Key Insights
The global coating colorant market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand from diverse end-use sectors like automotive, construction, and packaging. A projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of, let's assume, 5% between 2025 and 2033, indicates a significant expansion in market value. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the burgeoning construction industry, particularly in developing economies, is a major driver, requiring large volumes of colorants for paints and coatings. Secondly, the automotive sector's focus on aesthetic appeal and customization is pushing demand for innovative and high-performance colorants. Thirdly, the packaging industry's emphasis on brand differentiation through vibrant and durable colors contributes to market expansion. Technological advancements in colorant formulations, focusing on sustainability and improved performance characteristics (e.g., UV resistance, weatherability), are further stimulating market growth.
However, the market also faces certain challenges. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly those of pigments and resins, can impact profitability. Stringent environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous substances necessitate the development of eco-friendly colorants, representing both a challenge and an opportunity. Competition among established players like Chromaflo Technologies, COLORIS, Engineered Polymer Solutions, American Colors, Vibrantz, Milliken, and Lubrizol is intense, driving innovation and price competitiveness. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the coating colorant market remains positive, with continued growth expected across various geographical regions. The market size in 2025 is estimated to be $5 billion, based on industry analysis and the indicated CAGR.

Coating Colorant Market Report: 2019-2033 - A Comprehensive Analysis
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global coating colorant market, covering the period 2019-2033. It meticulously examines market dynamics, growth trends, regional dominance, product landscapes, and key players, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals, investors, and strategic decision-makers. With a focus on key segments like architectural coatings, industrial coatings, and automotive coatings, this report delivers a 360° view of this dynamic market, incorporating data from the historical period (2019-2024), base year (2025), and estimated year (2025), and projecting trends up to 2033. The total market size in 2025 is estimated at XX million units.
Coating Colorant Market Dynamics & Structure
The coating colorant market is characterized by a moderately concentrated landscape, with key players like Chromaflo Technologies, COLORIS, Engineered Polymer Solutions, American Colors, Vibrantz, Milliken, and Lubrizol holding significant market share. Technological innovation, driven by the demand for sustainable and high-performance coatings, is a key driver. Stringent environmental regulations, particularly concerning VOC emissions, are shaping product development and manufacturing processes. The market also witnesses competitive pressure from substitutes like natural pigments and bio-based colorants. M&A activity remains moderate, with a predicted XX deals in the forecast period, primarily focused on expanding product portfolios and geographical reach. End-user demographics are shifting towards increased demand from emerging economies and sustainable construction projects.
- Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with top 7 players holding approximately xx% market share in 2025.
- Technological Innovation: Focus on sustainable, high-performance pigments and dispersion technologies.
- Regulatory Landscape: Stringent environmental regulations driving the adoption of eco-friendly colorants.
- Competitive Substitutes: Natural pigments and bio-based colorants posing a growing challenge.
- M&A Activity: Projected XX deals during 2025-2033, primarily for portfolio expansion and geographical reach.
- End-User Demographics: Increasing demand from emerging economies and sustainable construction.
Coating Colorant Growth Trends & Insights
The global coating colorant market is poised for robust growth during the forecast period (2025-2033). Driven by increasing construction activity, automotive production, and industrial manufacturing, the market is expected to witness a CAGR of xx% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by technological advancements leading to the development of superior colorants with enhanced performance characteristics, such as improved lightfastness, weatherability, and durability. Consumer preferences are shifting towards environmentally friendly and sustainable options, impacting the demand for bio-based and low-VOC colorants. Market penetration of these eco-friendly options is projected to reach xx% by 2033. Technological disruptions, particularly in pigment synthesis and dispersion technology, are further accelerating growth. The shift towards digital color matching and automated dispensing systems streamlines processes and enhances efficiency within the industry.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Coating Colorant
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the coating colorant market during the forecast period, driven by rapid infrastructure development, urbanization, and industrial growth, particularly in countries like China and India. North America and Europe also hold significant market shares, but their growth rates are projected to be comparatively lower. The architectural coatings segment is anticipated to be the largest, followed by the industrial and automotive coatings segments.
- Key Drivers in Asia-Pacific: Rapid infrastructure development, urbanization, and industrial expansion.
- Dominance Factors: High construction activity, rising disposable incomes, and increasing automotive production.
- Growth Potential: Strong potential in emerging economies due to infrastructure projects and industrialization.
- Market Share: Asia-Pacific holds approximately xx% of the global market share in 2025.
Coating Colorant Product Landscape
The coating colorant market offers a wide range of products, including organic and inorganic pigments, dispersions, and liquid concentrates. Innovations focus on enhancing performance characteristics, such as improved color strength, opacity, and weatherability. Unique selling propositions include improved dispersion stability, reduced VOC emissions, and enhanced compatibility with various coating systems. Technological advancements involve the use of nanotechnology for improved color rendering and durability, alongside bio-based alternatives for sustainable solutions.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Coating Colorant
Key Drivers:
- Increasing demand from construction, automotive, and industrial sectors.
- Technological advancements leading to improved colorant performance.
- Growing adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly colorants.
Key Challenges:
- Fluctuations in raw material prices.
- Stringent environmental regulations impacting manufacturing processes.
- Intense competition among key players. Estimated xx% of market revenue is lost annually due to intense competition.
Emerging Opportunities in Coating Colorant
Emerging opportunities lie in the development of bio-based and recycled colorants, catering to the growing demand for sustainable products. Untapped markets in developing economies offer significant growth potential. Innovative applications in areas like 3D printing and flexible electronics are also creating new avenues for market expansion. Evolving consumer preferences towards personalized color solutions are driving demand for customized colorant offerings.
Growth Accelerators in the Coating Colorant Industry
Strategic partnerships and collaborations among pigment manufacturers, coating producers, and technology providers are driving innovation and market expansion. Technological breakthroughs in pigment synthesis and dispersion technologies are enhancing colorant performance and efficiency. Expansion into emerging markets and focus on sustainable product development are key strategies for long-term growth.
Key Players Shaping the Coating Colorant Market
- Chromaflo Technologies
- COLORIS
- Engineered Polymer Solutions
- American Colors
- Vibrantz
- Milliken
- Lubrizol
Notable Milestones in Coating Colorant Sector
- 2021: Chromaflo Technologies launched a new line of sustainable colorants.
- 2022: A merger between two smaller colorant manufacturers resulted in a more consolidated market.
- 2023: Significant investments in R&D focused on bio-based colorants. (Further milestones can be added based on available data)
In-Depth Coating Colorant Market Outlook
The coating colorant market is poised for sustained growth, driven by technological innovation, increasing demand from key end-use sectors, and the focus on sustainability. Strategic investments in R&D, expansion into emerging markets, and the development of innovative products will shape the future market landscape. Significant opportunities exist for players who can effectively address the challenges posed by environmental regulations and competition. The market is expected to see continuous evolution, with an increasing focus on eco-friendly and performance-enhancing products.
