Moreover, the region of sourcing can also impact pricing. Suppliers in different geographical locations may offer varied prices due to differences in transportation costs, availability of raw materials, and local market conditions. Buyers must consider these regional variances when negotiating prices and establishing long-term relationships with suppliers. In many cases, sourcing from manufacturers that can produce high-quality lithopone pigments at competitive rates can lead to significant cost savings.

ZnSO4 + BaS + ZnS + BaSO4

What's the deal with titanium dioxide?

Data availability statement

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide is no longer safe in foods due to the same concerns over nanoparticles. As a result, titanium dioxide is now banned as a food additive in the EU. Although studies have shown that the absorption of ingested titanium dioxide is low, evidence suggests that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can accumulate in the body over time. Health Canada deemed it safe in 2022 but noted concerns. Unlike their European counterparts, Canadian officials did not consider studies performed with titanium dioxide nanoparticles alone. 

The second quarter of 2022 saw mixed market sentiments for titanium dioxide prices. Due to demands, constrained supply and ineffective production capacity brought on by the stretched supply chain, labour shortage, and high energy prices, the production of the chemical increased in Q2 of 2022. Moreover, the US Federal Reserve's tight monetary policy and high interest rates worsened the domestic trade picture, which at quarter's conclusion supported titanium dioxide's unfavourable market views.

How pure TiO2 is extracted from titanium-containing molecules depends on the composition of the original mineral ores or feedstock. Two methods are used to manufacture pure TiO₂: a sulphate process and a chloride process.

The presence of so many lithopone factories in China has also led to advancements in production technology and quality control. Chinese manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to improve the performance of their lithopone products, leading to higher quality and more consistent products on the market. This has helped to cement China's reputation as a leading producer of lithopone on the global stage.

There's also evidence that inhaling titanium dioxide particles can be dangerous. That's mainly a concern for industrial workers. In places where it's produced, or where it's used to make other products, workers can breathe it in as a dust. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has exposure standards manufacturers must meet.