MARKETS | POLYMER SUPPLY


Despite this wave of consolidation that started around ten years ago, small and medium-sized distribu- tors are not doomed to disappear. Due to their success in specific areas, countries, and niche markets where they can effectively compete, small distributors have always had a position in the market. Smaller distributors are more likely to provide individualised service and are better suited for smaller customer bases. Distribution activities in Europe are still frequently carried out on a country-by-country basis, with distributors keeping representative offices in the countries where they have significant sales. Local service and loyalty will continue to be important factors taken into considera- tion by industry players.


Pan-European players Having said that, it is undeniable that the pan- European distribution model defines the structure of the market. Resinex, Biesterfeld, Albis, Nexeo Plastics, Ultrapolymers, Interpolimeri, Hromatka, Snetor, Meraxis and Che- mieuro currently lead the European market with a combined market share of about 55%. Looking ahead, the larger distributors are expected to continue increasing their market shares mainly by acquisition, while financial stability will become an even bigger factor in their success. Overall, conditions


remain unstable and outcomes are hard to foresee, with players constantly seeking to


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Polymer distribution in Europe – share of sales volumes by country in 2023 Source: AMI 2024


differentiate themselves through product quality, technical expertise, and value-added services. In the next five years, polymer distribution sales are estimated to grow slightly above polymer demand at about 2% per year. The sector is expected to slowly recover from the current tumultuous phase character- ised by an unparalleled volatility, a lack of activity in the market, imbalance between demand and supply as well as geopoliti- cal tensions.


Recycled material The European polymer market is also challenged with the task to merge its environmental agenda with the need for maintaining and enhancing competitive- ness. Demand for recycled material is still rather contained, but European polymer distributors are well aware that recycled materials will eventually pick


FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | November/December 2024


up pace despite the challenges related to waste collection and end-to-end traceability. The challenge ahead for the distribution industry is to understand where it fits in this segment and how the distributor can add value to the supply chain on behalf of the customers. n AMI Consulting has published the ninth edition of its authoritative report Polymer Distribution in Europe. The research, which was released in October 2024, gives investors and industry participants a thorough grasp of the competitive challenges, market dynamics, and industry development scale. The report is the result of


an extensive research programme, providing a detailed independent assessment of the polymer distribution industry in times of high uncertainty. AMI Consulting has been monitoring and analysing


the trends in this industry for over 20 years. Over the previous eight editions, this study has been evolving into the most comprehen- sive analysis of polymer distribution currently available on the market and represents an essential guide for industry players as they optimise business activities and plan future investments. This study highlights the development of the market for polymer distribution over the five years from 2018 to 2023, how it is responding to global volatilities, the implications of increasing imports, and how the market is likely to develop over the next five years to 2028. Details of Polymer Distribution in Europe 2024 can be found here. For further information


please contact Astrid Della Porta at AMI Consulting, email astrid.dellaporta@ amiplastics.com.


www.filmandsheet.com


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