The tight MDI market and associated increase in raw material prices have pushed down first-half revenues for 2017 of PU foams specialist Recticel (Brussels / Belgium; www.recticel.com). At EUR 35.4m, the EBITDA was down 14% on this same figure for 2016, while the period result fell 7.7 % to EUR 14.3m. Sales rose 5.9% to EUR 566m.

All business units posted a decline in profits with the exception of the Bedding segment, which benefited from an improved product mix together with the effects of stricter cost control. Revenues for the Bedding business fell 6.6%, while all other segments recorded increases. Sales increased by 2.3% for Flexible Foams, 9.4% for Insulation and 18% for Automotive.

Recticel is planning to construct a new insulation facility in Finland next in 2018 (see Plasteurope.com of 29.06.2017), which will supply the Scandinavian, Baltic and Russian markets. Its automotive interiors plant in Most / Czech Republic, will be resuming operation in October 2017. The plant was severely damaged by a fire in January (see Plasteurope.com of 24.01.2017).