Report Overview
The Europe natural dyes and pigments market size was valued at USD 1.05 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% from 2021 to 2028. The market growth is likely to be driven by the increasing consumption of dyes and pigments in textiles, foods and beverages, paints and coatings, and cosmetic applications. Moreover, the adverse effects of manufacturing synthetic dyes and pigments leading to the pollution of water bodies due to the dumping of chemicals have propelled the market for natural dyes and pigments. Natural dyes and pigment have reduced dependency on raw materials derived from crude oil resources as they are manufactured from naturally available materials. This has emerged as a significant factor affecting the market since it eliminates the risk of supply and demand disruption due to volatile oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
The natural dyes & pigments are produced from plant leaves, vegetables, meat, red wine, green tea, fruits, and insects. These raw materials are further processed to produce dyes that are plant-based, animal-based, and mineral-based, along with pigments such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, betalains, quercetin, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, which are widely used in applications such as printing inks, textiles, food and beverages, cosmetics, and others.
Germany accounted for a significant share of the overall revenue for the Europe natural dyes and pigments market in 2020. This share is attributed to the growing adoption of plant and animal-based dyes and natural pigments sourced from algae and other fruits and plants. Companies are shifting to alternative materials to replace synthetic chemicals with natural ingredients due to the rise in consumer demand for sustainable raw materials.
Some of the end-use companies in fashion and textiles have collaborated with dye and pigment manufacturers to include natural dyes in their products and contribute to sustainability goals. For instance, in December 2020, MARIMEKKO, a Finland-based home furnishings, textiles, and fashion company, collaborated with Natural Indigo Finland, a company in natural dyes manufacturing. This natural dye was used in ink manufacturing to print bags, garments, and home items launched during its fall 2021 collection. MARIMEKKO has stores across the globe, including Germany. Such strategic initiatives are expected to result in market growth.
Product Insights
In the product segment, the plant-based dyes segment dominated the Europe natural dyes market and accounted for more than 70.0% overall revenue share in 2020. Also, carotenoids were the leading pigment in the product segment. The plant-based dyes and pigments are extracted from fruits and plants and are biodegradable, non-allergic, and non-toxic. Also, they do not contain any carcinogenic substances, unlike synthetic dyes, which makes them suitable for the coloration of textiles, food, drugs, and cosmetics. Carotenoids act as antioxidants for the skin by improving the skin tone, protection from UV light exposure, firmness, and brightness. These properties make them suitable to be used in c0smetic products.
Animal-based dyes are extracted from animals' secretion and dried bodies, insects, and microbes. Animals that produce biological pigments are used to extract colors. Animal-based dyes are used in luxury products and have gained popularity due to their permanent dying properties compared to plant-based counterparts. Kermes is a red dye derived from the dried bodies of various insects that live on a species of oak. It gives a red solution carmine. When ground up in hot water, it gives a red solution called carmine containing carminic acid, used in food and beverages, inks, and cosmetics.
E163 is one of the commercial food additives derived from fruit anthocyanin pigments from the grape skin. Its purple color makes it suitable to be used as a food additive in beverages and confectionaries. The adverse effect of synthetic food dyes on human health and concerns regarding food safety attracted public attention to shift towards natural-based dyes in the food and beverage industry.
Application Insights
The food and beverage segment dominated the natural dyes market and contributed to more than 60.0% of the overall revenue share in 2020. Natural dyes are used as colorants in water-based inks, suitable for the digital printing of cotton fabrics. The increased demand for environmentally friendly inkjet inks in digital cotton printing is expected to drive the market for natural dyes as a coloring additive in inks. Natural dyes exhibit color consistency compared to synthetic counterparts, which has further contributed to their use in water-based inks. Printing on textile has gained popularity due to trendy designs offered by significant clothing manufacturers.
Paprika and other vegetables and fruits are used for producing colorants that find application in meat products. Carotenoids pigment is used to provide red coloration to the food products. The increasing awareness about healthy eating and the high demand for meat products from numerous restaurants and hotels has propelled the meat industry in Europe. This trend is expected to continue over the forecast period, thereby propelling the demand for natural dyes in the meat industry in the region.
The Europe cosmetics and personal care market is the largest market for cosmetic products in the world. Cosmetics have become a part of an individual’s life while traveling, attending meetings, and social functions. Also, launching new products with natural-based ingredients and appealing packaging designs have been adopted by cosmetic manufacturing companies to increase sales of their products. The green color obtained from avocado oil contains carotenoids, and chlorophylls do not possess carcinogenic characteristics, thus, making them suitable for use in cosmetic products. The rising awareness of the benefits of using natural ingredients in cosmetics products is expected to grow the natural dyes and pigments market in Europe.
Country Insights
Germany dominated the Europe market for natural dyes and pigments and accounted for more than 19.0% in 2020. Germany is the largest food and beverage industry in the European Union region. Rising demand for natural dyes and pigments from textile, plastic, paints & coatings, and printing ink applications is anticipated to fuel market growth in the country over the forecast period. Moreover, the technological advancement in food processing coupled with increasing demand for functional food is anticipated to potentially drive the growth of the market in Germany.
France comprises a robust cosmetics industry. Rising emphasis on physical appearance and growing willingness to spend more on high-quality personal care products are propelling the growth of the cosmetic industry. Also, men grooming personal care products, especially skincare products, are gaining popularity in the country—factors such as the rising influence of social media and the widening range of skincare products from cosmetics brands. The natural dyes & pigments help prevent the chemical reactions on the skin caused by synthetic cosmetic materials. The factors mentioned above are anticipated to boost the demand for natural dyes and pigments in the cosmetic industry in the country over the forecast period.
The textile industry is one of the significant industries in Italy. The country is renowned for its luxury designs and craftsmanship of high quality, and its manufacturing and export of fashionable items are an integral part of the country’s economy. The international fashion shows are conducted in Italy since it has gained its position as a fashion capital globally. Dyes provide aesthetic appeal to the fabric due to various color options. The growing demand for clothing is expected to result in driving the market for natural dyes in Italy.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
The key market players are BASF SE, Koninklijke DSM N.V., ABBEY COLOR, GNT Group B.V., EW Nutrition, and a few country players. The key players in natural dyes and pigment manufacturing are acquiring global pigments business to strengthen their position in Europe as well as other regions. For instance, in June 2021, DIC Corporation completed the acquisition of BASF’s global pigments business, known as BASF Colors & Effects (BCE). The acquisition of BCE, which is based in Europe and has sites worldwide, will help DIC Corporation become a prominent global manufacturer of high-performance pigments, including natural pigments for cosmetics. Some of the prominent players operating in the Europe natural dyes and pigments market are:
BASF SE
Koninklijke DSM N.V.
ABBEY COLOR
GNT Group B.V.
EW Nutrition
Naturex
DYNADIS
Vidya Europe Production SAS