K 2004: Degussa sees W Europe plastics output moving east

21 October 2004 13:53  [Source: ICIS news]

DUSSELDORF, Germany (CNI)--Production of plastics could move from Western Europe to Eastern Europe and Asia over the next decade, Manfred Spindler, executive vice president of German specialty chemicals company Degussa, said here Thursday.

 

Spindler supported his forecast by pointing to estimates showing that the Chinese specialty chemicals sector, including the plastics industry, will grow by 7-10%  per year by 2015.

 

By 2010, the growth rate in central and Eastern Europe is forecast at approximately 7.1%, he added.

 

Spindler said that compared to an expected growth of 3-4% in North America and Europe, this shows a trend that the industry focus will shift towards these markets.

 

Degussa has already anticipated this shift. It announced just under two months ago the formation of a joint venture to produce extruded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in Russia. Degussa subsidiary Rohm plans to build and operate the PMMA plant through its Plexiglas business unit, working in joint venture with local firms Unichem and ZAO Orgsteklo (JSC), which currently markets its Plexiglas range of products in Russia and the CIS.

 

“There are some other Russian and Polish projects coming up,” said Spindler.

 

In China, Degussa is working with a number of domestic players to form joint ventures.

 

Spindler, who was talking at a press briefing at the K 2004 plastics fair*, would not disclose any details of these projects but said there will be some announcements early next year.    

*The K 2004 plastics and rubber industry trade fair continues through 27 October.

By: Hilde Ovrebekk
+44 20 8652 3214

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