On the basis of comprehensive expertise in the manufacture
and application of liquid insulating systems, the division
is steadily expanding its activities. It seeks to tap new appli-
cation fields and thus growth potential by developing
new insulating materials and applying specific polymerization
knowhow.
ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants
The ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division’s portfolio is tailored
to the needs of the packaging and graphic arts industries.
It produces specialty coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and
sealants used by customers to achieve functional and visual
effects.
ACTEGA is managed by the holding company ACTEGA
GmbH, based in Wesel. Subsidiaries in Germany, France,
Spain, China, the U.S., Brazil, Canada, and Chile manufacture
and sell the division’s products. Its research and development
activities are also decentralized, oriented to the competencies
of the individual companies in the relevant appli-
cation areas.
Important product groups of the division include water-
based coatings and printing inks, as well as sealants and
adhesives used to make packaging materials. A focal point
of its product portfolio is the specific needs of the food
industry with its high quality requirements. In addition, there
is a demand for ACTEGA’s printing inks and overprint var-
nishes among customers in the graphic arts industry. The
division’s largest sales region is Europe, followed by the
Americas. Its most important individual markets are the U.S.
and Germany.
In recent years, the division has concentrated on appli-
cation fields and sales regions with above-average growth
potential, making acquisitions in these areas and divestments
in others.
Together with the packaging industry, and in direct
contact with brand manufacturers, ACTEGA develops new
and improved functionalities. Its innovation activities primarily
aim to improve the safety and shelf life of packaged
foods.
Important Influences on Business Development
ALTANA’s different sales markets are influenced by various
short-, medium-, and long-term trends.
Short- and medium-term fluctuations in demand result
mainly from economic developments. The current develop-
ment of consumer behavior is not the only factor. Our customers’
expectations regarding the short-term develop-
ment of the end markets downstream in the value chain also
have a significant impact on their purchase behavior. This
appraisal largely determines how much storage is reserved
along the value chain.
In addition, actual and expected changes in the prices
of essential raw materials impact the sales situation. When
raw materials prices continually rise, customers look for
alternative input materials and thus influence overall sales or
the product mix. The same applies to significant changes
in other cost components that have a strong influence on the
price of products. This price sensitivity of the markets is
also reflected in short-term changes in demand, when for example
stronger price fluctuations are expected for significant
raw materials markets.
The competitive situation in the different product-
specific market segments can have similar effects on customer
behavior. The entry of new manufacturers into a market
or withdrawal of existing manufacturers from a market and
the competitors’ prices can impact demand.
Long-term changes in demand for the Group’s products
and services are brought about on the one hand by global
megatrends and the economic growth of certain regions. On
the other hand, product and technological developments
continually open up new sales potential or lead to product
segments being discontinued.
In the course of a year, seasonal fluctuations in demand
result from lower customer activity during the summer
months and at the end of the year.
48 Group Basics