European masterbatch industry expects moderate growth in coming years

(plasteurope) -- Although the medium-term prospects for Europe’s masterbatch industry are not exactly exciting, the market is nevertheless expected to grow at a modest 2% per year in the near future.

Europe’s masterbatch consumption rose by an average 2% each year in the period from 2005-2010, reaching an overall market value of EUR 2.9 bn in 2010. In volume terms, eastern Europe and Russia are expected to see above average consumption growth of about 2.5% a year, shoring up demand development for the entire continent. Given these prospects, European masterbatch consumption is set to rise from its present 900,000 t to about 1m t by 2015, the latest report by British market researcher Applied Market Information  has found.

Aside from overall market data and forecasts, "Corporate performance and ownership among masterbatch producers – A review of Europe's 50 largest players" also profiles Europe’s 50 leading masterbatch producers, indicating key financial data, output figures as well as individual production portfolio.

Contrary to Asia, where masterbatch demand is set to see the world’s highest growth rates amid China’s rapid economic development, Europe’s masterbatch industry is more mature. Following a dramatic alignment as a result of the 2008/2009 financial crisis, at a time when European producers were already grappling with lower growth rates, the situation has meanwhile calmed down, AMI says. With no more room for consolidations, few players have entered the European masterbatch scene in recent years and the M&A activities of existing producers have also abated.

mrcplast.com