Today, brick is being reinvented with recycled materials, bright colors, unique textures and bold shapes. Our team of experts lead modern brick design through innovative additives and custom application techniques. From cities to suburbs, Vibrantz’s brick colorants create contemporary styles that prove this age-old material remains timeless.

Vibrantz is giving brick new life

Like the work of forecasting groups in fashion or interior design, our clay colorant team stays attuned to shifts and consumer trends within the building materials market. Each year our team conducts extensive research to establish a comprehensive brick color forecast. The forecast combines input from internal engineers, color scientists, commercial sales representatives and construction material trends. Using this data, we develop concept boards that incorporate our existing color library and 16 new colors. 

The future is in full color

The 2025-2026 forecast highlights a vibrant cerulean blue, pairing it with touches of green, muted yellows, beiges and rich reds and oranges. This surprising palette may make you question if vivid colors are practical for the building materials market. This is by design.

The forecast aims to create a buzz around new and unexpected combinations. It also promotes our unique application methods that can create the appearance of movement, texture, contrast and other visual effects on brick surfaces. It encourages customers to harness the power of color chemistry and to benefit from the collective expertise that Vibrantz brings to market.

It is important to recognize that you are not limited to the color of your raw materials. You can differentiate your products and stand out from competitors by using different color solutions. Just because a blue is very bold, it does not mean that it cannot belong in a brick color palette.”
– Rob Simpson, Product Development Engineer

Synergistic team collaborations at Vibrantz

As dedicated stewards of the brick industry, we strive to unlock new potential in the field. We continuously explore new opportunities to drive innovation. Each year, we exhibit at the Clemson Brick Forum, reinforcing our commitment to the industry’s economic success. This year, our Advanced Materials and Performance Coatings teams showcased Vibrantz’s Coverinks for structural ceramics and our latest through-the-body and surface colorant technology.

The forum and forecast also fostered a collaboration between Vibrantz’s Color Solutions and Advanced Materials teams. By combining our expertise in pigment technologies and color science, we deliver even greater value through our unmatched color solutions.

Lay the foundation for success with our clay materials team

Our clay materials team is passionate about making our customers’ jobs easier. We work closely with you to tailor formulas to meet your specific production needs. With a focus on quality and consistency, we provide solutions that ensure superior products and make your customer experience seamless. To learn more about the 2025-2026 brick color forecast or other Vibrantz color trend promotions, contact your local sales representative or explore more our of products.

The post Breaking the mold with vivid brick concepts appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

Individuality and craftsmanship are vital in this landscape, especially for those consumers who entertain at home. This group often invests in high-quality serving pieces that reflect their personal style and stand the test of time. Rather than dining out, customers are focusing on transforming their homes into welcoming spaces for meaningful connections and memorable experiences.

The “slow movement” aligns seamlessly with Vibrantz’s earthenware colors and stoneware glazes, which enable the creation of artisanal ceramics that embody craftsmanship and lasting quality. With rich, earthy textures and authentic designs, these coatings help create pieces that transform tablescapes.

Reactive glazes offer beauty in the unpredictable

Reactive glazes transform ceramic surfaces through natural chemical reactions during firing. Influenced by factors such as temperature, composition, and firing cycles, these glazes create unpredictable, one-of-a-kind effects. This elevates stoneware and earthenware into functional art. Reactive glazes make tableware that is imperfect by design. While reactive glazes are not uniform like screen-printed colors, Vibrantz has refined the process and materials to deliver captivating results, including:

• Depth and dimension: Colors and textures create a rich, dynamic appearance
• Earthy and dramatic aesthetics: Subtle elemental effects or bold contrasts, depending on the formula
• Bespoke results: Organic, irregular finishes with slight variations that distinguish each piece

