When we consider pigments, we centre on the colour. However, there is more than one aspect to consider. Pigments significantly impact the appearance, the quality, and the environmental impact of the product. It does not matter whether it is home paint, textile printing, washing powders, or paint for industrial purposes. Pigments are of the essence.
There are currently two broad categories: organic and inorganic pigments. Each one of them has a different chemical structure and comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages in the execution and pricing.
Let us simplify these concepts so that you can make an informed decision that will be useful for your application.
The Fundamentals Explained: What is contained in pigment?
Each pigment begins with particles that reflect light to produce colours. Organic pigments are compounds that have a carbon feature. Many are obtained from petroleum sources like coal tar and aromatic hydrocarbons, but a few like indigo and carmine still come from natural sources. The pigments are relatively small in size and typically have a transparent quality. They are noted to have tremendous brightness, excellent tinting strength, and compatibility with different applications, especially those that use intense colour.
Inorganic pigments are derived from metal oxides and mineral salts. Consider for example, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, chromium oxide, or carbon blacks. These are usually opaque, and provide excellent coverage. The big advantages of these pigments are strength, durability, lightfastness, and resistance to extreme heat and chemical usage, which make them more suitable for industrial or outdoor applications.
Vibrancy vs. Versatility: Selecting Based on Performance
Performance of colour may be the most important feature to consider. The organic colour pigments always stand in front as they have vibrant colours, very wide range of hues ideal for usage in textile printing, inks, plastics, rubber, and artistic paints. Moreover, these pigments are ideal when the clean blending or layering effects are needed.
Unlike organic pigments, inorganic ones are primarily used in construction, architecture, automotive paints, ceramics, and other applications where safety takes precedence over vibrance. The stability of these pigments is accompanied by their light and heat resistance, which makes them durable over time, even in harsh sunlight or tough conditions.
Environmental Footprint: Are They Sustainable?
Sustainability is no longer optional. It’s a priority. Organic pigments are less toxic and some even made biodegradable. However, the production process may still use non-renewable resources. This is why Leading Organic pigment manufacturing companies in Maharashtra are investing in cleaner, more efficient methods of manufacturing.
Old inorganic pigments, especially, contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Thankfully, Environmentally conscious pigment manufacturers in India are changing this by developing non-toxic, performance-based, and eco-friendly alternatives to comply with international standards.
Making the Right Call for Your Needs
Now, what is your decision?
⦁ For rich and easy to blend colours, go with organic.
⦁ For strong, covering pigments that withstand the outdoors, inorganic is best.
⦁ If you’re on a budget, inorganics are more often than not cheaper.
⦁ If you are looking for sustainable products, trusted manufacturers have eco-friendly options for you to consider.
Choose Mandar Organics For Colour That Performs
Mandar Organics is your trusted partner for high quality pigment that is guaranteed to perform within architectural coatings, textiles, inks, detergents, artistic paints, seed coatings, and more.
Our colour dispersions are not only the best but also durable and binder-free, resin-free (apart from Manprint series for Ink application), surfactant-based which makes them perfect for real life usage.
Visit Mandar Organics today to see how we can add high quality vibrant colour to your product.
