Ciba strengthens presence in China with joint venture

Ciba Specialty Chemicals and the Liucheng Group have established a joint venture called Zhejiang Ruicheng Effect Pigment Co., Ltd. The business activities of China’s leading manufacturer and supplier of pearlescent pigments for applications such as coatings, plastics, inks, cosmetics and paper making, Wenzhou Kunwei Pearl Pigment Co. Ltd., affiliated with the Liucheng Group, will be transferred to the joint venture, which includes R&D, production and marketing.
“This move supports our strategy to further strengthen our presence in China and reflects our long-term commitment to China,” said Armin Meyer, chairman and chief executive officer of Ciba Specialty Chemicals. “These versatile pigments will allow us to meet today’s demand for subtle pearlescent effects. In combination with our transparent pigments, they can create attractive, individually tailored shades. We plan to bring new products onto the market and expand capacity.”
These decorative effect pigments can reproduce the special luster and color of natural pearls and metal on surface coatings and plastics. Varying particle sizes enable different application requirements to be met: small particles give a gentle, silk-like sheen, while large particles impart a stronger, glitter effect.