The Shepherd Color Company is a leading global producer of complex inorganic color pigments. Our products are an extraordinary class of inorganic pigments that offer stable, long-lasting color for many applications.

The coatings industry will play a major role in our near future’s sustainable way of life. Accordingly, new generations of pigments for coatings must provide more than color for surfaces. Not only must they enable the aesthetic visual appearance through colors and effects, they are also required to contribute to a comfortable, safe, and sustainable future. This article reviews a new generation of coatings and color materials supporting the “Cool City” initiative showcased across the United States.

Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated full proof of concept for a novel platform process for production of a wide range of inorganic powders based on 27 metals, this article covers the new technology that is now covered by five international patents and patent applications.

Each pigment manufacturer optimizes particle size for the specific properties for that pigment grade. Hiding, tint strength, photo stability, viscosity and surfactant/resin demand are all affected differently by particle size.

New research from Smithers indicates that the market for organic, inorganic and special-effect high-performance pigments (including metallic and pearlescent products) is facing a pivotal year.