Paint & Coatings Industry - January 2009 - (Page 10)

I NDUSTRY NEWS European Powder Coatings Market Study Released LONDON – Information Research (IRL) has recently published a fourth edition of its report, The Market for Powder Coatings in Europe. This latest edition provides an insight into 10 Western European markets, as well as four major markets in Eastern Europe. Epoxy/polyester hybrids account for 47 percent of the powder coatings market of the economies covered in this report, with pure polyesters accounting for the secondlargest market share, 41 percent. Epoxies account for nine percent of the market share, with polyurethane and acrylics accounting for two percent and one percent respectively. The Western European market, which has been stable for some years now, is the most mature market globally, with a growth rate of 1.4 percent per annum. Italy remains the largest market in the region with production standing at over 100,000 tons per year. In this region, the automotive sector is set to drive an increase in the use of clearcoats, but this is an opportunity that will be limited to countries with an automotive industry. Hope is placed in UV-curable systems that offer durable, highquality finishes that are both energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Refinement of powder coatings based on non-hybrid chemistry is also expected. Consolidation and plant closures have left some Western European countries without powder coatings production, placing a greater emphasis on distribution. Consolidation in Eastern Europe has been more prevalent in recent years as the region is an attractive area for acquisitions. The Czech Republic, Poland and Russia have all seen powder coatings takeovers since 2006. Eastern Europe has become the single most important driver for growth in the European region as a whole, and the market there looks set to grow at a rate seven times greater than that of Western Europe, at 10 percent per annum. The countries showing greatest potential are Russia and Turkey, with growth rates over the next five years of 12 percent per annum and 10 percent per annum respectively. For additional information on the report, visit www.informationresearch.co.uk. U.S. Metal Powder Demand to Reach $3.5 Billion in 2012 CLEVELAND – According to a new study by the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry market research firm, demand for metal powders is expected to remain steady in value terms at about $3.5 billion in 2012, as prices for many of these materials are expected to decline from elevated 2007 levels. In volume terms, metal powder demand (including flakes and pastes) will increase 1.8 percent annually to 1.2 billion pounds in 2012, an improvement over a flat 2002 to 2007 performance. Gains will be supported by new applications for many types of metal powders, including iron and steel, stainless steel, aluminum and tungsten. In some instances, such as the spread of powdered metal parts in motor vehicles, these applications represent an ongoing evolution. However, completely new applications and new products such as nanoscale metal powders will also support increases in demand. A rebound in motor vehicle production and continued growth in industrial machinery shipments will also support increases. 10 JANUARY 2009 | W W W . P C I M A G . C O M In 2007, iron and steel, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and copper-based powders represented more than 90 percent of total metal powder volume demand, with iron and steel powders alone accounting for more than 60 percent of the total. However, due to the relatively low prices of iron and steel powders compared to most other metal powders, iron and steel powders only accounted for 21 percent of metal powder demand by value in 2007. Demand for iron and steel powders is heavily concentrated in parts production, particularly for motor vehicles. On the other hand, the two major markets for aluminum powders and flakes are chemicals – where they are used as catalysts, reducing agents and fillers – and paints and coatings, for use as pigments. Most demand for the costliest metal powders – tantalum and precious metals – comes from the computer, electronic components, and electrical and electronic equipment markets. Because of their high cost, these powders represent a fairly large share of the metal powder market in value terms, despite their small volumes. http://www.informationresearch.co.uk http://www.informationresearch.co.uk http://WWW.PCIMAG.COM

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Paint & Coatings Industry - January 2009 Contents Viewpoint Industry News Calendar of Events Company News Names in the News Synthesis of an Eco-Friendly, General-Purpose Binder Based on Agro-Waste Materials Supplier Showcases – Green Technology Federal R&D Tax Credit Program Helps Coatings Industry in Tight Economy New Generation of Silica-Encapsulated, Ultramarine Blue High-Performance Pigments Cleaning Up in the Coating Business Low-Odor, VOC-Free Renewable Coalescents for Latexes Used in Very Low-VOC Paints Materials Watch Products Classifieds Advertiser Index

Paint & Coatings Industry - January 2009

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