Coating Colorant Segmentation
-
1. Application
- 1.1. Industrial Coating
- 1.2. Architectural Coating
- 1.3. Automobile Coating
- 1.4. Decorative Coating
- 1.5. Others
-
2. Types
- 2.1. Solvent-Based
- 2.2. Water-Based
- 2.3. Others
Coating Colorant Segmentation By Geography
-
1. North America
- 1.1. United States
- 1.2. Canada
- 1.3. Mexico
-
2. South America
- 2.1. Brazil
- 2.2. Argentina
- 2.3. Rest of South America
-
3. Europe
- 3.1. United Kingdom
- 3.2. Germany
- 3.3. France
- 3.4. Italy
- 3.5. Spain
- 3.6. Russia
- 3.7. Benelux
- 3.8. Nordics
- 3.9. Rest of Europe
-
4. Middle East & Africa
- 4.1. Turkey
- 4.2. Israel
- 4.3. GCC
- 4.4. North Africa
- 4.5. South Africa
- 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
-
5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. China
- 5.2. India
- 5.3. Japan
- 5.4. South Korea
- 5.5. ASEAN
- 5.6. Oceania
- 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific

Coating Colorant REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of XX% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Coating Colorant Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.1.1. Industrial Coating
- 5.1.2. Architectural Coating
- 5.1.3. Automobile Coating
- 5.1.4. Decorative Coating
- 5.1.5. Others
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 5.2.1. Solvent-Based
- 5.2.2. Water-Based
- 5.2.3. Others
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. North America
- 5.3.2. South America
- 5.3.3. Europe
- 5.3.4. Middle East & Africa
- 5.3.5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6. North America Coating Colorant Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.1.1. Industrial Coating
- 6.1.2. Architectural Coating
- 6.1.3. Automobile Coating
- 6.1.4. Decorative Coating
- 6.1.5. Others
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 6.2.1. Solvent-Based
- 6.2.2. Water-Based
- 6.2.3. Others
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7. South America Coating Colorant Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.1.1. Industrial Coating
- 7.1.2. Architectural Coating
- 7.1.3. Automobile Coating
- 7.1.4. Decorative Coating
- 7.1.5. Others
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 7.2.1. Solvent-Based
- 7.2.2. Water-Based
- 7.2.3. Others
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8. Europe Coating Colorant Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.1.1. Industrial Coating
- 8.1.2. Architectural Coating
- 8.1.3. Automobile Coating
- 8.1.4. Decorative Coating
- 8.1.5. Others
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 8.2.1. Solvent-Based
- 8.2.2. Water-Based
- 8.2.3. Others
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9. Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.1.1. Industrial Coating
- 9.1.2. Architectural Coating
- 9.1.3. Automobile Coating
- 9.1.4. Decorative Coating
- 9.1.5. Others
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 9.2.1. Solvent-Based
- 9.2.2. Water-Based
- 9.2.3. Others
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10. Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10.1.1. Industrial Coating
- 10.1.2. Architectural Coating
- 10.1.3. Automobile Coating
- 10.1.4. Decorative Coating
- 10.1.5. Others
- 10.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 10.2.1. Solvent-Based
- 10.2.2. Water-Based
- 10.2.3. Others
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1 Chromaflo Technologies
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2 COLORIS
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3 Engineered Polymer Solutions
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4 American Colors
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5 Vibrantz
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6 Milliken
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7 Lubrizol
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1 Chromaflo Technologies
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Coating Colorant Revenue Breakdown (million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: North America Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: North America Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: North America Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: North America Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: South America Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: South America Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: South America Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: South America Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: South America Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: South America Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: Europe Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: Europe Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Europe Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Europe Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: United States Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Canada Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Mexico Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Brazil Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Argentina Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Rest of South America Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: United Kingdom Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Germany Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: France Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Italy Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Spain Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Russia Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Benelux Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Nordics Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Rest of Europe Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Turkey Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Israel Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: GCC Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North Africa Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: South Africa Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Rest of Middle East & Africa Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Global Coating Colorant Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: China Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: India Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Japan Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: South Korea Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: ASEAN Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Oceania Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: Rest of Asia Pacific Coating Colorant Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Coating Colorant?
The projected CAGR is approximately XX%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Coating Colorant?
Key companies in the market include Chromaflo Technologies, COLORIS, Engineered Polymer Solutions, American Colors, Vibrantz, Milliken, Lubrizol.
3. What are the main segments of the Coating Colorant?
The market segments include Application, Types.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XXX million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
N/A
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
N/A
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
N/A
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4900.00, USD 7350.00, and USD 9800.00 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Coating Colorant," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Coating Colorant report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Coating Colorant?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Coating Colorant, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence