and Malaysia. China accounted for the largest market share of around 50% in the Asia-Pacific market.

Figure 3: IRON OXIDE PIGMENTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (%)     Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Europe was the second-largest market with a market share of around 25% in 2019 in the Iron Oxide Pigments Market. The growth in the market is mainly due to the established presence of major end-use industries such as construction, paints and coatings, and plastics. Moreover, the presence of advanced technologies, heavy R&D investments, and the presence of large-scale manufacturers in the region boost the demand for iron oxide pigments in the region.

North America accounts for around 20% of the global share and is expected to register a CAGR of about 3%. The growth in the region is mainly attributed to the established presence of major end-use industries and presence of advanced technologies. The North American market was valued at around USD 390 million in 2019 and is expected to reach around USD 450 million over the forecast period.

Iron Oxide Pigments Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Iron Oxide Pigments market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Iron Oxide Pigments industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

The major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product lines, which will spur further market growth for Iron Oxide Pigments. With significant market development like new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their global presence. To grow and thrive in a market climate that is becoming more competitive and growing, competitors in the Iron Oxide Pigments industry must offer affordable products.

Manufacturing locally to cut operating costs is one of the main business tactics manufacturers use in the global Iron Oxide Pigments industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector. The Iron Oxide Pigments market has recently given medicine some of the most important advantages. Major Iron Oxide Pigments market players, including DIC Corporation (Japan), LANXESS (Germany), Huntsman Corporation (Belgium), Heubach GmbH (Germany), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.

DIC is a manufacturer of printing inks. It offers rotogravure, flexographic water and solvent-based, sheetfed offset, and extrusion lamination inks.

Also, LANXESS USA is a company that manufactures and markets chemical intermediates, additives, and plastics. Its products include dichloroaniline, methyl phenol, hexanediol, ethylaniline, triazole, etc. The company caters to agriculture, automobiles, construction, semiconductors, electronics, photovoltaics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Key Companies in the Iron Oxide Pigments market include

• DIC Corporation (Japan)


• LANXESS (Germany)


• Huntsman Corporation (Belgium)


• Heubach GmbH (Germany)


• Cathay Industries (China)


• Hunan Sanhuan Pigment Co., Ltd.(China)


• Venator Materials PLC. (UK)


• Jiangsu Yuxing Industry & Trade Co. Ltd (China)


• Titan Kogyo, Ltd (Saudi Arabia)


• Golchha Oxides Pvt Ltd (India)

Iron Oxide Pigments Industry Developments

CitroSperse pigment dispersions based on patented green chemistry have been developed by P2 Science, a venture-backed renewable specialty chemicals firm, in collaboration with American Colors. Red Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Red 7 Lake, Red 6 Lake, and Black 2 are the nine colors in the CitroSperse spectrum. A unique silicone alternative emollient is used in each cosmetic-grade pigment dispersion.

Lanxess Corp.'s extensive concrete pigment line was presented at the Precast Show 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. In the Inorganic Pigments business section, Bayferrox red, yellow, black, and brown iron oxide pigments, as well as green colors based on Colortherm chromium oxides and newly confirmed Environmental Product Declarations, were on show (EPDs). Lanxess is the first synthetic iron oxide pigment manufacturer to issue Environmental Product Declarations,  which outline the colorants' environmental performance.

Chromaflo Technologies launched a wide range of improved dispersion properties into their new line of iron oxide pigments in February 2024. This brand aims to improve the ease of use and performance of pigments such as coatings and plastics applications. The novelty offers better color consistency with reduced cost implications.

BASF introduced a new range of iron oxide pigments that are meant for eco-friendly building materials, as announced in March 2024. These dyes are made from sustainable processes that reduce negative environmental impact, thus aligning with BASF’s green chemistry agenda. As such, they ensure better tonal quality or lastingness of building materials whilst encouraging sustainability.

In October 2023, OXERRA, one of the world's largest manufacturers of iron oxide pigments, announced it would construct a new manufacturing plant and research center for complex inorganic colored pigments (CICP) in China. This is aimed at strengthening their global support and sustainability initiatives within the color pigment industry. The outlying factory will be open by the end of 2023 to supplement their existing UK site.

Iron Oxide Pigments Market Segmentation

Iron Oxide Pigments Type Outlook

• Synthetic


• Natural

Iron Oxide Pigments Colour Outlook

• Red


• Yellow


• Black


• Others

Iron Oxide Pigments End-use Outlook

• Construction


• Paints and Coatings


• Plastics


• Paper


• Cosmetics and Personal Care


• Pharmaceuticals


• Others

Iron Oxide Pigments Regional Outlook

• 
  

  North America

  
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  

   

  
  


• 
  

  Europe

  
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  

   

  
  


• 
  

  Asia-Pacific

  
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  

   

  
  


• 
  

  Rest of the World

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    Middle East

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Africa

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Latin America