Interview: “We see a need to catch up“

You have commissioned a fully automated system for digital colour measurement of pigment products. What were the reasons for this investment?

Dr Eva Kriegbaum: We have increased our production capacities in recent years. We commissioned a second production line for effect pigments based on silicon dioxide in 2021. We are now pushing ahead with digitalisation and automation in our production processes. With the new digital colour measurement, we can serve our customers more reliably with consistent quality. This is possible because we recently merged and networked all process and quality data in one system. However, such an investment of 10 million EUR must also pay off and that is the case here. The new plant makes us more efficient, we can produce with consistent quality and reduce waste. So we are also more sustainable in terms of the resources we use.

How do you rate the level of digitalisation and automation in the paint and coatings industry?

Kriegbaum: We definitely see a need to catch up here. We have positioned ourselves accordingly and are investing in digitalisation and automation along the entire process chain. This is the only way we can become even more efficient, meeting the high quality requirements of our customers and differentiating ourselves from the competition. In addition, we can base our decisions on data-based insights and support our customers in their digital transformation.

How do you assess the current situation in the market for effect pigments?

Kriegbaum: We have used the pandemic period to focus on the customer, to drive forward digitalisation and automation and to increase delivery reliability. Over the next few years, we expect attractive market growth for effect pigments in the mid-single-digit percentage range – driven by all three end markets – coatings, cosmetics and industrial.