ECKART America

What ECKART America does

ECKART America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Germany's ECKART GmbH, which in turn operates as the effect-pigment division of the ALTANA specialty chemicals group. The company manufactures metallic effect pigments (including aluminum cornflake, silver dollar, encapsulated, and chrome/mirror variants) and pearlescent pigments (borosilicate glass flakes, synthetic mica-based) supplied under 50+ branded product families such as STANDART, SILVERSHINE, METALURE, STAPA, ULTRASTAR, VISIONAIRE, VERSALAN, LUXAN, SYNCRYSTAL, LASERSAFE, and ProFLAKE. These pigments serve industrial customers across five primary verticals: coatings (industrial, automotive OEM and refinish, powder, can/coil, architectural), printing inks (offset, flexo, gravure, screen, food packaging), cosmetics (eyeshadows, lipsticks, eyeliners, body powder, nail polish), plastics (injection moulding, extrusion, films, laser marking), and functional/emerging applications (additive manufacturing metallic powders, radar-transparent automotive finishes, electrical conductivity).

The underlying technology centers on metal flake geometry control, SiO2 encapsulation (VERSALAN platform) for water-dispersible, dust-free, flame-retardant aluminum pigments, PVD-based chrome/mirror pigments, GMP-compliant low-migration pigment production for food-contact compliance with EU, FDA, and Chinese regulations, EN 9100 certified additive manufacturing powders, and laser marking additives that eliminate heavy metals. ECKART holds a dedicated GMP production line segregated from non-food-contact manufacturing, an EN 9100 additive-manufacturing line in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, and a plant in Pori, Finland. Distribution and operations span Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Italy, and Switzerland under wholly-owned regional entities, with ECKART America serving US-based customers from Painesville.

ECKART operates a B2B direct-sales model exclusively to registered business customers (no consumer sales), with quote-based pricing in Euro per kg, 30-day payment terms, private-label and bonding services, individualized technical advisory, and digital channels including a virtual showroom (BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS 360°), a virtual lab tour, technical webinars, trend color forecasting, and a dedicated effect-pigment blog. Revenue derives from one-time product sales of pigments, pastes, dispersions, concentrates, and printing inks across the five verticals. The company has achieved EcoVadis Platinum sustainability status and maintains the ALTANA group-level compliance and procurement framework.

Name

ECKART America

Legal name

ECKART GmbH

Website

https://eckart.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

ECKART America manufactures metallic and pearlescent effect pigments — including aluminum, glass flake, and chrome variants — for industrial B2B customers in coatings, printing, cosmetics, and plastics, operating as the US arm of ALTANA Group's effect-pigment division.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Effect Pigments

NAICS

Synthetic Dye and Pigment Manufacturing (32513), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510), Printing Ink Manufacturing (325910), Synthetic Dye and Pigment Manufacturing (325130), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Industrial Inorganic Chemicals (2810), Chemicals & Allied Products (2800)

akta.pro primary industry

Pigments & Dyes (IMAEAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Packaging Inks (IMAEAHAH), Specialty & Functional Coatings (Anti-microbial/Anti-slip/Insulating) (IMAIAKAM), Electroplating & Metallization Chemicals (Cu/Ni/Au plating, additives) (IMAEAKAK), Permanent Makeup Pigments & Supplies (Microblading/PMU Pigments, Aftercare Color Products) (CRABACAI)

Keywords

• Metallic effect pigments
• Pearlescent pigments
• Aluminum pigments
• Industrial coatings additives
• Printing ink pigments

Headquarters

HQ city

Painesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Effect Pigment Sales: ECKART generates revenue primarily through the sale of metallic effect pigments and pearlescent pigments to industrial customers in coatings, printing, cosmetics, plastics, and functional applications. Products are sold under well-established brand names including STANDART, SILVERSHINE, METALURE, STAPA, ULTRASTAR, VISIONAIRE, and others. The company sells directly to business customers with pricing provided via quotes.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ECKART manufactures metallic effect pigments (aluminum-based cornflake, silver dollar, SiO2-encapsulated) and pearlescent pigments (borosilicate glass flakes, synthetic mica-based), supplied as powders, pastes, pellets, and printing inks for the coatings, printing, cosmetics, plastics, and additive manufacturing industries. The portfolio includes 50+ branded product lines such as VERSALAN, VISIONAIRE, ULTRASTAR, LASERSAFE, METALURE, SILVERSHINE, STAPA, STANDART, SYNCRYSTAL, ProFLAKE, and AMspheres.