Exploring potential reactive glaze outcomes and options

Finish types	– Transparent or opaque – Glossy or matte – Vibrant or neutral tones
Surface effects	– Crazing: Fine crack patterns on the glaze surface – Crawling: Glaze retracts during firing, leaving exposed areas – Crystalline formulations: Intricate patterns formed during cooling
Firing impact	– Chemical composition and firing temperature influence different outcomes – Firing cycle (time and temperature curve) affects both the color and texture
Application methods	– Dipping: Provides even coverage and layering possibilities – Pouring: Creates flowing, organic effects – Spraying: Allows for subtle gradients and blending
Texture enhancements	– On textured surfaces, the glaze will gather unevenly and produce diverse colors and textures – Larger particles can create speckled effects or textured areas
Customization with additives	– Color stains: Add chromium, iron or cobalt to create various hues – Glaze composition: Changing the flux, glass formers and stabilizers will alter the final look

Crafting the customer journey with care

Nestled in the heart of a global stoneware hub, our Aveiro, Portugal, plant and office are home to our dedicated earthenware team. Here, creativity, technical expertise and a genuine passion for craftmanship converge to bring customer ideas to life.

The journey begins with a conversation, an opportunity to deeply understand your design goals and preferences. From there, we curate our showroom to inspire collaboration and spark new ideas. Next, our skilled team moves to the lab, where we transform your vision into world-class, tailor-made solutions. At every step, we are dedicated to providing an experience as dynamic and distinctive as the reactive glazes we create.

Explore our latest offerings and contact us to learn more today.

The post Embrace the unexpected with stoneware reactive glazes appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

This December, we proudly announced our 2025 Color of the Year, “Cherry Glaze,” a warm and inviting red that exudes energy and a sense of strength and determination. This vivid shade immediately draws attention, enveloping spaces with warmth while inspiring confidence. As red is one of the most prominent colors in the visible spectrum, “Cherry Glaze” enables impactful color and design across myriad applications.

The psychology of color and its relevance to design trends

Our Color of the Year selection is more than just a shade that stands out—it represents the essence of a global mood and attitude. Chosen through a combination of in-depth research and analysis, “Cherry Glaze” reflects the psychological undercurrents of our collective culture. Colors are not only aesthetically appealing but also have profound emotional impacts. This year’s selection exemplifies a color that symbolizes determination, passion and vitality as we approach 2025.

In selecting “Cherry Glaze,” we also see a color that will inspire designers, creators and consumers worldwide to incorporate its bold, invigorating hue into their own projects. Whether applied in home interiors, industrial design or fashion, this color will carry an energetic, optimistic message that transcends geographic boundaries.

A color for the times

“Cherry Glaze” is designed to inspire confidence, create memorable impressions and infuse energy to spaces and products.

• RGB: 160,60,79
• Hex: #A03C4F
• Fan deck and code: NCS 2070-R10B

A global celebration of color

At Vibrantz, we take pride in our global approach to color. We know that color is a universal language that transcends borders, which is why we’ve developed complementary Color of the Year palettes for key regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Each of these regional palettes features “Cherry Glaze” at its core, surrounded by complementary hues that reflect regional design preferences and cultural nuances. These palettes highlight Vibrantz’s ability to tailor color solutions to diverse markets, demonstrating our commitment to global innovation and our role as a leader in the science of color.

How we choose a Color of the Year

As a leading global colorants supplier, Vibrantz is committed to staying ahead of market trends. Our expert teams are immersed in the world of color every day, providing custom color matches, technical support, product recommendations and robust colorant databases for customers.

The selection of our Color of the Year is an extensive process rooted in research, analysis and collaboration. By examining global cultural shifts, consumer behavior, and design trends across industries, we identify a color that resonates universally. Our team also delves into the psychology of color, exploring its emotional impact and how it shapes design on a global scale. This thoughtful approach ensures the chosen hue captures both current trends and the deeper emotional pulse of society.

Partner with our color science experts

Our global teams work globally with customers to create tailored solutions that enhance their competitive edge. By assessing customers’ current color space and recommending the best colorant ranges, Vibrantz helps bring innovative and eco-conscious designs to life.

Infuse your designs, products and spaces with the energy of “Cherry Glaze.” Discover its potential to inspire bold statements in 2025 by visiting vibrantz.com.

