International.
Clariant announced its sales from continuing operations in CHF first quarter of 2016 for CHF 1,478 million compared to CHF 1,465 million in the first quarter of 2015. This corresponds to a 3% increase in local currencies. Sales growth was driven by higher volumes.
The company said growth in the Americas was good, with sales in local currencies up 11% in Latin America and 4% in North America. Europe rose 1% in local currency. Sales in the Middle East and Africa grew by 5% in local currencies.
The lowest growth came from the Asia region. Sales declined by 1% in local currency and were hurt by weak demand in China, which could not be offset by higher demand from smaller economies in Asia.
In plastics and coatings, sales in local currency grew by 4% to CHF 639 million. The increase in sales was experienced in all regions, but was mainly due to emerging markets.
Large amounts of steel are used in architecture, bridge building and shipbuilding. Structures of this type are intended to be long-lasting. Even over the course of many years, they should not lose any of their qualities of endurance and security. For this reason, steel plates and beams must have broad and durable protection against corrosion. In particular, steel is attacked by oxygen in the air, water vapor and salts.
Various techniques are used to prevent corrosive substances from penetrating the material. A common method is to create an anti-corrosion coating by applying layers of zinc phosphate.
