European markets for rheology modifiers gains momentum; VOC regulations remain a concern.As the European economy gradually recovers from a three-year period of "economic stagnation Economic stagnation, often called simply stagnation is a prolonged period of slow economic growth (traditionally measured in terms of the GDP growth). By some definitions, "slow" means that it is significantly slower than a potential growth as estimated by experts in " that ended in late 2003, various sectors and markets are now seeing positive increases, such as the European market for rheology modifiers in paints. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. a report issued by consulting firm Noun 1. consulting firm - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee consulting company business firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a Frost & Sullivan, many rheology modifier (programming) modifier - An operation that alters the state of an object. Modifiers often have names that begin with "set" and corresponding selector functions whose names begin with "get". manufacturers experienced moderate growth in 2004 and expect this encouraging trend to continue for the next few years. This growth was largely due to the reasonably good performance of certain key paint and coatings segments such as architectural and waterborne industrial coatings, which account for a bulk of rheology modifier demand. However, Frost & Sullivan cautions that the recent European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community (EU) directive on VOCs could become an obstacle for manufacturers and affect the current momentum as companies will need to create environmentally compliant rheology modifiers in order to survive in the market. The VOC (Vertical Online Community) See vertical portal. regulations are causing an increase in waterborne paints, which helps drive the market for rheology modifiers such as cellulosics and synthetics, but some existing rheology modifiers still contain toxins. Faced with this challenge, manufacturers are attempting to modify existing products or produce new ones that have less solvent content or are solvent-free; or contain low or zero VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). They are also looking at developing products that are free of APEOs, crystalline silica, and heavy metals heavy metals, n.pl metallic compounds, such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel. Exposure to these metals has been linked to immune, kidney, and neurotic disorders. to suit different paint formulations in various regions, indicates Frost & Sullivan. Additionally, rheology modifier manufacturers, like others, are feeling the pressure from customers to create more innovative, custom-designed, high-quality products and to provide enhanced customer service and technical product support. With the European economy on a positive course and the subsequent boom in construction activity, rheology modifier manufacturers do have a promising future provided they remain innovative and adaptable to change, concludes Frost & Sullivan. To obtain an overview of the rheology modifiers market from Frost & Sullivan, email katja.feick@frost.com. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion