Q&A with Martijn Kunnen

Our team developed Pearls tinting technology to address persistent challenges in the European market, where traditional liquid tinting systems often led to issues like mold growth, thickening and drying—primarily due to lower colorant consumption. At the same time, increasingly stringent global regulations on liquid colorants were driving the need for more sustainable, high-performing alternatives.

Recognizing these pain points, we set out to create a breakthrough solution that would not only eliminate these issues but also offer a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to tinting. Inspired by the simplicity and convenience of a coffee machine, we developed Pearls, the first volumetrically dosed solid tinting system designed for water-based architectural and industrial applications.

The development process involved extensive research and testing to ensure Pearls delivered superior performance while remaining cost-effective and easy to integrate into existing systems. Unlike traditional tinting solutions, Pearls eliminates the need for biocides and humectants, reduces waste by preventing paint thickening, and enhances accuracy through its precisely dosed solid colorants. Additionally, its 100% recyclable packaging supports sustainability efforts without compromising quality.

The result is a game-changing tinting technology that simplifies the tinting process, minimizes maintenance and provides an eco-friendly, high-performance alternative that meets evolving regulatory standards while ensuring vibrant, long-lasting color.

Not only is Pearls the first and only volumetrically dosed tinting system of solid colorants designed for use in water-borne architectural and industrial applications, but it also offers a cleaner, more sustainable and high-performing alternative to traditional liquid tinting.

Unlike traditional tinting systems, Pearls are naturally biocide-free, reduce waste and have a longer shelf life, ensuring greater efficiency and environmental benefits. The simplified dispensing process requires minimal maintenance, eliminates mess, and improves accuracy—making it a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for modern tinting needs.

What makes Pearls truly unique is its ability to combine multiple key advantages into a single, innovative technology. We categorize its key benefits into three core areas:

Enhanced sustainability

• Biocide free, VOC free
• 100% recyclable packaging
• Reduced waste
• Extended shelf life

Improved performance

• Highly soluble
• Superior tinting consistency
• Accurately dispensed
• Low impact on paint properties

Simpler tinting system

• Overall cost savings
• Reduced maintenance
• Simple to service
• Improved cleanliness

Thanks to the unique solid-state technology of Pearls, we have significantly reduced the need for additives. Unlike liquid colorants, Pearls do not require rheology stabilizers, anti-settling agents or other preservatives to maintain product quality over time.

Yes, the Pearls production process and technology are inherently sustainable. Pearls were developed in response to evolving market demands for eco-friendly tinting solutions—particularly in regions like Germany and across Europe, where stricter regulations are limiting the use of biocides and other chemicals in paint formulations. Unlike traditional liquid colorants, Pearls are naturally biocide-free, require fewer raw materials and produce significantly less waste, making them a more sustainable alternative.

From a cradle-to-grave perspective, Pearls reduce CO₂ emissions compared to liquid colorants. This is achieved through several key advantages:

• Lower environmental impact due to fewer raw materials in the formulation and a higher pigment load, reducing overall consumption.
• Less waste generation, as Pearls prevent issues like paint thickening and drying, which often lead to product disposal.
• Longer shelf life, ensuring greater efficiency and reducing the need for frequent replenishment.
• 100% recyclable packaging, minimizing plastic waste and supporting circular economy initiatives.

Additionally, Pearls’ innovative dispensing system offers a low-maintenance, energy-efficient alternative to traditional tinting machines, further decreasing resource consumption. We are finalizing our lifecycle analysis and look forward to sharing positive results, reinforcing its role as a sustainable, high-performance solution for modern tinting needs.

There are certainly many more applications beyond architectural waterborne coatings where Pearls can be used including industrial and building and construction applications. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a universal Pearls technology that works across both water- and solvent-based coatings, making it suitable for a wide range of architectural and industrial applications.

Pearls has already gained strong traction in the European market, with over 50 customers secured and more than 140 dispensers installed in stores, demonstrating its effectiveness and appeal. In the Americas, we have successfully integrated the Pearls system with three early adopter customers, marking an important step toward global expansion.

As we work to establish the first dedicated Pearls production facility in Sittard, Netherlands, industry excitement continues to grow. The demand for sustainable, high-performance tinting solutions has never been greater, and Pearls is uniquely positioned to meet this need by offering an eco-friendly, low-maintenance and efficient alternative to traditional liquid tinting systems. With strong market adoption and increasing interest, Pearls is shaping the future of colorant technology in the paints and coatings industry.