Search Results

The chemical industry is an essential pillar of global manufacturing, and the recent introduction of tariffs under the Trump administration has left companies in this sector grappling with new challenges. President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on imports from China has sparked significant concern within the industry, especially as many U.S. chemical manufacturers depend heavily on raw materials sourced from China. These tariffs, part of broader efforts to address national security concerns and curb the flow of contraband drugs, could have wide-reaching effects on businesses that rely on these materials for production.  The Chemical Industry's Vulnerability to Tariffs   The chemical industry, often described as the backbone of manufacturing, plays a vital role in the production of a wide range of goods, from pharmaceuticals to plastics and agricultural products. A notable feature of the industry is its extensive supply chain, which frequently involves cross-border transactions. According to The New York Times, chemicals often move across borders multiple times during production, meaning that even a small tariff can have significant ripple effects on operational costs and supply chains. For US manufacturing companies that rely on Chinese raw materials, and most do, these tariffs represent a serious disruption to well-established trade routes, with potential delays, increased costs, and strained relationships with overseas suppliers.  The Wall Street Journal highlights how manufacturers are struggling to adjust to these sudden changes, often encountering unforeseen complications that disrupt production schedules and long-term strategies. As businesses scramble to understand how tariffs will affect their pricing, supply chains, and profit margins, many are being forced to make tough decisions, such as passing on additional costs to consumers or reevaluating their sourcing strategies altogether.  The Impact on U.S. Chemical Companies   For U.S. chemical manufacturers, the tariffs on Chinese raw materials are a major point of concern. China has long been a significant supplier of critical raw materials for the chemical industry, including key chemical intermediates and feedstocks for use in color pigment manufacturing such as dyes, polymer building blocks, etc.  With tariffs now driving up the cost of these materials, companies are facing the difficult task of finding alternative suppliers or absorbing the additional costs.  In many cases, these shifts can also have knock-on effects throughout the supply chain, leading to price hikes, supply shortages, and even production slowdowns. With the tariffs, U.S. chemical companies, including pigment producers, are now at a crossroads: they must find ways to maintain profitability while managing rising input costs and disruptions in their global supply networks.  For some, this might mean finding chemical feedstock sources outside of China, reconsidering the design of products that rely on these materials, even the discontinuation of certain product offerings.  Strategic Responses from Brilliant Group   At Brilliant Group, we understand the potential challenges these tariffs pose, not only to our operations but also to our customers and partners. In anticipation of these changes, we’ve taken a proactive stance in ensuring that our business and supply chains remain resilient.  Proactive Monitoring:  We are closely tracking policy developments and potential changes in tariffs. This ongoing vigilance allows us to assess the impact of these changes on our operations and adjust our strategy accordingly.  Strategic Planning:  We have long been actively exploring alternative sourcing options, and our logistics team is working to optimize supply chain efficiency. We’re committed to maintaining continuity and minimizing disruption to our product availability.  Open Communication:  Transparency is key during these times. We promise to keep our partners informed with timely updates as we navigate these changes. Your business continuity is a priority, and we are focused on ensuring that your needs are met, regardless of shifting global dynamics.  Moving Forward: Our Commitment to You   At Brilliant Group, we recognize that these are uncertain times, but we want to reassure our customers and partners that we remain committed to delivering the high-quality products and services you expect from us. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the new tariff landscape, our focus will remain on minimizing any negative impacts on our operations and ensuring that we can provide the same level of reliability and excellence that you’ve come to trust.  For more detailed information on how tariffs may affect the chemical industry, we encourage you to read relevant articles from sources such as  The Wall Street Journal ,  The New York Times  and  The Economist  or refer to updates from   White House webpage .  Thank you for your continued trust and support as we adapt to these challenges together.

