Just like the products that we’re famous for, there’s been plenty of color on our journey.
From the early lives of our inspirational founders to the moments when we’ve shaped the world around us through breathtaking Radiant shades. Our history is a testimony to the power of color to make lives everywhere better and brighter.
Just like the products that we’re famous for, there’s been plenty of color on our journey.
From the early lives of our inspirational founders to the moments when we’ve shaped the world around us through breathtaking Radiant shades. Our history is a testimony to the power of color to make lives everywhere better and brighter.
In 1931, the Switzer family relocated from Montana to Berkeley, California, after investing in their family-owned pharmacy. Bob Switzer began attending the University of California as a pre-med student, while his brother, Joe Switzer, found a passion in creating amateur magic shows.
An injury to Bob led curious magician and chemistry student, Joe, to experiment with pharmacy supplies and various solutions. The aim was to achieve colors that would glow under black light. A mixture of eye wash, alcohol and white shellac created a fluorescent yellow substance under black lights.
After accidentally dipping silk fabric into a combination of alcohol and fluorescent dye, the brothers discover the secret to daylight fluorescents.
World War II placed new demands for fluorescent color, including painting military aircrafts and supplying troops with fluorescent fabrics to ensure visibility and safety.
Realizing the impact they created, advertisers increasingly demand the use of fluorescent colors to ensure their displays get noticed.
Radiant Color USA is founded, launching fluorescent coated paper and fluorescent coated cardboard for the packaging industry.
Fluorescent colors begin to take over the fashion world when incorporated into fabrics. A new trend is born.
Fluorescent colors are used in a variety of packages and other applications for consumer products. P&G began using fluorescent colors for their iconic ‘Tide’ bottle.
Due to the rise of fluorescents, Radiant Color USA expanded into new product facilities in California and Europe. Radiant Color was founded in Houthalen, Belgium, as a branch of Radiant Color USA.
Radiant Color facilities in Belgium started production of fluorescent colors.
The world stood still and watched in wonder as Apollo 11 carried the first humans ever to land on the moon. The first Lunar Module, ‘Eagle’, was painted with Radiant fluorescent colors.
To open new markets and give better worldwide service and support, Hercules Powder Inc acquired the Belgium branch of Radiant Color NV.
With the popularity of fluorescent colors growing, big brands began to incorporate them into their traditional products to keep up with current market trends.
Radiant Color was acquired by Ciba Geigy from Hercules Powder Inc.
Shortly after acquiring Radiant Color NV from Hercules Powder Inc., Ciba Geigy sells Radiant Color NV to private shareholders.
The Nalco Chemical Company of Oak Brook purchases Radiant Color NV.
Radiant Color NV joins the RPM family of companies when RPM International Inc. acquires us from The Nalco Chemical Company.
Radiant undergoes an update with the launch of a new company logo and brand identity.
Dane Color UK, a company acquired by RPM in 2006, merged with Radiant Color NV.
Radiant Color rebrands with the ‘Color Burst’ icon, representing the science behind fluorescent color. This unique logo showcases how fluorescent color works, moving from the grounded state, to the excited state, to the released state.
We opened the Resin Centre of Excellence in Belgium, increasing specialized resin production and enhancing research and development.
