Phosphorescent pigments absorb natural or artificial light and gradually release the stored energy after the light source is removed, producing a distinctive glowing effect. Zinc sulfide and strontium aluminate are among the principal raw materials used in their production. While zinc sulfide was historically used extensively, it has increasingly been replaced by strontium aluminate activated with rare earth metals because of its higher luminance.

According to Transparency Market Research, the global phosphorescent pigments market is estimated to reach US$ 500 Mn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of ~5% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2031. Increasing applications in paints and coatings, plastics, construction, transportation, road infrastructure, and safety systems are expected to support market growth.

Paints and Coatings Remain a Major Growth Driver

The growing use of phosphorescent pigments in paints and coatings is creating new revenue opportunities for manufacturers. Phosphorescent paints typically produce pale green to greenish-blue illumination and can maintain a sustained glow for several hours after exposure to light.

These products are used for marking emergency exits, safe passageways, hazardous materials, and escape routes in low-light environments. Phosphorescent coatings can also be used in applications such as temperature detection and degradation measurement through phosphor thermometry.

The pigments can be combined with polyurethane, acrylic, amino, polyvinyl-alcohol butyral, and other resins before being formulated into lacquers, watercolors, aerosols, and other coating products. Their use in photoluminescent paints and coatings is also supporting demand across plastic sheets and films.

Strontium Aluminate Gains Prominence

Strontium aluminate dominated the global phosphorescent pigments market in 2020 and is expected to maintain its strong position during the forecast period. Its adoption is being supported by increasing demand for paints and coatings across industries such as construction and automotive.

Strontium aluminate offers approximately 10 times greater luminance than zinc sulfide, making it attractive for applications requiring stronger and longer-lasting afterglow. The intensity of emitted light depends on factors including the luminosity of the surrounding light, distance from the light source, pigment type, and particle size.

Zinc sulfide continues to be used in selected applications but is expected to expand at a steadier pace. Meanwhile, strontium aluminate has applications across textile, printing, and automotive industries, supporting its future growth.

Eco-friendly Pigments Support Sustainable Building Applications

Environmental considerations are increasingly influencing product development in the phosphorescent pigments market. Manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly and human-friendly pigments that avoid hazardous substances while delivering effective luminescence.

Sustainable building applications represent one emerging opportunity. Unilever's glow-in-the-dark signage at its Hive building demonstrates how phosphorescent materials can be incorporated into building environments. Such applications are encouraging companies to invest in pigments that can respond to varying outdoor lighting conditions.

Phosphorescent signage can appear less illuminated during cloudy conditions and brighter on sunny days, while artificial light from buildings and streetlights can further contribute to nighttime visibility.

Photoluminescent Road Markings Create New Opportunities

Road infrastructure is becoming another important application area for phosphorescent pigments. Photoluminescent paints can provide illumination for dangerous bends, pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, and other road features where visibility is important.

OliKrom, a France-based company specializing in color intelligence, has introduced phosphorescent paint that has been tested under real-world conditions for stability and lighting performance. Such developments indicate opportunities for wider adoption of photoluminescent markings on roads.

Phosphorescent cycling paths are also gaining attention in French cities. Municipal initiatives in locations including Pessac and Nancy have explored phosphorescent paths as an alternative to conventional lamppost-based illumination. These solutions can support visibility for cyclists in poorly lit areas while helping reduce light pollution.

Next-generation Pigments Expand Functional Applications

New-generation inorganic phosphorescent pigments are being developed to provide long-lasting performance and potentially unlimited cycles of use. LumiNova® phosphorescent pigments, for example, are being positioned for applications requiring daylight optimization and repeated activation.

Manufacturers are also experimenting with organic, inorganic, and metal-organic materials. Inorganic pigments are gaining prominence in industrial applications because of their versatility and flexibility. Sulfides, aluminates, and silicates can be doped with rare-earth or transition-metal ions to produce phosphorescent crystal powders.

The focus on longer activation periods, stronger luminescence, weather resistance, and light fastness is expected to encourage further product innovation.

Expanding Applications in Building Materials and Consumer Products

Beyond coatings and road infrastructure, phosphorescent pigments are finding applications in building materials, artist colors, toys, home appliances, exit signboards, and firefighting equipment. Grouting, sealants, and spray mortar represent additional opportunities within the construction sector.

Demand is also emerging for dry organic pigment dispersions in powder form. ARALON COLOR's ARASTIR-pigment dispersions, which utilize formaldehyde-free encapsulation technology, reflect efforts to develop products with improved alkaline stability and broader usability.

COVID-19 Disrupts Coatings Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for the phosphorescent pigments market by affecting the paints and coatings industry. Restrictions on travel and economic activity contributed to slower demand from automotive OEM, aerospace, and automotive refinishing sectors.

At the same time, packaging remained an important source of demand as manufacturers continued supplying essential products. Changes in consumer behavior during lockdowns also affected demand for products such as canned beverages, particularly in markets where consumption traditionally takes place outside the home.

The market is expected to recover as industrial activities resume and end-use sectors regain momentum.

Competitive Landscape

Major companies operating in the global phosphorescent pigments market include Honeywell International Inc., Lightleader Co. Ltd., GloTech International Ltd., Nemoto Lumi-Materials Co. Ltd., Allureglow International, Organic Dyes and Pigments, Kremer Pigmente, Yixing Luminous Material Co. Ltd., SINLOIHI CO., LTD., and Badger Color Concentrates Inc.

Companies are emphasizing research and development, product innovation, collaborations, mergers, and joint ventures to strengthen their market positions. Increasing competition is particularly evident in the development of eco-friendly pigments and products that provide enhanced luminescence without hazardous substances.

Future Outlook

The global phosphorescent pigments market is expected to benefit from expanding applications in paints and coatings, construction, road infrastructure, plastics, transportation, and safety systems. The shift toward strontium aluminate-based products, sustainable building solutions, and photoluminescent road markings is likely to influence future product development.

As manufacturers continue improving brightness, afterglow duration, weather resistance, and environmental performance, the global phosphorescent pigments market is projected to reach US$ 500 Mn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of ~5% during the forecast period.