Our New Website Is Here – Discover What’s New at fluorescentcolor.com We are excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website, www.fluorescentcolor.com . With a fresh, modern design and enhanced functionality, our new site is designed to better serve our customers with features that make finding the perfect products for your needs easier than ever. “Our goal was to create a more user-friendly and visually appealing platform that not only showcases our vibrant pigments but also highlights their many applications,” says Darren Bianchi, CEO of Brilliant Group. “However, we want our customers to know that if finding the product they need means talking directly to an expert, we are always at the end of a telephone.  It’s our mission to make getting and using fluorescent color as easy as possible, whether customers prefer digital or human interactions.”   A Visual Identity That Reflects Our Passion for Fluorescents The first thing you’ll notice when you visit www.fluorescentcolor.com is our updated visual identity. We’ve infused our website with the same vibrancy and energy that define our pigments, creating a clean, contemporary design that’s as visually striking as it is user-friendly. This new look isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.   The Product Finder: Your New Go-To Tool One of the standout features of our redesigned website is the ability to find the right Brilliant product based on your application. We know that selecting the right fluorescent pigments for a given application can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we’ve developed this intuitive tool to help you quickly and easily find the products that meet your exact needs. Whether you’re looking for pigments for inks, coatings, plastics, or textiles, or any other number of applications, you will find the perfect solution in just a few clicks.   We invite you to explore our new website, www.fluorescentcolor.com and discover all the enhancements we’ve made. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

As global industries move towards safer and more sustainable practices, the use of mineral oil in printing applications has been increasingly regulated. At Brilliant Group, we proudly offer a wide range of mineral oil-free products, positioning our pigments and ink concentrates as the ideal choice for customers looking to align with these evolving standards. Our range of mineral oil-free products are designed to meet the highest performance and safety standards, offering vibrant colors and reliable results. You probably know that all of Brilliant’s dry pigments and soluble toners are mineral oil-free, but did you know that our BIB2 extra strength ink base is also mineral oil-free? Our BIB2 series is suitable for both conventional offset and UV applications, providing exceptional color strength and stability without compromising safety. This makes it an ideal choice for high-quality, sustainable printing solutions across a variety of industries. The Concerns with Mineral Oil Mineral oils, especially Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), are under scrutiny due to their potential health risks. These substances can migrate into food from packaging, leading to regulatory changes aimed at minimizing exposure​ ( Packaging Gateway )​​  The Benefits of Mineral Oil-Free Pigments Health and Safety : Our mineral oil-free pigments reduce the risk of harmful substance migration, ensuring safer packaging and printing applications. Regulatory Compliance : Staying ahead of regulations, our products help customers comply with current and future safety standards. Sustainability : By eliminating mineral oils, we contribute to environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. Choosing mineral oil-free pigments is a proactive step towards a safer, more sustainable future. Brilliant Group is committed to leading this change by providing innovative solutions that prioritize health, safety, and environmental responsibility. Explore our range of mineral oil-free pigments and join us in embracing a brighter, safer tomorrow. For more information on our products and their applications, visit our website or contact us directly

We are proud to feature an enlightening article from the April 2024 issue of Coatings World, titled "Light-Activated Persistent Phosphorescence: Materials, Applications, & Science". Co-authored by our President, Darren Bianchi, and Technical Manager, Ray Peria, this article delves into the pioneering field of phosphorescent materials that are transforming visibility and safety solutions across multiple industries. Explore the detailed mechanisms behind these innovative materials, their diverse applications, and the latest developments poised to enhance our product range in safety signage, high-performance coatings, and beyond. Click the image below to read the full article.

