For the global pigment industry, 2008 was a year full of challenges, with higher crude oil prices, energy and transportation costs dominating the first nine months, followed by the worldwide recession at the end of the year. As a result, pigment suppliers are cautiously looking at the upcoming year. “The first half of 2008 tracked better than expected despite the challenges related to escalating energy and raw material costs,” said Don McBride, COO of Heucotech Ltd. “The last few months of 2008...