The post Redefining boldness with 2025 Color of the Year “Cherry Glaze” appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

The psychological power of color in packaging 

Color is a silent yet powerful communicator. Research indicates that 75% of quick judgements about consumer products are influenced by color. Color evokes memories and emotions, shaping our perceptions and influencing purchasing decisions. For example, a black wine bottle signals luxury and sophistication, while a cobalt blue bottle conveys calm sophistication. On crowded shelves, the color of the glass can help tell a brand’s story and set it apart from the competition.

Forehearth color concentrates add essential value 

In traditional color production processes, color is added in the furnace, limiting a batch to a single color. While effective for large batches, this process restricts the ability to incorporate more colors in smaller quantities and can result in excess inventory of a single-color product.

Forehearth colorant technology is incorporated after firing in the furnace and provides immense benefits to glass manufacturing, including:

• Reduced energy consumption: Firing uses lower temperatures than the furnace, saving energy by requiring less gas and time. Furnace color transitions can take up to 96 hours, while the forehearth process completes in as low as 10 hours
• Faster production: Shorter firing times in the forehearth speed up production by over 90%. Transitioning from clear (flint) to color can take two to four hours, that same process can take up to 24 hours in the furnace
• Wide range of color possibilities:  Batch production enables more color options and specialty shades
• Less waste: Minimizes excess inventory by reducing the need for large quantities of stock
• Lower shipping costs: Forehearth color implementation eliminates the need for an on-site furnace, allowing production closer to customers
• Streamlined process: Eliminates the need to change the furnace for every new color and introduces color without stopping the main production line
• Increased flexibility: Allows small-batch production of several colors simultaneously
• Financial gains: Expands customer base by supporting batches of all sizes

Forehearth firing for function and fashion

Glass manufacturers use forehearth color concentrates to change functional attributes of their products. Forehearth colors and frits can promote the longevity and durability of a product by preserving its usability, freshness, taste and smell. This factor helps fine wine and fortified beer age over time without spoiling.

Take the green and amber colors used in wine bottles, for example. These darker shades are frequently used to provide high ultraviolet (UV) protection for the internal liquid contents by shielding it from sun exposure and fluorescent light. In contrast, clear glass will expose liquid contents to most UV rays. Too much UV exposure can result in photochemical reactions that can cause unpleasant aromas, rotting flavors, color fading and reduced shelf life.

The enduring strength of forehearth color

Forehearth color concentrates and frits are fundamental in coloring glass products across industry segments, including tableware, beverage container, specialty container (perfume), architectural and artware. Forehearth color is permanently embedded into the glass during manufacturing, making it an inherent part of the piece and contributing to its lasting qualities such as:

• Durability: Since it is not a surface coating, it won’t chip or peel to reveal an undesired underlying color
• Consistency: The color and piece will maintain its appearance and integrity over time despite varying environmental conditions
• Longevity: Forehearth color does not degrade and fade, offering visual appeal throughout a product’s lifespan and beyond
• Recyclability: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused in countless applications without losing its quality

Create an unforgettable presence with our glass solutions

Making a bold entrance in the marketplace helps invite customers to try your product. Effective design and functionality—powered by forehearth color concentrates—is essential to propel your business forward and create an impression that complements the excellence within each bottle.

To learn more about our comprehensive glass coloring products, meet us in Booth B55, Hall 12 at Glasstec on October 22 or contact us to learn more what forehearth colorant technology can do for you.

The post Infusing vibrant color for a lasting impact in glass appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

Semiconductors are compact, powerful electronic components that include elements like chips and sensors, that process data, execute commands, communicate with other devices, connect to the internet and store memory. Whether optimizing agricultural practices with autonomous irrigation sensors or powering pacemakers that regulate heartbeats, semiconductors enable transformative technologies. As we become increasingly more connected, advanced semiconductors are essential for enhancing the efficiency and impact of the devices that link us and shape our daily lives.

