International. The Shepherd Color Co. announced the "YInMn Blue" technology, licensed from Oregon State University, and inspiring Crayola's new "Bluetiful" color crayon.
The EPA Agency granted Shepherd Color a low-volume exemption (LVE) so this new pigment, known commercially as Blue 10G513, can be used in industrial coatings and plastics. The new Blue is revolutionary because it is a new pigment chemistry that expands the range of available colors that remain cooler when exposed to the sun, allowing building material manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and potentially save energy.
The high-temperature calcination production process makes the Blue 10G513 highly inert. Although it is highly reflective infrared, it is extremely opaque in the visible and UV parts of the solar spectrum. Inertia means it can be used in a wide range of coatings and plastics and has excellent weather resistance properties. According to Shepherd Color, the world's largest and most sophisticated coatings companies are testing Blue 10G513, where it is showing promising results. Due to the multi-decade warranties common with pre-painted coil-coated construction products and the novelty of this pigment, the extensive testing needed to validate the full performance of the coating has not yet been validated. Blue 10G513 can also be used in plastics where its high temperature stability, high opacity and color make it a unique pigment for coloring polymers.
While the EPA has given us approval for use in industrial coatings and plastics, at this time they have not been granted approval for use in color materials for artists in the United States. We are filing a full PMN (Pre-Manufacturing Notice) to obtain Blue 10G513 in the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) inventory and approved for all applications.
