Pigments Group Marks 95th Anniversary

Founded in 1925, the Color Pigments Manufacturers Association, Inc. (CPMA) marks its 95th anniversary this year. At its December 2019 Annual Meeting, held at EMD Performance Materials’ headquarters in Philadelphia, CPMA reflected on the evolution of both the association and industry over the years. 


To reflect significant changes within the industry during the past two decades, including company mergers and acquisitions and changing business models, CPMA’s membership today represents international companies in the North American color pigments value chain, including raw pigment manufacturers, intermediate suppliers, distributors (dispersions, preparations, masterbatch) and service providers. CPMA’s core purpose continues to be serving as the recognized voice for the color pigments industry in North America. 


“Increasingly complex regulations on international, federal and state levels, as well as ever-changing customer demands are impacting color pigment manufacturers,” said David Wawer, executive director of CPMA. “In response, CPMA works closely with downstream trade association partners, global organizations and key stakeholders to provide policy solutions on behalf of its membership. Top issues affecting the color pigments market are the U.S. economy, industry consolidation, raw materials cost and availability, as well as trade and tariffs, according to a CPMA industry survey conducted in 2019.”


On behalf of its members, CPMA is actively engaged on issues impacting the color pigments industry in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Below are 2019 highlights:

• CPMA brought its fall meeting to Mexico City and heard from key Canadian government officials at its June Committee Week meetings in Washington, DC;
• As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to make strides in the implementation of the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 2016, CPMA has played a key role in the risk evaluation of Pigment Violet 29 as one of the first 10 chemicals under the new regulatory process. As US and Canadian governments assess pigments in commerce, CPMA serves as a resource for sound science and technical industry expertise;
• Working alongside downstream trade groups, CPMA is an active participant in the dialogue related to sustainability and product impurities in the value chain. 

At its December 2019 Annual Meeting, CPMA also elected its 2020-2021 class of officers and Board members, which represent a mix of organic and inorganic color pigments companies in the supply chain. Former CPMA President (2018-2019) Eric Christman, BASF, was recognized for leading the implementation of CPMA’s renewed strategic plan and expanded collaboration with the industry value chain. 

Ronald Levi, Bruchsaler Farbenfabrik GmbH & Co KG, who is serving as 2020-2021 CPMA President, told CPMA members that he looks forward to carrying out the association’s long-term strategic plan with a focus on “advocating locally, on behalf of the color pigments industry in North America, while aligning with international trade associations and partners to influence the global regulatory landscape.” 

Longtime CPMA legal consultant Harold Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick & Merritt, was also recognized for his contribution to the industry as he walked attendees through the evolution of the association over the years.