Coatings and ink additives to post minimal gain in 2009.

Although worldwide consumption of five leading additives for coatings and inks was 1.4 million pounds (a value of $3.1 billion) in 2008, significant growth in 2009 is not expected. This according to an upcoming study from the consulting firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney entitled Global Coating & Ink Additives.

The coating and ink additives included in the study are rheology modifiers, dispersants, foam control additives, wetting agents, and slip and rub materials. Coatings products account for approximately 80% of the $3.1 billion value. Growth of these additives had been showing a 5-6% annual positive rate through last year, with Asia leading the way, but minimal worldwide growth is projected for 2009.

Asia accounts for 40% of the value amount. Japan and China are the leading consumers of these additives, and these two markets highlight the growth variances between mature and developing economies. Japan has seen only slight growth in the recent past, while consumption in China has been expanding at double digit rates. Europe and North America each consume about one-quarter of the additives, with usage in these regions projected to be down in 2009. Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney predicts the market will start to recover thereafter. The remaining 10% of the additive value is spread across the rest of the world.

Rheology modifiers are the largest additives in coatings and inks, with about one-third of the global dollar value. From there, it is dispersants with 22% of the value; foam control additives at 17%; wetting agents at 15%; and slip and rub materials at 12%.

For more information about the upcoming multiclient study, Global Coating & Ink Additives, contact the company at 973.439.0030, [e-mail], or www.kusumgar-nerlfi-growney.com.