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Editorial
Surviving the Crisis with Polyurethane
JEC Paris, Plast Milano, VDI conference ‘Plastics in Automotive', Mannheim, as well as the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg and UTECH Europe 2009 in Maastricht - one thing all these events had in common - obviously less visitors than previously, and at the fairs less exhibitors as well - a bad omen for the joy of the doom-mongers - but for all participants a full success. Usual feedback: "Less going on, but the quality of discussions was better than ever."
At the traditional ‘Atelier Treff' BASF held the day before the VDI conference ‘Plastics in Automotive' started, Jacques Delmoitiez, President of BASF's Business Unit Polyurethanes explained, how much potential polyurethane still has to offer. With today's per-capita consumption at 8.4 kg (NAFTA) and 8 kg (Western Europe) it's obvious how much growth still can be expected for other regions; China (2.8 kg), India (0.2 kg) and Eastern Europe (1.7 kg). One of the reasons why BASF is planning a new MDI plant for Chongqing (Western China) as well as a Cellasto-plant in Shanghai.
Although the automotive industry is heavily strapped for cash at the moment, Patrick Thomas, CEO Bayer MaterialScience is highlighting a positive point of view, as polyurethane offers a lot more opportunities in versatile industries, which are worth taking a closer look at. At the media roundtable at UTECH Europe 2009, he talked about climate protection as a long-term challenge, but also as a chance for future growth. Efficient insulation of buildings, as was demonstrated with the ECO office building in India, can significantly reduce energy consumption and thus the emission of greenhouse gases. The EcoCommercial Building concept of Bayer MaterialScience is aiming at the construction of lowest energy commercial buildings with zero emissions and can be adapted to practically any local climate condition worldwide - it doesn't matter if it's 40 degrees plus or minus!
It's not only new buildings that can be insulated to benefit from reduced energy costs and emissions. Polyurethane insulations can be used for old buildings, pipe lines, and many other uses.
A stormy affair seemed to be brewing on the machinery side during UTECH, and I am referring here to the low pressure equipment side. The situation reminded me of the beginnings of a potentially bitter price war. At the presentations some manufacturers were focusing on budget products with low prices (starting with something around 35 000 Euros). A Ferrari is sacred for Italians - but only because few can afford such a car - could they be thinking it's the same with a low pressure polyurethane cast machine? A splendid specimen (a quotation from a competitor) was on offer for more than 200 000 Euro - nevertheless I ask myself the question, is this machine even up-to-date, as it offers no environmental advantages such as a self-cleaning mixing head or anything similar.
It is certain that, this year will be thrilling for all of us - some people on the QT, hope to witness a shake-out in the industry - but the general feeling is that polyurethane will overcome the current economic crisis - maybe next UTECH Europe in 2012, we'll laugh about all this ‘panic-mongering', ...but then again, perhaps not!
Birgit Harreither
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