In the ongoing evolution of workplace safety standards, high-visibility (hi-viz) clothing remains paramount in mitigating workplace accidents. The ISO 20471 standard has set rigorous global benchmarks for hi-viz garments in high-risk scenarios. Building on this, the EN 17353 standard emerges as a pivotal guideline for enhancing visibility in medium-risk situations, offering a nuanced approach to protective clothing. This blog delves into the distinction between ISO 20471 and EN 17353, spotlighting Brilliant Group's pigment technologies that align with these critical safety protocols. ISO 20471: THE NEW STANDARD FOR HIGH-RISK VISIBILITY ISO 20471 specifies design, color, and reflective requirements for hi-viz clothing in environments where visibility is a matter of life and death. Central to this standard is the use of fluorescent materials that ensure visibility under various light conditions. ISO 20471 mandates three fluorescent colors: yellow (chartreuse), orange, or red, chosen for their effectiveness in starkly contrasting with any backdrop. The standard also emphasizes durability, mandating that hi-viz garments maintain their luminosity and color integrity through numerous wash cycles and exposure to the elements. EN 17353: BROADENING THE SPECTRUM FOR MEDIUM RISK SITUATIONS While ISO 20471 caters to high-risk environments, EN 17353 extends the visibility spectrum to medium-risk scenarios. This standard recognizes the diverse needs across different work environments, where the full specifications of ISO 20471 might not be necessary. EN 17353 allows for a broader color palette, including: Fluorescent yellow-green Fluorescent yellow Fluorescent yellow-orange Fluorescent orange Fluorescent orange-red Fluorescent red Fluorescent pink This expanded color range under EN 17353 accommodates various professional settings, enabling customization and flexibility while ensuring safety through enhanced visibility. BRILLIANT GROUP COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS Brilliant Group's pigment technologies are at the forefront of aligning with the stringent requirements of ISO 20471 and adapting to the flexible demands of EN 17353. Our BSR and BMS Series pigments, in shades like Chartreuse (227), Orange (215), and Red (213), enable our customers to formulate products to meet ISO 20471's specifications. For the broader palette required by EN 17353, Brilliant Group offers an array of pigments that cater to the standard's diverse color requirements, ensuring manufacturers have access to high-quality, compliant solutions for both high and medium-risk hi-viz clothing. The progression from ISO 471 to ISO 20471, coupled with EN 17353, illustrates the dynamic landscape of safety standards in the workplace. Through the integration of advanced pigment technologies, Brilliant Group plays a pivotal role in meeting these evolving standards, ensuring worker visibility and safety across a spectrum of lighting conditions and risk scenarios. As safety protocols continue to advance, the intersection of industrial safety and materials science becomes increasingly vital, with innovative pigment solutions safeguarding lives in an ever-changing work environment. By embracing these standards, the industry not only adheres to current safety protocols but also anticipates future advancements, ensuring that protective clothing keeps pace with the evolving demands of workplace safety.

In recent years, the landscape of regional legislation has undergone significant expansion, reflecting a collective commitment to safeguarding consumers from potential risks associated with harmful chemicals. The surge in regional legislation signals a proactive approach to protecting consumers from potentially harmful substances. REACh, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals, has become a cornerstone in the European Union's efforts to regulate and control the use of chemicals. Similarly, KKDIK in Turkey, UK REACh, and China REACh aim to limit the risks associated with chemicals, fostering a global commitment to consumer safety. Consumer-Led Initiatives and Manufacturer Response Beyond legislative measures, consumer pressure has played a pivotal role in compelling manufacturers to reassess their processes and products. As consumers become more conscientious about the products they use, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability. This shift has prompted manufacturers to scrutinize their supply chains, adopting practices that limit the use of certain substances and prioritize safety. While legislative measures and consumer demands drive change, industries have a longstanding history of voluntary initiatives aimed at mitigating the use of harmful substances. Schemes like Oekotex and Bluesign have provided frameworks for industries to adhere to high standards voluntarily. In the realm of artists' color and craft supplies, Brilliant has been a trailblazer, working collaboratively with producers and non-governmental organizations to ensure the highest purity standards in consumer end products. Brilliant's Commitment to Purity and Safety Non-Formaldehyde fluorescent pigments have existed for the plastics market since the 1970’s.  Those products originally plated out very badly and had poor heat stability.  These pigments have since evolved and Brilliant’s fluorescent plastic colorants, the Brilliant BNF-500 Series, now has exceptional plate-out resistance and thermal stability. However, where Brilliant really has excelled is in crafting Non-Formaldehyde pigments for coatings and ink applications, designed to offer both flexibility of formulation and the vibrant, eye-catching colors that consumers expect. These range in form from dry pigments for a broad range of applications to small particle water-based emulsions to water-soluble toners. Brilliant BNF-5800 is a dry powder pigment ideal for a range of systems where traditional fluorescent pigments have been used.  This includes water-based and plastisol systems in applications such as craft paints, modeling clay, crayons, paper coatings, powder coatings, screen inks and textile inks. Brilliant BFE Series is a fine particle fluorescent emulsion extremely well suited for water-flexo inks, textiles and craft paints. Brilliant BSTW Series is a high strength soluble toner, perfect for water-flexo inks requiring exceptional print density under fine line anilox conditions. These products not only meet the demand of eliminating formaldehyde in consumer products but also perform extremely well so you don’t have to sacrifice quality or operational efficiency by incorporating formaldehyde free pigments to your formulations. Another noteworthy product is Brilliant BMS series, designed for applications where low migration is paramount and extremely low formaldehyde levels are acceptable. Offering unmatched stability and resistance to solvents, BMS enables formulators to design products with the lowest possible level of formaldehyde. Brilliant ensures that BMS meets the stringent requirements for safety and performance. As regional legislation continues to evolve, and consumer expectations drive change, industries are navigating a complex landscape of regulations and demands. Brilliant's commitment to purity, safety, and collaboration with industry partners and NGOs exemplifies a proactive approach to meeting and exceeding these standards. By introducing solutions like the BNF-5800, BFE and BSTW Series, Brilliant sets a benchmark for the industry, ensuring that products not only meet vibrant color expectations but also adhere to the highest safety standards for end users, creating a safer and more responsible marketplace for all.

