F O C US definition of surfactants, introduces measures regarding the biodegradability of products, fixes requirements relating to tests and experiments and to the banning of certain substances, lays down requirements for labelling and consumer information as well as conditions under which exemptions can be granted. The text will now be sent to the European Parliament for its second reading. Europe Environment, 7 Nov 2003, (644), I.11 (Europe Information Service sa, Avenue Ad Lacomble 66, B1030, Bruxelles, Belgium. Tel: +32 2 737 77 09. Fax: +32 2 732 67 57. Website: http://www.eis.be)
MARKET REVIEWS Germany’s cosmetics and toiletries markets The development of products in the cosmetics and toiletries (C&T) market in Germany had mixed results in 2002, according to German trade association Industrieverband Korperpflege- und Waschmittel (IKW). The personal care sector posted a 0.7% drop in sales to €11.1 bn in 2002. The soap sub-sector dropped 5% to €210 M, oral care products dropped 3.4% to €1.15 bn, and colour cosmetics dropped 2.1% to €1.25 bn. The perfumery sector also performed poorly, but the skin care sector maintained stability on a 0.8% rise in sales to €2.3 bn. Body care also posted a 3.5% rise in sales to €394 M. An estimated 30.1 M litres of facial care products were sold in Germany in 2002. The latest figures from the VCI show that chemical production was flat in Germany in 3Q 2003, though there is some optimism that European companies will soon start to feel the benefits of the slight economic upturn that has been reported in the US, Asia and central Europe.
ON
S U R FAC TA N T S
rubbers and textiles, but also in the production of pharmaceuticals, surfactants, fluorescent whitening agents and corrosion inhibitors. It is also an important organic solvent. China’s total morpholine design capacity has reached 8700 tonnes/y. Because of technological difficulties, however, three producers have suspended production. Therefore, in 2000 the actual output was just over 5000 tonnes. China imports about 2000 tonnes/y of morpholine. In 2001 total domestic demand was 70008000 tonnes, with 500-800 tonnes consumed in solvents, surfactants, textiles and catalysts production. New applications for morpholine have also emerged. In excess of 30% of morpholine is used to synthesis promoter/bleach activator NOBS and consumption is about 2000 tonnes/y.
Stepan reports 3Q 2003 results Bright development prospects for ethylene amine in China Ethylene amine is mainly used in the production of epoxy resins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, polyamide resins, chelating agents, surfactants, lube oil additives and paper wet strength agents. The amount of ethylene amine required by all these sectors is predicted to increase significantly in the next 2 years. For example, in 2003, China’s surfactants sector required 1000 tonnes of ethylene amine; this is forecast to rise to 1400 tonnes in 2005. Overall demand for ethylene amine in China during 2005 will be 19,000 tonnes. Currently demand totals 16,000 tonnes, with imports accounting for 90%. China Chemical Reporter, 6 Nov 2003, 14 (31), 17
COMPANY RESULTS P&G beats 1Q 2003-2004 earnings expectations on record volume and sales
Concerns over market prospects of morpholine in China
The Procter & Gamble Co (P&G) announced excellent top line results and double-digit earnings growth for 1Q ended Sep 2003. Net sales increased 13% to $12.2 bn for 1Q
JANUARY 2004
Procter & Gamble 1Q 2003-2004 results, 27 Oct 2003 (The Procter & Gamble Co, 1 or 2, Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45201, USA. Tel: +1 513 983 1100. Website: http://www.pg.com)
China Chemical Reporter, 16 Oct 2003, 14 (29), 20
SPC, Soap Perfumery and Cosmetics, Nov 2003, 76 (11), 18-20 & European Chemical News, 24 Nov 2003, 79 (2078), 8
Morpholine is principally used in the production of plastics, synthetic
2003-2004. For 1Q 2003-2004, net earnings grew 20% to $1.76 bn ($ 1.46 bn in 1Q fiscal 2003). During 1Q 2003-2004: fabric and home care net sales increased 8% to $3.39 bn; net sales of beauty care products increased 20% to $3.75 bn; net sales by baby and family care grew 7% to $2.61 bn; and the health care segment’s net sales increased 23% to $1.73 bn. Marketing, research, administrative & other costs were $3673 M for 1Q 2003-2004 ($3128 M in 1Q 2002-2003). For 2Q ending Dec 2003, the company expects total sales to increase 14-19%. For 20032004, total sales are expected to increase by 13-16%.
Stepan Co reported net sales for 3Q 2003 up 1% to $196.066 M ($193.344 M in 1Q 2002). Net income for 3Q 2003 declined 77% to $1.298 M (net income of $5.675 M in 3Q 2002). Sales volume declined 8% compared to 3Q 2002. Higher selling prices precipitated by higher raw material costs also contributed to the increase in net sales. Net income declined due to lower North American surfactant sales volume and higher operating expenses attributable to a $1.5 M pretax increase in legal and environmental reserve requirements within administrative expense. Net sales for the nine months to Sep 2003 rose 4% to $583.575 M ($563.295 M in nine months of 2002). Earnings declined 53% to $8.346 M during the period (earnings of $17.702 M in first nine months of 2002). Sales volume declined 2% as a result of weaker North American surfactant sales. Polymers represented 20% and speciality products 3% of company revenues. Stepan 3Q and nine months of 2003 results, 24 Oct 2003 (Stepan Co, 22 West Frontage Road, Northfield, IL 60093, USA. Tel: +1 847 446 7500. Fax: +1 847 501 2100. Website: http://www.stepan.com)
Higher yield on turnover for Henkel in Jan-Sep 2003 German Henkel Group achieved a yield on turnover of 7.3% in Jan-Sep 2003 (6.7% in Jan-Sep 2002). 5