Product overview

ECKART is a manufacturer of metallic effect pigments and pearlescent pigments, along with concentrates, dispersions, and printing inks. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of effect pigment brands organized across multiple product categories: VERSALAN (next-generation dust-free aluminum pigments), VISIONAIRE (metallic pigments for cosmetics), ULTRASTAR (mirror effect pigments for printing), TUFFLAKE (silver dollar pigments for automotive), LASERSAFE (laser marking additives for plastics), MASTERSAFE (pellet preparations), METALURE (chrome effect pigments), SILVERSHINE (silver dollar pigments), STAPA (metallic pastes), STANDART (aluminum and zinc pigments), SYMIC and SYNCRYSTAL (pearlescent pigments), ProFLAKE (zinc flakes for corrosion protection), LUXAN (glass flake pigments), AQUAVEX (water-based pigments), METALSTAR (offset printing inks), SILVET (printing ink pigments), AMspheres (additive manufacturing powders), plus styling services like eckART Effect Stylings. These products serve the coatings industry (automotive, industrial, powder coatings), printing industry, cosmetics, plastics, functional applications, and additive manufacturing. The company is a member of the ALTANA Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VERSALAN: Next generation aluminum pigments - ready-to-use, dust-free solution for coatings
• VISIONAIRE
• ULTRASTAR
• TUFFLAKE
• SILVERSHINE
• METALURE
• STAPA
• MASTERSAFE
• LASERSAFE
• SynCrystal
• Symic
• ProFLAKE
• STANDART

Products and services

• VERSALAN Next-generation SiO2-encapsulated aluminum pigments offering dust-free, solvent-free preparation with flame-retardant properties and immediate water dispersibility, designed for automotive OEM, industrial coatings, UV-curing systems, and plastics applications.
• VISIONAIRE Versatile metallic effect pigments based on aluminum or metal alloys for decorative cosmetic applications including eyeshadows, lipsticks, eyeliners, and body powder, combining distinctive opacity with metallic shine.
• ULTRASTAR Mirror effect metallic pigments for UV-hardening offset, flexographic, coating-unit, and screen-printing applications, creating true mirror effects on cardboard, paper, and foil including food packaging.
• TUFFLAKE Premier Advanced non-leafing silver dollar aluminum pigments engineered for high brilliance, durability, and ease of handling, ideal for automotive OEM coatings, paint replacement systems, and appliances.
• LASERSAFE Laser marking additives for the plastics industry that achieve strong contrast and high writing speeds without heavy metals, available in various pellet and powder formulations.
• MASTERSAFE De-dusted pellet preparations for plastics combining ECKART and Silberline products, including iron pigment preparations for magnetic detectable polymer applications.
• METALURE Premium metallic pigments for chrome and mirror effects including PVD pigments for true mirror effects on foil, available in formulations including UV FPG for food packaging applications.
• SILVERSHINE Premium silver dollar aluminum pigments including Hydro Platinum and Hydro Titanium Grey variants with additive stabilization for aqueous systems, providing smooth metallic finishes.
• STAPA High-quality metallic pastes including STAPA HD (High Density) and STAPA WM Chromal for film applications, providing superior coverage and appearance in coating systems.
• STANDART Comprehensive brand including STANDART PCS HD for powder coatings, STANDART Zinc Matt Black for corrosion protection, and various aluminum pigments with maximum coverage and metallic shine.
• SYMIC Pearlescent pigments for various applications allowing individual setting of matte effects with varying degrees of transparency, used in coatings and printing ink systems.
• SYNCRYSTAL Pearlescent pigments including SynCrystal Platinum and SynCrystal Very Berry with refined color depth and enduring chromatic intensity for premium visual effects.
• ProFLAKE Zinc flake pigments including ProFLAKE Zn Hydro PM 3090, the first stabilized zinc flakes for water-based systems offering long-lasting corrosion protection for solar panels and industrial applications.
• LUXAN Medium-fine highly transparent borosilicate glass flakes with deep sparkle effects including LUXAN C842 Spotlight Red, offering excellent dispersibility for paint and printing ink systems.
• AQUAVEX Water-based pigment preparations offering adhesion, opacity, and brilliance with rapid dispersion for printing ink formulations.
• METALSTAR Mineral oil-free offset printing inks for sustainable printing with high metallic brilliance, available as food packaging grade (FPG) for indirect food contact applications.
• SILVET Pelletised pigment preparations for solvent-based and water-based printing ink formulations including SILVET AD series with significant handling advantages.
• AMspheres High-quality metallic powders for additive manufacturing including aluminum and other metal alloys, EN 9100 certified for aerospace and industrial AM applications.
• eckART Effect Stylings Color styling service providing innovative color concepts and formulation proposals using aluminum, glass, and pearlescent pigments for unique color worlds in automotive and industrial coatings.

