The main application markets and development of titanium dioxide

Coating Industry:
Titanium dioxide, as an important inorganic chemical pigment, is also known as titanium dioxide (TiO2). Widely used in industries such as coatings, plastics, and papermaking. In recent years, with the continuous development of technology, the application market of titanium dioxide has also been expanding, and its development prospects have attracted much attention.
"Application Market"
01
Coatings industry:
Titanium dioxide occupies an important position in coatings, with applications covering fields such as architecture, automobiles, ships, metal furniture, household appliances, and coil coating. In the production of coatings, the building coatings consume the most titanium dioxide, accounting for 60% of the total amount of titanium dioxide used in coatings, followed by industrial coatings for automobiles, ships, and furniture, accounting for about 25%, and special coatings accounting for 15%. Titanium dioxide is an indispensable part of coatings. Its function is not only to cover and decorate, but more importantly, to improve the physical and chemical properties of coatings, enhance the mechanical strength, light resistance, weather resistance, adhesion, and corrosion resistance of paint films.
02
Plastic industry:
Titanium dioxide is mainly used as a colorant and filler in the plastic industry, which can improve the weather resistance, heat resistance, and photostability of plastics, giving plastic products a better appearance and service life. It can protect plastic products from UV radiation, improve their mechanical strength and electrical properties. It accounts for 18% -22% of the usage of titanium dioxide. With the development and innovation of the plastic industry, the application prospects of titanium dioxide in this field will be even broader.
03
Paper industry:
In the papermaking process, titanium dioxide can be used as a pigment, fluorescent whitening agent, and filler to improve the whiteness, glossiness, and opacity of paper, making it more textured and aesthetically pleasing. From newsprint to packaging paper, from writing paper to decorative paper, titanium dioxide provides a high-quality choice for the papermaking industry. However, with the advent of the digital age, the demand for titanium dioxide in the paper industry will gradually stabilize. Currently ranked third, its consumption is about 7%.
04
Ink industry:
In the process of ink production, titanium dioxide is an important factor affecting the quality of ink. Different types of ink products have different specific quality requirements for titanium dioxide. However, due to the better covering power of rutile titanium dioxide than rutile titanium dioxide, rutile titanium dioxide is generally used in ink production. The amount used in ink accounts for 4% of the total amount of titanium dioxide used.
05
Chemical fiber industry:
Titanium dioxide used in chemical fibers is mainly used as a matting agent. Due to its softness compared to the gold red type, the rutile type is generally used. Titanium dioxide used in chemical fibers generally does not require surface treatment, but some special varieties require surface treatment to reduce the photochemical effect of titanium dioxide and avoid fiber degradation under the photocatalytic effect of titanium dioxide. The use of titanium dioxide in the chemical fiber industry accounts for 2% -3% of the total usage.
"Industry status quo"
In recent years, with the continuous growth of the global economy, the demand for titanium dioxide in the market has been continuously expanding. Especially in emerging market countries such as China and India, the acceleration of infrastructure construction has led to a surge in demand in industries such as coatings and plastics, driving the development of the titanium dioxide industry. At present, China's titanium dioxide production capacity has ranked among the top in the world, and the production scale is constantly expanding. According to statistics, the total production of titanium dioxide in 2023 has reached 4.16 million tons, an increase of 246000 tons compared to 2022 and a growth rate of 6.28% compared to the same period last year. The production has reached a new historical high. Based on the actual total production of 4.16 million tons, the capacity utilization rate reaches 80%. Among the 43 full process titanium dioxide production enterprises, there is one super large enterprise with an actual output exceeding 1 million tons; 11 large enterprises (including 1 super large enterprise) with a production capacity of 100000 tons or more; 7 medium-sized enterprises with a production capacity of 50000 to 100000 tons; The remaining 25 manufacturers are all small and micro enterprises.
"Development suggestions"
With the recovery of the global economy and the continuous development of downstream industries, the demand for titanium dioxide is expected to continue to grow. At the same time, the promotion of environmental policies will promote the transformation of the titanium dioxide industry towards green production and sustainable development. It is expected that the Chinese titanium dioxide market will continue to maintain stable growth in the coming years.
01
Strengthen technological innovation
Technological innovation is a key factor in driving industry development. Enterprises should increase investment in research and development, improve production processes and technological levels, reduce production costs, and improve product quality. In addition, enterprises should also pay attention to the research and development of environmental protection technologies to cope with increasingly strict environmental policies.
02
Environmental protection and sustainable development
Environmental protection is an important issue related to the physical health and quality of life of the people, and it is also a significant factor restricting the development of the titanium dioxide industry. In 2024, we will increase investment in environmental protection, adopt clean production technologies, reduce pollutant emissions, and achieve green development. At the same time, we should actively respond to national policy guidance, promote the formulation and improvement of industry standards, and promote the standardized development of the industry.
03
Expanding international markets
With the acceleration of global economic integration, domestic titanium dioxide enterprises need to strengthen international cooperation, actively expand international markets, increase the development of overseas markets, and improve international competitiveness. By introducing advanced foreign technology and management experience, we can improve the production efficiency and product quality of the enterprise, enhance product awareness and influence, and achieve diversified product exports.
04
Strengthen brand building
Brand is an intangible asset of a company and an important way to increase product added value. Enterprises should focus on brand building, enhance brand image and visibility. By improving product quality and service level, gain recognition from the market and consumers.
The titanium dioxide industry in China is developing rapidly, but at the same time, it also faces many challenges. In the critical period of the development of the titanium dioxide industry in 2024, we must focus on core issues such as technological innovation, environmental sustainability, market expansion, and brand building. Let's work together and forge ahead, creating a better tomorrow for the titanium dioxide industry in the journey of the new era!