STYRENIC POLYMERS

German output down sharply since 2007 / Standard grades and EPS stable / Margins now improving

LANXESS

Group earnings triple to EUR 233m in Q1 2010 / Performance polymers see strong sales and profit increases / Asia Pacific returns strongest growth

LANXESS

Plastics compounding capacity in China to rise to 60,000 t/y / Third line to start at Wuxi in 2011

PLASTICS ECONOMY

Producers begin to emerge from recession / Capacity cutbacks help boost the bottom line / Asian rebound fuels hopes for worldwide recovery / Overextended players still dealing with crisis

LANXESS

“Decline of historic proportions” seen in 2009 / Polymers rebound in H2 / Asia driving business

POLYMER PRICES

Engineering Thermoplastics in February 2010: On the road to recovery / Increases all round / Low prices adjusted / Imports scarce with ongoing production cutbacks / Ready for take-off

LANXESS

Price increase for PA 6.6 compounds

GERMAN PLASTICS PRODUCERS

Business stabilises at low level after late 2008 crash / Sales and production lose ground against 2007

PLASTICS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Plastic structural inserts replace metal reinforcements / After the engine compartment, substitution now in the bodywork