Overcoming challenges with next-generation innovations 

As the electric vehicle (EV) market accelerates, it is pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology to address pressing challenges like range anxiety, insufficient charging infrastructure and slow charging speeds. Innovations in this sector are focused on creating more efficient semiconductors that improve battery life, reduce the weight of power devices and tackle critical issues affecting EV performance and infrastructure. 

The shift to silicon carbide for long-lasting semiconductor solutions 

Recently the semiconductor industry has transitioned from using silicon-based (SI) slurries to silicon carbide (SIC)-based slurries for semiconductor chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). SIC slurries offer significant advantages over traditional slurries due to their electrical properties, including: 

• Higher thermal conductivity: SIC materials provide better heat management during the polishing process, ensuring stable conditions. This helps prevent wafer damage, improves polishing accuracy and boosts reliability.  

• Improved efficiency in power devices: Using SIC slurries in CMP allows systems to handle higher voltages and temperatures, improving efficiency and performance.  

• Greater mechanical hardness: SIC is mechanically harder than silicon, which enhances its longevity and speed in smoothing wafer surfaces because it can withstand great force without deforming. This combination makes it more durable, scratch resistant and better at delivering uniform results.   

• Lower energy loss and better performance: Silicon semiconductors waste energy as heat but SIC semiconductors can run at higher frequencies and temperatures, reducing energy loss and enhancing improved performance. 

• Thinner wafer production: SIC enables smaller and more compact semiconductor devices that are both lightweight and durable. 

• Compatibility with high-voltage applications: EVs and renewable energy systems require materials that can handle high-power demands and SIC is well suited for these challenging applications. 

Vibrantz is making strides in SIC slurries

With over 60 years of expertise in surface finishing technology, Vibrantz’s research, development and analytical resources empower us to drive innovation in the industry. Our new acidic permanganate SIC slurry offers high removal rates (from 4.5-7 micrometers per hour) and very low defectivity. This single-pass slurry yields surface finishes of 0.7 angstroms. With a total usable area percentage of 99%, it does not compromise surface quality for speed and is an ideal choice for semiconductor CMP.   

For insights and details about our next-generation SIC slurry or any of our advanced formulations, reach out to our expert team. Our scientists and commercial specialists will also be attending upcoming industry events ICSCRM and ICPT where you can connect with us in person.  

The post Going the distance with silicon carbide slurries  appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

While corrosion cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be significantly mitigated through the use of anticorrosive coatings. These essential coatings provide protection by forming a barrier between metal surfaces and corrosive environments, and can be enhanced with increased barrier protection, sacrificial protection and inhibitive protection.

A cornerstone of durable industrial coatings

Anticorrosive pigments are essential components in protective coatings, safeguarding metal surfaces from deteriorating. By inhibiting corrosion, anticorrosive coatings extend the lifespan of structures and machinery.

A key advantage of specialty anticorrosive pigments is their ability to enhance coating performance with fewer layers. Traditional coatings often require multiple coats to achieve the desired protection, leading to increased material usage and higher costs. Anticorrosive pigments mean fewer coats are needed to provide better protection. This reduces paint usage, energy consumption and labor costs, making them a more sustainable option.

Meeting the growing demand for durable, eco-friendly coatings

The increasing use of anticorrosive pigments is driven by the growing demand for durable, eco-friendly coatings that meet stricter environmental regulations and performance standards. Key trends include the shift toward zinc-free alternatives, the development of fewer-layer coating systems, and a focus on sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of coatings. As industries seek to extend the lifespan of their assets while minimizing costs and environmental footprint, anticorrosive pigments are becoming an essential component of modern coating systems.

For more than 50 years, Vibrantz has provided a diverse range of non-toxic, universal anticorrosive pigments. Our Nubirox series offers sustainable solutions designed to significantly extend the lifespan of metals and reduce long-term costs. From traditional zinc-phosphate pigments to high-performing modified phosphates and specialty zinc-free products, our pigments are compatible with both solvent- or water-based systems.

