Additives Industry Update
January 2016 www.coatingsworld.com Coatings World | 43
slightly lower especially on materials derived directly from
petroleum sourcing.
King agreed, adding: “Raw material prices have stayed flat
for the most part. While some raw material prices have stayed
flat or even dropped by a couple of pennies, other critical raw
materials have risen, which really creates a unique situation for
specialty additive manufacturers when speaking with purchasing managers.
“Fortunately, our customers understand our diverse mix
of products and place a high value on our ability to contribute to their goals through development the development
process,” he said.
Lee, of Lonza, said that the dramatic drop in oil prices has
had a significant affect on the cost of additives derived from oil
such as solvents and monomers.
“Polymeric products made from these monomers contribute
to the costs of certain additives,” she said. “Not all additives are
based on petroleum feedstock.”
Industry Considerations
Formulators have a lot to consider when choosing an additive.
Today’s market requires not only functional, but sustainable and
high-performing additives. Lee said that, as it relates to biocides,
multifunctionality is a very important trend in the coatings industry.
“When a paint formulator choses a biocide it is to their ad-
vantage to choose a product that is effective against bacteria as
well as fungi and algae (in exterior coating),” she said. “Lonza
offers products containing Zinc Omadine biocide which can
serve as a multifunctional product.”
BASF added that performance is paramount when it comes
to additive selection. BASF customers demand “versatile, high-
performing additives to differentiate their products in the mar-
ketplace. Sustainability and perception of safety are now societal
demands that go beyond regulatory requirements. Additives
also have to work well with new generation of resins, pigments
and dispersions.”
Ruckle, of Siltech, said that multi-functionality – along with
performance and price – is desirable, with sustainability also
being a consideration.
“Ultra-Low VOCs are the norm for NA and EU end users so
that is not really a factor anymore,” he said, “but other green
issues like fluoro-free and non-persistent in the environment.”
King added that his company expects development and
growth over the next several years within the green energy
market such as wind, solar, and nuclear, as the world’s concern
over global greenhouse emissions was sealed into place with
the signing of the Paris accord “climate deal”, where 195 coun-
tries, including China, agreed to enact emissions reduction plans
through 2025.
