BASF expands production capacity and colour range for Paliocrom products

BASF has announced that it will expand its capacity for the production of Paliocrom effect pigments by more than 20% by 2017 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The investment will enable the company to accommodate the growing demand of its aluminium-based effect pigments in the automotive coatings sector. With an investment of approximately €10M, BASF aims to strengthen its position in this fast-growing market.

"Our high-end Paliocrom effect pigments have gained much popularity in the automotive market and our orange, red and gold colours create a broad range of styling options for coatings producers," said Alexander Haunschild, Senior Vice President, Pigments and Resins, Europe. The expansion of the Paliocrom production is being made in view of the recent colour trends and the projected rising demand. BASF expects the Paliocrom product group to grow significantly above the general pigment market for automotive coatings.

Paliocrom features gold, orange and new red pigments. BASF also launched Paliocrom Sparkling Red as an exclusive bluish red product in the market. Paliocrom’s uniqueness comes from high chroma, metallic lustre and hiding power and it is suitable for high-quality automotive finishes and industrial paints.

"We are strengthening our leadership in this dynamic market segment by not only adding capacity, but also launching special effect pigments like Sparkling Red which has extraordinary styling potential. We continue to create more styling options for our customers from high quality pigments and accompany the growing effect pigment market,” added Haunschild.