In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion that stated that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.

5. Is EFSA banning titanium dioxide? 

When it comes to sourcing titanium dioxide, it is essential to understand the various processes involved in its production. The two primary production methods are the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process tends to be more cost-effective in certain contexts, but it also generates a substantial amount of waste, putting pressure on manufacturers to invest in waste treatment technologies. On the other hand, the chloride process is known for its superior quality and lower environmental impact, albeit at a higher production cost.

In addition to consistency, manufacturers must also consider the cost implications of buff percentage. Higher levels of coating on titanium dioxide particles can increase production costs, as more coating materials are required. However, a lower buff percentage may lead to a lower quality product that does not meet the needs of customers. Balancing the cost and quality considerations of buff percentage is a key challenge for manufacturers in the titanium dioxide industry.

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.