A new class of environmentally benign and high infrared reflective inorganic yellow pigments, Sr2M1 -xTBc04 (M = Sn and Zr; x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4) was synthesized by a solid-state route. The substitution of terbium in Sr2MO4 hosts produces visible light responsive compounds by shifting the absorption edge to higher wavelength side. The pigments exhibited good yellow hue (b* = 53.4) with high NIR spectral reflectance of 95%. The coloring performance of the synthesized pigments was investigated in polymer matrix and on metal plates for potential applications. These results demonstrate the synthesized pigments as promising NIR reflective yellow colorants for cool roof and surface coating applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.