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 all 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!
9.5.3