Quantifiable outcome

• VERSALAN eliminates the need for pre-wetting, solvents, and additional processing steps, resulting in faster colour adjustments and lower processing costs for customers.
• +3 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• ALTANA GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECKART is a member of the ALTANA Group, a global specialty chemicals company. ALTANA consists of four divisions: BYK (additives), Elantas (electrical insulation), Actega (coatings and sealing compounds), and Eckart (effect pigments). As part of ALTANA, ECKART benefits from the group's resources, sustainability initiatives (including EcoVadis Platinum Status), and corporate compliance frameworks.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• DIC Corporation (Sun Chemical): DIC Corporation acquired BASF's pigments business and operates Sun Chemical, offering a broad portfolio of pigments and printing inks including metallic and effect pigments. Comparable to ECKART across printing inks, coatings pigments, and cosmetics colorants, with significantly broader scale.
• Heubach Group (formerly Clariant Pigments): Heubach combined with Clariant's pigments business to form a major pigments platform covering inorganic, organic, and effect pigments including metallic and pearlescent ranges. Comparable to ECKART as a broad pigment incumbent serving coatings, plastics, and printing.

Direct peers

• Silberline Manufacturing Co. US-based manufacturer of aluminum effect pigments for automotive, industrial coatings, plastics, and printing inks. Directly comparable to ECKART's STANDART, SILVERSHINE, and STAPA product families. Note: Silberline's effect pigment business was integrated into ECKART/ALTANA's MASTERSAFE portfolio.
• Kobo Products: Specialty supplier of treated and untreated pigments, effect pigments, and dispersions for cosmetics and personal care. Closely comparable to ECKART's VISIONAIRE line for decorative cosmetics, serving similar brand customers with metallic and pearlescent effect pigments.
• CQV (formerly CQV / Daekyung Chemical): Korean manufacturer of pearlescent pigments and effect pigments based on mica and borosilicate substrates, serving cosmetics, coatings, and plastics. Directly comparable to ECKART's SynCrystal, LUXAN, and Symic pearlescent lines for similar end-applications.
• Toyocolor Co., Ltd. Japanese specialty pigment maker producing metallic, pearlescent, and functional pigments for printing inks, coatings, cosmetics, and plastics. Comparable to ECKART across end-markets with particular strength in Asian printing-ink pigment supply.
• Sudarshan Chemical Industries: Indian specialty pigment manufacturer offering effect, pearlescent, and metallic pigments for coatings, plastics, printing inks, and cosmetics. Directly comparable to ECKART in product range and end-markets, with competitive positioning in cost-sensitive tiers.
• Sensient Cosmetic Technologies: Supplies effect pigments, pearlescent pigments, and cosmetic colorants for makeup, skin care, and personal care. Directly comparable to ECKART's cosmetics segment with overlapping product categories including metallic effect pigments for eyeshadows, lipsticks, and nail polish.
• Merck KGaA (Performance Materials / Electronics): Merck KGaA's Performance Materials (now part of Electronics) supplies pearlescent and effect pigments (Ronastar, Colorona, Timiron, Xirallic) for cosmetics, coatings, and printing. Closely comparable to ECKART in pearlescent and metallic effect pigments serving the same industrial customers across automotive, cosmetics, and printing applications.

Others

• Altana AG (parent): Parent conglomerate of ECKART with four divisions: BYK (additives), Elantas (electrical insulation), Actega (coatings and sealants), and ECKART (effect pigments). Adjacent rather than competing — sibling divisions supply complementary chemistries, but the broader group defines ECKART's strategic and capital context.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/eckart-113948045332078
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eckart-effect-pigments-279025b1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ECKART America