October 2026 brought several important developments across the global pigment and coatings industry. Titanium dioxide remained in focus as the UK proposed an anti-dumping measure on Chinese rutile TiO₂ and a UK production site continued its restart. Meanwhile, coatings companies pursued strategic acquisitions, and new research explored ways to assess pigment dispersion and predict coating color more efficiently.
For pigment producers, coatings formulators, and buyers, the month’s news highlights the close links between trade policy, production capacity, technical innovation, and supply-chain planning.
1. UK Proposes Anti-Dumping Measure on Chinese Rutile TiO₂
On October 7, the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) proposed a five-year anti-dumping measure on rutile titanium dioxide imports from China. The proposal followed an investigation that found dumped imports and an imminent threat of injury to UK producers.
The recommended measure combines an import-duty percentage with a minimum charge per kilogram. It remains a proposal, subject to further review and a final decision by the UK government.
TiO₂ is widely used in coatings, plastics, paper, and other products for its opacity and brightness. Any final trade measure could affect import costs and purchasing decisions for UK buyers, while also influencing trade flows between regions.
For pigment buyers, the development reinforces the importance of monitoring local trade measures alongside global supply and price trends.
Read more: New duty proposed on imports of Chinese rutile titanium dioxide – UK Trade Remedies Authority
2. Tioxide Restores Its Full Pigment Range at the Greatham Site
Tioxide reported in October that its Greatham plant in the UK had restored the ability to manufacture its full TIOXIDE and DELTIO product ranges following the restart of production in August. The site’s first production line is operating, while a second line is expected to restart in early 2027.
The return of production adds supply to the TiO₂ market, although the full impact will depend on the pace of the second-line restart, production levels, and customer demand.
For customers, the development is a reminder that supply recovery is often gradual. Actual availability and delivery schedules remain important considerations when planning purchases.
Read more: Tioxide restores full pigment range at UK TiO₂ plant – PCI Magazine
3. BASF–Evonik Talks Highlight Continued Chemical Industry Consolidation
BASF’s interest in acquiring Evonik remained a major industry story in October. On October 30, Evonik rejected BASF’s improved takeover offer and said it would continue to pursue its strategy as an independent company, while remaining open to an informal exchange.
The situation reflects broader strategic activity across the chemicals sector, as companies assess portfolio focus, scale, and competitive position. Any major transaction could have implications for investment priorities, product portfolios, and customer relationships across the specialty chemicals supply chain.
For pigment and coatings businesses, these developments are worth watching because changes among major chemical suppliers can influence market structure and sourcing strategies.
Read more: Specialty Chemicals: Evonik Rejects BASF Takeover Bid – European Coatings
4. Protech Group Acquires Italian Powder Coatings Manufacturer Ripol
The Protech Group completed its acquisition of Ripol, an Italian powder coatings manufacturer, in October. The deal expands Protech’s European manufacturing and distribution network to six countries and adds Ripol’s operations and affiliated activities in several European markets.
The acquisition is another example of companies using mergers and acquisitions to strengthen regional reach and broaden their market presence.
For suppliers across the coatings industry, a larger customer or competitor network can affect distribution channels, product availability, and procurement structures. At the same time, local technical support and reliable supply remain important differentiators.
Read more: Powder Coatings: Protech Group Acquires Ripol – European Coatings
5. New Method May Help Predict Coating Color Before Film Formation
On October 20, Nippon Paint Holdings and the University of Tokyo announced a method for assessing pigment particle aggregation in liquid paint before a coating film is formed.
The research uses centrifugal field-flow fractionation to identify pigment aggregation in complex formulations containing other components, such as resins and dispersants. The researchers demonstrated that differences in pigment aggregation can affect the color appearance of the resulting film.
If further developed for practical use, this approach could help reduce repeated coating-film preparation during formulation development, saving time and materials. It also highlights the importance of pigment dispersion: the final color depends not only on pigment selection, but also on how pigment particles behave within the formulation.
October Outlook: Trade, Supply, and Technical Performance
October’s developments show an industry responding to several connected pressures. Trade measures may reshape regional TiO₂ flows, while production restarts could gradually add supply. Consolidation remains active across coatings and specialty chemicals, and new testing methods may help improve formulation development.
For pigment manufacturers and buyers, the key is to evaluate market changes in context. Trade policy, actual production availability, customer demand, and technical requirements all influence purchasing decisions and product development.
As the industry moves toward the end of 2026, reliable supply, formulation expertise, and the ability to respond to changing market conditions will remain important.