Updated: Oct 30, 2023 As Mexico overtakes China as the US biggest trading partner, helping Latin American gain economic importance as a region, we thought it would be timely to have a chat with our top Latin American Distributors in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina to get a firsthand account of the state of the Fluorescent Pigments in their respective countries. 1. How are you seeing the specialty pigment industry evolve now that the disruptions caused by the pandemic are mostly behind us? Mexico We see that supply is coming back to pre-pandemic levels. During the pandemic, we experienced a shortage of raw materials, but currently we are seeing higher availability of products. Argentina In Argentina, at least, the use of specialty pigments, such as fluorescent ones, remains closely associated with fashion and trends. The colors that are on demand are the ones that are considered fashionable and so we plan our stock levels accordingly. Brazil We see that, after the pandemic most consumers of specialty pigments are adjusting their inventory levels to a lower threshold, since the shortages that we experienced during the pandemic are no longer happening. We are adjusting inventory levels to supply more and more of our customers “just in time.” 2. Did you make any changes to your business as a result of the pandemic? Mexico We made a big effort to increase and diversify our total number of customers, hiring additional salespeople. The results have been good in terms of increased sales. We have been keeping more stock and the associated finance costs have been a challenge. We started ordering in higher quantities to take advantage of volume price breaks and because we had to absorb price increases that customers have not accepted. So we are seeing increased sales but lower margins. Argentina We believe that the pandemic has changed the way people work and interpersonal relationships in general. We have noticed a trend to communicate almost exclusively through chats or video call, rather than the pre-COVID in person visits we used to hold. There is also a desire for quick responses and immediate solutions, which wasn’t so apparent before. Brazil On the logistic side we reinforced our inventories while in the technical side we are creating more and more catalogues with our portfolio of products, showing the performance of our pigments in customer applications like screen inks, artificial leather, etc. we think this is the key to differentiate us from the competition. 3. What opportunities or markets are you most excited about in the near future and in the long term? Mexico We are increasing our portfolio of products to have better access to more markets and customers. We are hoping that will have an effect on our sales of fluorescent pigments as well - we think solvent inks could represent a great opportunity. Argentina We see opportunities in plastic applications that we would like to pursue. Brazil In the long term, we are excited about fluorescent pigments for metal decoration like aluminum cans for beverages (Beer, Soda, Teas, etc.). 4. What’s the biggest challenge you are facing now? Mexico Balancing keeping enough stock to support lead times but avoiding overstocking to reduce the high finance costs. And at the same time getting new customers in the pipeline to counteract higher operating costs. Argentina To overcome Argentina's economic challenges in order to create real and achievable business plans. We need stability and openness to international trade without obstacles or intermediaries. Brazil The low demand for traditional markets and local competition are a real challenge. 5. Politics and policies affect economies everywhere, but Latin America is known for being especially volatile. What is the current political and economic climate in your country and how are you adjusting from a business perspective? Mexico The current government policies regarding exchange rate in Mexico is producing a strong peso and has been affecting us and many Mexican companies. For example, we have stock that costed 20 Mexican pesos per USD, and it’s now valued at 17 Mexican pesos per USD. Next year we’ll have elections, and the economy will be volatile, so we’ll have to account for that in our business decisions. Argentina In recent years, most industries have been affected by economic and exchange rate policies that have constrained business activities in Argentina, both domestically and internationally. We are approaching a new presidential election at the end of the year, and we are hoping the new government will enact business-friendly policies which will enable our company to grow sustainably. Brazil Not only in Brazil, but the whole South America has been driving for leftist governments. It means more interference in the market, in many cases new taxes and / or bureaucracies. This overall has a negative impact on all industries, and in our customers like ink makers and plastic producers. Generally speaking, the market size for fluorescent pigment is small in Brazil and we have to be creative to sometimes create the demand and even to gain more market share with better service and being more competitive. 6. Finally, what is your favorite Brilliant fluorescent shade product line and customer application? Mexico BMS is a big seller for us in the plastics market, so that’s a favorite. And BIBX and BIB2 are great products for Ink. Argentina BSR Solvent Resistant Series is our favorite because of its versatility. Brazil Our favorite shade is BNF Pink that is used in colored pencils.