Vibrantz expands anticorrosive capacity at Romania facility

As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, Vibrantz recently expanded its production capabilities for anticorrosive pigments at our plant in Doicesti, Romania. This project will double our global anticorrosive pigment specialties production and enable us to meet the growing demand for high-quality, environmentally friendly pigments that extend the life of industrial coatings and reduce the overall environmental impact.

We have successfully produced our zinc-free Nubirox 301 and 302 products at the new facility since opening a few months ago and are well underway to ramp up production. This expansion is driven by our commitment to meet growing global demand for high-quality, zinc-free anticorrosives, ensuring we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions for corrosion protection across industries.” – Miguel Angel de la Fuente, Plant Manager, Romania

Durability meets sustainability through optimal production

Anticorrosive pigments play a crucial role in promoting sustainable coatings practices. By enhancing coating durability, they reduce repainting frequency, thereby conserving resources and minimizing waste.

Our expanded production capacity in Romania allows for more efficient pigment production. We can now produce various pigments simultaneously, reducing total waste, cleaning times and water usage. This aligns with Vibrantz’s commitment to continuously seek ways to improve our processes and become a sustainable, world-class organization.

As the demand for sustainable and durable coatings continues to grow, our expanded production capabilities in Romania position us to better serve our customers. We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable future through our innovative anticorrosive pigments.

Explore our range of anticorrosive pigments and discover how they can enhance the durability and sustainability of your products.

The post From rust to resilience: The essential role of anticorrosives appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

Agriculture has profoundly shaped our world. The rapid industrialization of the early 20th century brought step-change improvement to traditional farming methods. As agriculture became specialized and mechanized, its efficiency reduced and sometimes eliminated the need for farm laborers. Rural people migrated to urban areas to fill new factory jobs and the remaining farmers were responsible for supplying food to entire city populations.  Despite the critical role the agriculture and farming industries still play in our lives, the geographic distance separating this type of work from metropolitan areas can often mean it is overlooked or underappreciated.

Food literacy, or the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about food, remains a global issue affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Research of consumers across 18 European countries found that only 53% of consumers have confidence in the safety of their food. Studies also indicate that roughly two-thirds of Generation Zs, born in the 1990s and early 2000s, and millennials are willing to pay more to purchase environmentally sustainable products. Food literacy has widespread consequences that shape trends and buying habits and impact global health and hunger.

Vibrantz’s agricultural manganese products strengthen the health and livelihood of animals and crops. Our raw materials nourish plants and animals and protect crops against fungal diseases that threaten harvests. With our broad global reach and production in three different countries, we are the leader in agricultural-grade manganese, instilling confidence in our customers through the security of our supply and safety measures that ensure the highest quality standards.

We cultivate crop health

Farmers face countless hurdles that threaten their livelihoods and have widespread implications. Pests, soil degradation, irrigation issues and weeds, account for billions of dollars in loss each year. Vibrantz’s agricultural-grade products address many of these challenges with solutions that make farms more resilient while considering the entire product lifecycle. Our foremost concern is helping promote safety for human and environmental health.  

We comply with The Feed Chain Alliance standards, which are globally accepted and align with various regional and governmental standards that Vibrantz also adheres to, including:

• FAMI-QS – The Feed Additive and Pre-mixtures Quality System
• CGMPs  –  Current Good Manufacturing Practices and risk-based prevention controls for food facilities
• FSMA – The Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act
• The Foreign Supplier Verification Program
• ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications

As the leading manganese provider in the agricultural industry, we ensure that our products meet and exceed rigorous safety standards. By consistently delivering high-quality manganese, we help farmers improve crop yields, fight disease and increase bioavailability of essential nutrients.

Harnessing advantageous agricultural solutions

Trace minerals – including high-quality manganese – are used as vital micronutrients in animal feed.  Manganese is one of the nine micronutrients that prevent nutrient deficiencies and help animals grow, reproduce and stay healthy. Manganese oxide and manganese sulfate are the most popular forms for animal nutrition because they help animals get more nutrients from their feed and improves soil quality by reducing the release of undigested waste into the soil.

