The properties of lithopone are very suitable for use in the production of coatings. Because the ingredients of lithopone are zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, and the more zinc sulfide content, the stronger its covering power. This indicates a paint product with strong white covering power. It is different from water in that it reacts with acid but does not react with alkali. It has a wide range of uses. Because its structural properties are similar to titanium dioxide and its price is relatively cheap, it can also be used as a substitute for some titanium dioxide. Lithopone can be used for coloring paints, inks, pigments, rubber, paper, leather, enamel, etc.
Developing new Lithopone formulations, one that enhances the properties of the existing Lithopone is anticipated to boost the demand for Lithopone white pigment during the forecast period. Reinforced Lithopone is one such development, wherein a copolymer is added to the polymerization reaction to yield Lithopone with an increased weather resistance and an anti-ultraviolet property. Moreover, development of nano-scale Lithopone is also anticipated to attract market interest during the forecast period.
Of the products that include the additive in their labels, Thea Bourianne, senior manager at data consultant Label Insights, told Food Navigator USA in May 2021 that more than 11,000 products in the company's database of U.S. food and beverage products listed titanium dioxide as an ingredient. Non-chocolate candy led those numbers at 32%. Cupcakes and snack cakes made up 14%, followed by cookies at 8%, coated pretzels and trail mix at 7%, baking decorations at 6%, gum and mints at 4% and ice cream at 2%.
