Several new market segments are becoming more and more attractive for HPP suppliers. Well-known examples are non-impact printing (Ink Jet), high tech security printing, and pigments for optical storage (compact disc, digital versatile disc, etc.). Other new technologies will certainly emerge requiring the use ofmore High Performance Pigments.
Several other driving factors can shift the demand for organic HPP to inorganic HPPs or vice versa, e. g. trends in color shades for automotive coatings. In 1998 and 1999 the most fashionable shades in Europe were metallic silver and grey colors. For this reason the actual demand for silver flakes is booming, whereas a reduced demand for reddish shades has significantly influenced the utilization of DPP, quinacridone and perylene pigments.
9.5.2