Venator, a global leader in pigments and additives, has confirmed a price increase of €300 per tonne for its titanium dioxide pigments and performance additives sold across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EMEA). The price hike, set to take effect on February 1, 2025, comes as a direct response to the ongoing volatility in energy prices, particularly in Europe.

The move reflects the challenging energy landscape, with sustained high costs and uncertainty surrounding natural gas prices and CO2 certificates. These rising energy expenses have had a profound impact on manufacturing costs across the region, and Venator has emphasized the need for such an adjustment to ensure business continuity.

Nicolas Joly, Executive Vice President of Commercial at Venator, explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, “The European energy crisis has fundamentally altered the cost landscape, particularly with unprecedented increases in natural gas prices and CO2 certificates. High energy costs are now a component of doing business in Europe, and no single layer of the value chain can continue to absorb these costs alone. We are acting responsibly to protect and ensure the continuity and sustainability of our own business and the industries we support.”

This price adjustment will apply to all of Venator’s titanium dioxide and performance additive products in the EMEA region, and the company made clear that the increase is in line with customer terms.

As one of the key players in the pigments and additives industry, Venator's decision underscores the growing pressure on manufacturers to manage the financial impact of energy costs. While the price hike is expected to affect customers across various sectors, Venator remains committed to maintaining product quality and supporting the industries that rely on its materials.

This latest move comes as businesses across Europe continue to face heightened energy challenges, with no immediate resolution in sight for the region’s energy crisis. The increase in operational costs for manufacturers like Venator is a stark reminder of the broader economic pressures resulting from fluctuating energy markets and the ongoing transition to more sustainable energy solutions.

Venator is a global producer and marketer of chemical products, offering a wide range of pigments and additives that enhance color and vibrancy in buildings, extend product longevity, and help reduce energy consumption. We serve a diverse industrial customer base worldwide through two main segments: Titanium Dioxide, which includes our TiO2 business, and Performance Additives, which encompasses functional additives, color pigments, and timber treatment solutions. Headquartered in Wynyard, U.K., Venator employs around 2,700 people and distributes its products across more than 109 countries.