The European masterbatch industry grew by 5.5% on the annual average over the past five years to reach a volume of around 800,000 t/y, according to a new report from the British market research group Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI, GB-Bristol; www.amiplastics.com) on “Europe´s top 50 masterbatch producers”. The market is controlled in essence by five large producers, A. Schulman, Ampacet, Clariant, Cabot and PolyOne, which between them accounted for nearly 60% of all masterbatch output in Europe in 2002. Ranking sixth to tenth are Viba, Polyplast Müller, Ferro Hubron and Ciba.

AMI sees consumption of masterbatches in Europe at just over 700,000 t in 2002, up from 540,000 t in 1996. Up to 2006, the resarch group forecasts growth in annual consumption to around 880,000. The individual production segments – black, white, colour and additives – currently have virtually equal shares of consumption.

The latest report contains comprehensive company portraits of the 50 largest European masterbatch players, including details not available from other sources.

Book Service: AMI Report “Corporate performance and ownership among masterbatch producers: A review of Europe´s 50 leading players”, 2003, 121 pages, A4, paperback, EUR 490.00 +VAT: PIE-No. B 46258.