ELANTAS’ most important sales region by far is Asia, and
particularly China. A high proportion of global manufacture
of electrical and electronic components and consumer
goods is concentrated in this region. The division has had its
own production sites in China, India, and Malaysia, as
well as Germany, Italy, and the U.S. for years. After China,
its most important sales markets are India, the U.S., and
Italy.
On the basis of comprehensive expertise in the manufacture
and application of liquid insulating systems, the divi-
sion is steadily expanding its activities. It seeks to tap new
application fields and thus growth potential by developing
new insulating materials and applying specific polymerization
knowhow. The global trend towards electromobility should
ensure additional growth in this area.
ACTEGA
The ACTEGA 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. Its business activities are divided
into three business lines: Flexible Packaging, Metal Packaging
Solutions, and Paper & Board. In the area of research and
development, activities are bundled in four technology groups.
The products are distributed and manufactured by subsidiaries
in Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, China, Brazil,
Chile, Canada, and the U.S.
Important product groups of the division include 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 varnishes 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.
Together with the packaging industry, and in direct contact
with brand manufacturers, ACTEGA develops new
and improved optic and haptic functionalities. Its innovation
activities primarily aim to improve the safety and shelf life
of packaged foods. In addition, ACTEGA product solutions
help improve the sustainability of packaging materials.
In recent years, the division has invested in a targeted
way in the acquisition and further development of existing
and new technologies in order to tap new growth potential
in the medium to long term for its business, to prepare its
entry into new markets, and thus further expand its market
position. In May 2021, for example, ACTEGA acquired
Henkel’s closure materials business. The acquisition primarily
includes the takeover of technologies and customer relationships.
Through this acquisition, ACTEGA was able to further
expand its business with sealing compounds for the
packaging industry. As a result, longstanding and new customers
are to be supplied even better and more flexibly
with innovative
solutions in the future.
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 development
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.
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 this influences overall sales or
48 Group Basics