Heubach expands its production facilities for CICPs

Heubach is expanding its capacity to produce Complex Inorganic Color Pigments (CICPs), marketed under the brand name Heucodur, at its German site. Following the installation and successful establishment of the first production line of a newly developed and fully automated calcination technology in Germany in 2013, the second line will be put into operation at the end of October.

With the demand for end products with improved service life and of superior quality, standards for the durability of the colouration of paints and varnishes, plastics, construction materials and ceramic products are rising. At the same time, standards are also rising for the pigments used.

The CICPs, manufactured in a high-temperature calcination process (above 800°C/1500°F), meet these rising quality standards, while taking ecological issues into account. They fulfil the highest requirements for weathering resistance, as well as chemical and temperature stability. On top of this, these products combine excellent opacity with outstanding dispersibility, meaning they can also be used for the preparation of lead-free formulations. Uses for the products include high-quality industrial paints, such as for the colouration of coil and powder coatings, as well as for decorative coating materials, plastics, construction materials, plasters and ceramic products.

By expanding its production capacity, Heubach is reacting to the fast-growing global need for top quality high-performance pigments for use in paints and, above all, plastics.

The new calcination technology guarantees highly efficient process management that is optimised for quality. Thus, with this investment, Heubach is laying a further foundation for future growth and sustainable competitiveness.