Vibrantz is proud to be a trusted supplier of additives and micronutrients for food, crops and animal feed, along with products tailored for the fertilizer and animal feed markets. Our portfolio of best-in-class manganese minerals are backed by over 60 years of manganese production expertise and unparalleled industry knowledge.

Tecmangam® manganese sulfate helps power and protect plants

Manganese also plays a key role in photosynthesis and confronts nutrient deficiencies that often occur in sandy, alkaline, heavily weathered, tropical and organic soils. Our manganese sulfate, Tecmangam Generation 2, is Organic Materials Review Institute-registered to support organic growers. Vibrantz is the only North American producer of this category of product. We also supply industry-leading manganese and copper-based mineral products that safeguard plants from diseases caused by fungi.

Our Tecmangam product line is known for its consistent quality and specifications which include:

• Leading manganese content compared to other products (minimum 32%)
• Fast and complete dissolution in water
• Low calcium and magnesium concentration
• Uniform particle size (available in powder, mini granule and maxi granule)

By prioritizing the health of both crops and animals, Vibrantz contributes to more robust agricultural practices worldwide. Our commitment to safety, innovation and sustainability drives us to pioneer products that enhance crops and livestock while minimizing environmental impacts.

To learn more about how we add color, performance and vibrancy to the agricultural industry, explore our overview brochure and contact our team of experts to find a tailored solution for your application.

The post We ensure safety from farm to table appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

Further, addressing fall prevention has become increasingly important due to the significant demographic shift in global aging populations. The United Nations forecasts that the number of people aged 65 or older worldwide will increase by 1.6 billion by 2050. Urban planners, builders and architects must also recognize the importance of “aging in place,” older adults’ preference to live independently in their homes or communities rather than relocating. Making accessibility part of building planning and design can support independent lives for older adults while tapping into a thriving consumer market.

We help create safe havens with digital inks

In response to the demand for more accessible solutions, we developed a slip-resistant digital ink, a part of our SpectrumHD series, to enhance safety on interior and exterior glass surfaces. This ink increases friction on glass, making it less slippery, while its engineered formulation provides an even, durable coating that reduces slip hazards.

Our slip-resistant ink can be applied to many glass surfaces, including:

• Bathroom floors and shower doors: Reduces risk by creating a nonabrasive, nonslip surface
• Stairs and glass walkways: Provides a safe solution without sacrificing style
• Glass roofs and canopies: Ensures roofs and canopies are nonslip surfaces (even while wet) and remain durable with environmental weathering
• Pools and pool decks: Are ideal for areas susceptible to wet conditions and highly resistant to chemicals and saltwater damage

SpectrumHD slip-resistant ink redefines performance

Our slip-resistant digital ceramic ink has essential features that include:

• High chemical durability for exterior applications
• Ultraviolet stability
• REACH compliance  
• Being a lead- and cadmium-free solution
• Suitability for standard tempering processes
• Extended nine-month shelf life
• Variable gloss and optical density depending on ink wet layer thickness
• Formulation for air and infrared drying
• Compatibility with leading industry inkjet print heads

Safer futures with slip-resistant inks

The integration of slip-resistant digital ink reflects a commitment to inclusive design principles that increase the useability of spaces where individuals can confidently navigate their surroundings. Our inks provide a versatile way to create safer environments without compromising design and ensure homes, public spaces and workplaces enhance the quality of life for those who habit them.

Contact us to discover more about our slip-resistant ink and our expanded portfolio of SpectrumHD digital inks. Speak to our experts to learn how you can integrate industry-leading inks into your glass applications and elevate your digital ceramic printing process.

The post Designing for safety with slip-resistant digital inks appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

Recently, regulatory frameworks like The German Printing Ink Ordinance have become crucial drivers for innovation within the ink and packaging industry. These regulations are aimed at ensuring materials used in printing, particularly those with direct contact, meet stringent safety and sustainability standards. Europe remains at the forefront of this movement, mandating higher purity and safety levels for pigments used in food packaging and other sensitive applications. This push toward sustainability and safety has prompted significant advancements in the industry, leading to the development of innovative solutions that not only comply with these regulations but also enhance product performance. 

