2023-06-22 09:15:11
In 2022, Austria’s paint and coatings industry recorded a decline of 10.8 percent in terms of volume
Vienna (OTS) –
“The multiple crises worldwide, but also in Europe in particular, also left their mark on the Austrian paint and coatings industry in 2022,” says Hubert Culik, Chairman of the Austrian paint and coatings industry, describing the situation in the industry in 2022.
Due to the weakening of private consumption, the coatings and coatings industry was only able to increase sales by 0.5 percent last year, while the volume had to record a decline of 10.8 percent. “The year has started well. Although 2021 was a record year, we were still able to generate an increase of 3.3 percent in the first half of 2022,” says Culik, explaining the initial high spirits. “But in the second half of the year, orders dropped massively in some cases.”
In addition, the industry is struggling with price increases at all levels: from energy to services to packaging. Since these can only be passed on to a limited extent, earnings have shrunk massively.
The decline in production volumes can also be seen in the export figures. Altogether, almost 14 percent fewer tons of lacquers and paints were exported. The minus in exports to Germany, which is the most important trading partner for the coatings industry, was particularly painful. A quarter fewer products were exported here. In terms of value, that was a minus of 3.1 percent.
Outlook for 2023: No relaxation in sight
After the interest rate hikes only led to hesitation in construction projects in the second half of 2022, the effects will only really come to fruition this year. The continuation of the Ukraine war continues to have a negative impact on business development. Due to the EU sanctions policy, customers were lost for a long time. In addition, the enormous wage and salary increases make it difficult for companies to compete.
Avalanche of bureaucracy expected from Green Deal
“The Austrian coatings and coatings industry fully supports the goals of the Green Deal. However, we find ourselves confronted with a flood of laws that can hardly be lifted,” Culik warns politicians. Supply Chain Law, Packaging Ordinance, Green Claims, Ecodesign Ordinance, Microplastic Restriction or, in general, the chemicals strategy for sustainability are all major challenges for the industry that will have to be overcome in the coming years. The coatings industry, which is structured as a medium-sized company, is in danger of suffocating under an avalanche of bureaucracy.
Industry contribution essential for transformation
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a wind turbine or an electric motor: Efficient products need high-tech coatings from the paint industry. In addition, coatings on houses, windows and bridges ensure that the products last longer and thus conserve resources. This is very important, especially when it comes to wood protection, because wood stores CO2, which only remains bound as long as the wood is intact. Paints and coatings thus make an indispensable contribution to achieving climate targets.
About the Austrian lacquer and coatings industry
The 25 companies in the Austrian lacquer and coatings industry employ around 3,000 people. They produce 176,000 tons of lacquers and coatings worth 551 million euros every year. The industry is very innovative and invests 10 to 15 percent of sales in research and development.
Questions & contact:
FCIO professional association of the chemical industry in Austria
Dorothea Pritz
+43(0)5 90 900-3364
[email protected]
www.fcio.at
1687425374
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