Additives Market Update

The additives market, as is the case for the coatings market as a whole, has continued to feel the effects of the bad economy. "In general, the additives industry enjoyed volume growth during the first months of 2008 and started to feel the economic slowdown as of mid-year depending on the region," said Joachim Diem, marketing manager, specialty additives, Europe, Middle East and Asia, Air Products. "During the fourth quarter business conditions in important markets like automotive, residential housing and commercial construction deteriorated and have yet to improve."

"A critical factor affecting the additives market is the continued slowdown of the North American housing market and its impact on the building and construction industry," added Shruti Singhal, group market manager for field marketing, North America, Rohm and Haas. "VOC regulations and issues of paint odor are also factors not only for additives, but for other paint ingredients as well. These issues present opportunities to the additives supplier who is best positioned to help paint formulators select the right product to meet current requirements."