There were several positive developments during the first half of the year in areas where Clariant is a leader in innovation and service. Notably, Clariant achieved positive results in a joint venture with Toshiba Corporation to develop a new generation of high capacity DVDs. The breakthrough enables the manufacture of DVDs using organic dye-based dual layer with a storage capacity of 30GB.
Clariant also developed several innovative products in the functional textile area, including treatments that improve resistance to wind, odors and creasing. A further application using nano-particles is able to create extremely soft textiles. Tiny particles are embedded deep in the fabric and the hydrophylic properties of the application also create a comfortable feeling on the skin.
In addition, the company has strengthened its world-leading position in multi-functional coatings based on polysilazanes, in particular in ultra-thin coatings. Applications include the creation of coatings resistant to scratching and corrosion as well as coatings that are easy to clean. The coatings have been successfully applied, for example, to silver to prevent tarnishing.
Clariant Confirms Positive Outlook
Loesser confirmed the outlook for 2005 (first given in March), expecting solid growth in sales in local currency terms and improved operating margins before exceptional items.
Prices for the principal raw materials that Clariant uses are expected to decline over the remainder of the year, however the volatility of oil prices make accurate forecasting difficult. The negative effect of the relatively high raw material prices should be more than offset by organic sales growth, further price increases and the positive effect of performance improvements initiated over the past 18 months.
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