A qualitative analysis of the paper markets reveals a distinct trend toward superior surface qualities of papers. In industrial practice, this is reflected in brightness increases and an improved coverage of coating colours with good runnability on high-speed coaters. At the same time, this development enables optimum print qualities. From the viewpoint of pigment suppliers, the tendency is away from clay and toward ever higher shares of calcium carbonate in colour formulations. The originally high influence of clay on colour rheology and paper qualities is thus on the decrease and calcium carbonates have to take over the role of kaolin. However, this will only be possible if pigment suppliers have an extensive product portfolio of calcium carbonates and modified products which enable them to meet customer demands in cooperation with paper manufacturers. Against this background, a holistic approach to the pigment concept from fillers up to coating pigments is of growing importance and tailor-made systems have to be developed to suit individual applications. This product philosophy is illustrated on a few typical examples.
