Polarizing White Pigments: New Ceresana Study on the World Market for Titanium Dioxide

KONSTANZ, Germany - May 3, 2022 - PRLog -- Is white dangerous? Titanium dioxide, the brightest and most commonly used of all known pigments, is controversial: In the EU, the colorant E171 is considered potentially carcinogenic and is no longer allowed to be used in food products as of August 2022. In the United Kingdom, however, titanium dioxide remains an approved food additive. In many countries, the use of titanium dioxide in toothpaste, sunscreen, cosmetics and medication is being scrutinized. At the same time, new application areas are opening up for the nanomaterial, such as UV protection, solar cells, exhaust gas catalysts and hydrogen production.

Raw materials for Titanium Dioxide

"Titanium dioxide" is an umbrella term that encompasses ilmenite, natural and synthetic rutile and titanium slag. All these materials contain different shares of titanium dioxide, depending on product type and country of origin. Titanium dioxide is mainly gained from the minerals ilmenite and rutile. In 2020, more than 16 million tonnes of ilmenite, rutile, and titanium slag were processed around the world. Around 59% of this volume was processed directly into pigments. 6 % was used for other end products, such as technically pure titanium, electrical conductors, and chemical intermediates. The remainder, about 35%, was used for further refining into synthetic rutile and titanium slag. Titanium is especially needed for the alloying of steel. The raw materials for the production of titanium dioxide come from few countries, such as South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Saudi Arabia.

Colors are Main Application Area for Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide is the most important white pigment. It is UV resistant and has the highest refractive index. Ceresana's new market study analyzes the global market for TiO2 pigments in detail. With a share of more than 56%, the application area paints and coatings is the most important sales market: Titanium dioxide can replace previously used, highly toxic lead colors. Further application areas include plastics, paper, and textiles. Titanium dioxide is also needed for the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and catalysts.

Current Market Data About Titanium Dioxide

Chapter 1 offers an analysis of the world market for titanium dioxide raw materials: ranging from the naturally occurring source materials ilmenite and rutile, the intermediates titanium slag and synthetic rutile, to their respective areas of application. Chapter 2 examines the most important application area of titanium dioxide: white pigments. Chapter 3 offers information regarding the markets for titanium dioxide in the 16 most important countries. Chapter 4 contains company profiles of the most important titanium dioxide manufacturers.

Further information: https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/chemicals/tita...