The continued demand for coatings systems with low- and zero-VOC content has given biocides manufacturers the opportunity to provide new products and services. In this article Kerry Pianoforte talks to key suppliers of biocides, fungicides, algaecides and related products about market trends and the latest products to be introduced. She notes that upcoming environmental regulations such as Europe's Biocides Products Directive (BPD) are going to be a major challenge for biocides suppliers.
The construction industry contributes significantly to the global GDP and construction activity is often used to gauge the health of economies. Today's demands on buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels and dams could not be met without construction chemicals. Construction chemicals will continue to be in high demand in the years ahead led by the construction boom in the developing world. However, raw material cost inflation, energy costs and transportation costs are creating significant financial challenges for all construction chemical suppliers.
Also if you plan on heading to Guangzhou this year for CHINACOAT 2008, you'll want to check out the preview in this issue. Since its inception in 1996 CHINACOAT has become the key event for coatings, printing inks and adhesives suppliers who wish to enter, expand and consolidate their positions in the Chinese market. Our staff will be hand so come stop by the booth and say hi.
As always I welcome any comments or suggestions you may have about any of the topics covered here.
