ARTICLE

Edwin B. Faulkner
Phone: 513-681-5950
ed.faulkner@na.sunchem.com

The Organic Pigment Industry: Where it's Been and Where it's Going

Cincinnati, OH -- Charles Dickens opened his classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities, with the line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” If he were around today and describing the organic pigment industry in the U.S., he would undoubtedly say, “it is the worst of times, it is the best of times.”

The reason for being the worst times is that there are many negative factors impacting organic pigments today. In the 30 years that I have been in the business, I have never seen so many of them stacked against it at one time. In order for pigment companies to survive and prosper in these times, they have to be resourceful, creative and willing to change.

The reason for being the best of times is that there is enormous opportunity to transform during change. Change creates opportunities, and for those with vision and means, this is a terrific time to make the key strategic moves. Most industries emerge from tough times more focused, stronger, healthier, representing a better structure, and the slower demand has allowed companies to spend this additional time to focus on improvement initiatives.