Ensuring food safety with organic pigments 

Organic azo pigments play a crucial role in the development of high-quality inks, particularly for applications involving direct and indirect food contact. These pigments offer the much sought-after color vibrancy, transparency, stability and gloss. The use of organic azo pigments however may result in inks containing harmful contaminants, such as primary aromatic amines (PAAs) that occur in azo pigments and potentially pose a health risk if they migrate into food from colored packaging and napkin materials. There is therefore a continuous drive to develop high-purity organic azo pigments for companies to produce and use inks that not only deliver superior visual appeal but also meet stringent regulatory requirements, reflecting a commitment to both consumer safety and environmental sustainability.

Vibrantz is a leading global supplier of specialty high-performing organic azo pigments that impart transparency and high tinting strength to establish the most vivid shades for inks applications, as well as high performance azo pigments for coatings and plastics.

Lysopure’s high chemical purity helps keep food packaging safe 

In response to the increasingly stringent regulatory changes, Vibrantz launched Lysopure Yellow 1317C, an organic azo pigment with the highest purity profile available on the market, to minimize the risk of potential exposure to harmful substances. This globally available product is specifically designed for food and sensitive applications, ensuring it meets and exceeds the rigorous standards set by European authorities. The purity of Lysopure Yellow 1317C not only guarantees compliance with the German Printing Ink Ordinance but also assures customers of its safety and reliability for use in both direct and indirect food contact.

The range of pure pigments used in Lysopure is based on a strict selection of raw materials, advanced processing techniques and an internal quality control process performed on every batch. We check each batch for PAAs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in the final pigment. Also, Vibrantz validates in-house its novel products internally for regulation compliancy by quantifying the amount of trace impurities transferred into the food via dedicated food-contact simulation tests (e.g. EN 645) and quantification by high-tech equipment. The Lysopure range is therefore ideal for use in tissue ink and bakery paper and can be used in various ink applications where the purity profile is of concern, such as indirect and direct food contact packaging, non-woven materials and a series of plastic applications.

Superior performance with sustainability in mind 

Lysopure Yellow 1317C is particularly recommended for multicolor printing processes such as CMYK, resulting in inks that produce stunning, true-to-life prints. This makes it an ideal choice for food packaging where visual appeal is crucial.

In addition to its superior color performance, Lysopure Yellow 1317C is designed with sustainability in mind. The pigment is derived from organic sources, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly products in the market. Its production process minimizes environmental impact, reflecting our commitment to sustainable practices. By choosing Lysopure Yellow 1317C, companies can not only improve the aesthetic quality of their packaging but also contribute to a more sustainable future. 

As the industry continues to evolve under the influence of stringent regulations and growing consumer awareness, Vibrantz remains committed to push the boundaries of what is possible in ink and pigment technology. With its unparalleled purity, vibrant color performance and sustainable credentials, Lysopure Yellow 1317C is poised to make a significant impact on the ink and packaging industry.

Explore our expansive range of pigments in our product guide and on our website here. 

The post Setting the pigment standard for food-safe packaging  appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.

Caring is the core of safety 

The most dreaded call a leader in the manufacturing space can receive is that one of his or her employees has been injured — or, worse yet, killed — on the job. Every injury, in some way, is a failure on the part of leadership. And helping people get home safely requires a leadership component that is seldom talked about: Genuinely caring about others. Just as employees look forward to getting back home to their loved ones, they must also be led by a leader and work on a team that cares about their well-being. This understanding then drives each individual to act in ways that protect their own and others’ health and safety on the job. 