Fluorescent pigments produce a visual experience of color intensity much more striking than any other conventional colorants - this phenomenon is called Daylight Fluorescence, and it's the topic of an in-depth article authored by our President, Darren Bianchi, and our Technical Manager, Ray Peria that was recently published in the October Edition of Paint & Coatings Magazine. Click the image below to read the full article.

Updated: Aug 9, 2023 During our conversation, Ray shared his views on the fluorescent pigment industry, what he thinks the next trends are, and some of his favorite projects throughout his years at Brilliant. How did you get your start in fluorescent pigments? I’m originally from Philippines and that’s where I completed my degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1981 I moved to the United States looking for more opportunities. Since I had dual citizenship, it was a logical transition. My first job after moving to the U.S. was in the laboratory at Radiant Color, a major fluorescent pigment manufacturer. What has been your favorite application of fluorescent products? It’s hard for me to choose one but Offset Lithographic Inks (‘Litho’) is one of my favorites because I spent a great deal of my career working in fluorescent ink applications. More broadly speaking, putting fluorescents into any application will always make them visually better. It’s really striking to see the difference fluorescent pigments. How has the market changed over your career? Where do you see it going? There are many more fluorescent applications in fashion, athletic wear and shoes. When I started in the industry, fluorescents were used mostly on paper substrates, such as posters and magazines – so basically printing. The applications are much wider now. In terms of where I see the market going, there is a trend towards more environmentally- friendly products like non-formaldehyde systems and water-based systems instead of solvent systems. What has it been like to help innovate and bring new products to market with Brilliant? It has been personally very satisfying because I can see myself playing a role in the success of Brilliant. Since I started with Brilliant, I was personally involved in the launch over five key product lines. Which series are you most proud of from a development standpoint? Our extra strength, ink base BIB2 line holds a special place in my heart. This formulation has a broader range of applications than the original product, BIBX, which could only be used in conventional Litho. BIB2 can be used in Offset/Litho as well as Flexo in both UV and conventional systems. Which is your favorite fluorescent color? For a true fluorescent, it has to be chartreuse. Otherwise, that bright fluorescent blue has always been appealing to me. Favorite leisure time activity/hobby? I love playing tennis but now I’m in search of other leisure activities. I stopped playing the piano when I was teenager and I’ve recently started to play again. My goal is to play the classical piece ‘Canon in D Major’ from Pachelbel by heart and also a modern piece called ‘Kiss the Rain’ by Yiruma.

In preparation for Brilliant’s seventh ECS we sat down with our Founder and CEO, Darren Bianchi who is an expert on all things fluorescent. He shared some fond memories of the show throughout the years, what’s new for Brilliant in 2023 and his favorite spot for a post-show drink in Nuremberg. How many ECS have you been too? Eight shows! My first one was in 2005. This will be our eighth show attended and seventh where Brilliant have exhibited. Do you have a favorite ECS in memory?  They get better each year, so I’d have to say 2019, where we had the largest booth to date and we were able to accommodate more visitors. But I’m going to reserve the right to answer this question until after the 2023 show. I think it’s going to be extra special to see friends and colleagues in person again. What are you most looking forward to for 2023 at ECS?  Following the pandemic, the ability to see our valued customers, distributors, and other friends in person. During the time since the last show, we’ve been building our team and I’m excited to have some of the newer team members, Chrysa, Julia and Odile, there to meet everyone. How does Brilliant look to stand out at tradeshows?  With a show stopping booth that lets everyone see the benefits of using fluorescent color to set their brand and products apart from the rest. What is new that Brilliant has for ECS 2023?  We’ll be showcasing newer products in the lineup such as Brilliant Fluorescent Emulsions for water-based applications where a sub-micron particle is required such as water flexo inks, marker inks, textiles; new products for UV ink applications and our long-afterglow phosphorescent pigments. Favorite place in Nuremburg for after the show? Must see site in the city for those visiting?  I’ve had some lovely meals at the Zum Albrecht Durer Hause and there is a cute little place called Hexenhaeusle for bier and classic German food. Finally, one must make the trek up the hill to the Imperial Castle for great views of the City. We are looking forward to a great show and catching up on all the latest happenings in our industry. For more information about Brilliant’s booth and who will be in attendance please check this link.

Over the past few years, companies have been forced to navigate container shortages and long lead times to move goods around the globe. Located in Greece, our EMEA Customer Service Manager, Chrysa Soulantoni, has been invaluable in our efforts to supply Europe with product and keep our warehouse in the Netherlands stocked. In addition to supporting our European customers, she has assisted in moving containers worldwide. We were able to speak with Chrysa about the current state of logistics, the outlook for 2023, and key decisions that helped Brilliant address significant challenges. What is the current state of logistics globally, and across Europe specifically? Globally, patterns are similar to 2021 before the 2nd major COVID lockdown. There are more containers available, which means shorter lead times. This allows for more avenues of shipment which create more efficiency, such as port clearances and transit times. For the EU, the logistics are running smoothly again with on-sea times leveling at pre-COVID levels. Why did Brilliant choose to warehouse goods in the Netherlands? We chose Holland for a few reasons. It is close to a major seaport, so times are shorter to get material into the warehouse. Also, its location allows us to serve the continent effectively with transit times around five to six days via truck. Another advantage: shipments from our U.S warehouse are significantly faster to reach us. Materials are able to leave the U.S. from the East Coast and hit the European continent in around two weeks. This has helped to shorten lead times for our fluorescent ink base customers. Why is having someone in Europe vital to the effective movement of goods? Having a Europe-based team offers us the ability to provide same-day service and support to customers across the region. We are able to respond to customer inquiries quickly and even ship goods on the same day. Also, the fact that I am located in Europe has helped us foster relationships with our logistics partners. The speed and ease of communication have been vital over the past two years to provide our customers with on-time deliveries and reliable service. Outlook on global logistics? Overall, I think the outlook for the future is positive. We have worked to create systems and processes that maximize how effective we are as a logistics team. Struggling through COVID lockdowns and shortages forced us to be creative and work to build new solutions. From this we have learned and modified our thinking to offer our customers the best possible service.

Fluorescent pigment buyers across the West, South and Eastern U.S. will now benefit from Terra Firma’ s sales and service expertise. February 7, 2023: Brilliant Group and Terra Firma, a DKSH company, announced today that the companies have entered into a partnership that will allow Terra Firma to sell Brilliant Group's industry-leading fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments. The agreement brings together Brilliant Group's fluorescent technology - used in a wide range of applications including paints, coatings, inks and plastics - and Terra Firma's extensive, expert sales and service coverage of the U.S. "We are pleased to join forces with Terra Firma to provide more localized support to our customers and realize the growing demand for our products," announces Darren Bianchi, Founder and CEO of Brilliant Group. Read the full story at Coatings World.