If you work with pigments in products, you’ve probably noticed something: the cheap ultramarine pigments often end up costing the most. Sure, they are affordable upfront, but once you factor in how much pigment it takes to get the tight shade, how long that color lasts under sunlight, heat, or washing, and how often batches need to be redone, the “savings” disappear quickly.
This is our ultramarine pigments prove their value. Unlike many synthetic or “budget” dyes, ultramarine pigments deliver strong, long-lasting color that holds up against UV light and heat, doesn’t migrate, and also meets FDA and EU standards.
Basically, using ultramarine pigments saves you a lot of money in the long run because you are not constantly fixing problems during the process or replacing faded products. Let’s talk about exactly how it works.
- Cost-Per-Use > Cost-Per-Kilo
Some synthetic blue pigments might appear cheaper if you only compare the price per kilo. However, the real costs emerge when you evaluate their performance over time, especially in plastics. The real game changer for PTO Costing is dispersion — our UMB, with its narrow particle size control, ensures excellent dispersion, lower Pitts Pressure Value, and delivers a significantly higher cost advantage per kilogram used.
2. Color That Actually Lasts
Ultramarine blue is built on a tough inorganic structure, which means it can handle UV rays and heat without fading. In plastics, it’s known for being non-bleeding and non-migratory. In other words, the colour stays put. No unwanted halos, no colour rubbing off where it shouldn’t. That’s why it’s a trusted choice for outdoor plastics, packaging, and household items. While phthalocyanine blues are strong when it comes to tinting, ultramarine wins on stability, especially in alkaline environments and long-term outdoor use.
- Synthetic dyes often require 2–3 times higher dosage to achieve the same brightness.
- Ultramarine blue pigment, because of its strong tinting strength, requires far less material for the same (or even better) colour payoff.
Ultramarine blue pigment has a Blue Wool lightfastness rating of 7–8, meaning it holds its colour brilliantly even under sunlight, and it can handle high heat up to around 350 °C. Perfect for tough processes like extrusion, blow moulding, and injection moulding.
Simply put, it means less fading, fewer do-overs, and more reliable colour that lasts. In industries like construction or outdoor paints, that kind of durability doesn’t just save costs, it prevents warranty headaches and customer complaints.
3. Safety & compliance that de-risks your portfolio
When it comes to pigments, safety isn’t just a requirement, it’s a cost saver. In the United States, ultramarines are permanently listed and exempt from certification. They’re also approved for use in externally applied cosmetics, including around the eyes, under 21 CFR 73.2725
In the European Union, CI 77007 (Ultramarines) appears on the positive list (Annex IV) for cosmetic colourants.In India, standards recognise ultramarine masterbatches for food-contact plastics like bottle caps and crates, provided they’re sourced to specification.
What does this mean for you? Less red tape, fewer label changes, no “hold-and-release” delays, and smoother approvals with your customers’ quality teams.
4. Process-friendly in real factories
Ultramarine blue pigment can handle very high processing temperatures, which makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of plastics, including PP, PE, PS, ABS, PA, and PC. Because it disperses evenly and holds its shape well, manufacturers see fewer problems like warping or surface defects. That means less time fixing errors on the production line and more time delivering finished products on schedule, saving both time and money. Our high-end grades also ensure a ‘Zero White Streak’ in blow moulding applicable to the automotive industry.
5. Process-friendly in real factories
- Plastics: Great for packaging, toys, caps, closures, and also anti-yellowing and whitening in natural resins.
- Paints: Perfect for architectural and industrial applications where UV/heat resistance matters in the long term.
- Laundry & Paper: Amazing for blueing and brightening to neutralise the yellow cast natural white generally has.
- Ink: Vibrant colour for long-lasting prints on all kinds of paper.
- Rubber: The most durable option for products that will be subjected to stretch, wear, and tear, especially footwear.
So, Pay For Performance, Save On Everything Else
The global ultramarine pigments market is estimated at USD 681.2 million (2024) with a projected CAGR of 6% to 2030, USD 969.73 million. That growth says a lot. Industries worldwide are choosing ultramarine because it delivers durable colour, meets safety standards, and keeps costs in check.
Ultramarine blue pigment gives you better results than synthetic blue dyes:
- It can handle higher processing temperatures without breaking down.
- It doesn’t bleed or fade where it shouldn’t.
- It stands up to sunlight and weather, keeping products looking fresh and true to brand.
That’s the real way to cut colour costs without cutting quality. Use a pigment that performs better and lasts longer, so you spend less over time.
As a family-owned business since 1920, we’ve built decades of expertise in ultramarine blue pigment, biofuel, sodium silicate, and detergents. Today, we proudly serve 32+ countries, helping manufacturers lower their colour costs without sacrificing performance.
If you’re ready to make the switch to an ultramarine blue pigment that performs better, lasts longer, and saves you money, we’re right here.