Caring and safety impact desirable business outcomes 

As the CEO at Vibrantz, I remind our employees often that if we are not world class in safety then we can never be our best as a company nor achieve our vision of becoming a world-class company. An organization led by managers who truly care and a workplace that takes safety seriously can positively impact key business outcomes. Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace Report shows employees who feel like someone cares for them are more likely to show care and respect for others, creating a safer work environment for the team. This is then a strong predictor of employee retention, safety, productivity and financial performance. Gallup’s 2020 meta-analysis of its Q12 inventory shows that corporate cultures in the top quartile of their database have 64% fewer incidents versus those with lower scores. 

Media coverage of refinery operation explosions over the last some decades demonstrates the connection between caring and safety. Often cited as a key contributor to these sad and disastrous occurrences are poor safety cultures that ignore warning signs, allow or enable deficient safety management programs and/or accept the use of obsolete equipment. This “check the boxes” sort of mentality is the opposite of the care managers and leaders must demonstrate daily. And sadly, they ended in employee deaths and cost companies billions. 

Strong safety systems are key  

There is no “easy button” to push or single path to follow for a company to become world-class in safety. But leaders can impact safety performance with systems that make it hard for anyone to get hurt. 

Safety systems can be implemented immediately to drive near-term improvement and include basics like the proper personal protective equipment required to do specific jobs, properly maintained capital equipment and tools, and agreed-upon safety rules the entire organization follows. Additionally, a focus on leading indicators like safety scorecards and spot audits by environmental health and safety leaders are powerful tools to help the organization identify and report potential hazards before they become an actual incident. This is where policy implementation can also play a key role. For example, when Vibrantz’s safety performance showed a majority of incidents over a period involved hand cuts and injuries, we implemented a cutting devices policy that helped us eliminate hand injuries caused by open blades for the remainder of the year. Throughout 2023, we invested over $3.7 million in 3,400 projects to improve machine guarding to make it that much harder for any employee to get injured. 

The power of employee observations in daily work can also not be understated. We rely on employees to constantly be aware of work surroundings and notify managers of where improvements can be made. At Vibrantz, we regularly share the positive impacts of employee observations in improving safety. One employee noticed condensation droplets falling from a cold-water pipe, creating a slip hazard, and informed management so the pipes could be insulated. Another employee worked with a supplier to adjust how high they were stacking pallets so unloading was less risky for people. We also saw employees going up and down a main, wide staircase without holding one of the left or right handrails, so a center rail was installed to encourage its use. All of these seem small…until they result in injury. 

Safety culture cannot be understated 

Building a safety mindset from the inside out is long-game work but equally as important as systems. Ultimately, leaders must weave safety into the organization’s fabric such that it is a core value — in word and deed — and exhibited in a way such that employees speak up when they see something perceived as unsafe. This is where emotional safety becomes critical. Take the employee who may notice a friend at work who appears sleepy driving a forklift but chooses not to say anything to that friend or her supervisor. Often, this unwillingness to speak up is driven by an environment that has caused a perception that people will be punished or penalized if they say something. 

Culture is also heavily impacted by seemingly simple actions like leaders making safety the first item on every morning’s agenda, walking around the shop floor each day to speak to employees and observe processes, and framing “speaking up” as the truest form of demonstrating care for one another. At Vibrantz, our employees often hear us say they have not only the right, but the responsibility, to stop work if they see something unsafe. We continue to communicate that nothing employees do each day is worth them getting hurt. Vibrantz launched a safety challenge in May and June 2024, wherein over 95% of sites had zero recordables in May, and we are working toward 100% in June.  

Safety really can work from the inside out 

One of the most unexpected and memorable interactions I had in 2023 occurred shortly after Vibrantz implemented our cutting devices policy. While visiting one of our manufacturing sites, an employee shared that she had also encouraged her family to remove any unnecessary open blades at home where it made sense and gave opening packages in the mail as one example. That conversation is the epitome of what can happen when an organization commits to improving and leading safety through systems and culture in ways that also drive engagement, business results and accountability. The more our leaders care, the safer our companies can become, and the more parents, siblings and spouses get home to those who need them most. 

The post Caring is safety’s secret ingredient   appeared first on Vibrantz Technologies.