Ahead of his presentation at TiO2 World Summit 2022, we asked Phillippe to share his insights into what he thinks are the biggest challenges impacting the TiO2 industry now and in the coming 5 years, give us a sneak peek of his presentation on the Mount Peake project, and to discuss what he sees as some of the most interesting developments in the market right now.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges for the TiO2 sector in the coming 5 years?

The biggest challenge will be the availability of feedstocks used for conventional sulphate and chloride processes. The other biggest challenge is certainly sustainability and waste management.

At TiO2 2022, you're going to be speaking about your new TiO2 processes at the Mount Peake project, can you give us a sneak peek of what people will hear about?

TNG's TIVAN® process uses titanomangnetite ore from its own mine in Mount Peake to make TLR (TIVAN® Leach Residue) as a raw material, different from ilmenite or rutile, to make TiO2 pigment. Unlike ilmenite and rutile, TLR contains mainly TiO2 and silica but no iron.

What do you see as some of the most interesting developments in the market right now?

The active materials:

• Infrafred reflective grades of TiO2 to deflect solar energy and keep structures cooler longer
• TiO2 photocatalyst which, as a catalytic component, can contribute to the degradation of NOx to improve air quality in cities

What are you most looking forward to at the event?

Like Bob Dylan said: "The times they are a changin'". The manufacture of TiO2 has not evolved for more than 50 years including sulphate and chloride processes. Today, TNG introduces a new TiO2 process that is safe, economical and above all sustainable to preserve the planet.