Annual Report 2008 English [PDF, 2.69 MB] - Tessenderlo Group

Tessenderlo Group
pressure than those for non-plasticised.
Prices of softening agents used in these
products rose sharply during 2008.
The number of applications of
thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)
continued to rise despite the economic
context affecting this activity too. However,
TCT Polska (Poland) and Thermoplastiques
Cousin-Tessier (France) managed to
increase sales by 5 % in 2008, both in
the construction sector as well as the
automotive industry.
Number of
TPE applications
increases thanks to
innovation
On the other hand, the profitability of this
activity was lower as a result of higher raw
material prices. These could only be passed
on in higher sales prices towards the end of
the year.
An important new compound was
introduced in 2008 to replace polyurethane
for the covering of car steering wheels.
Marvyflo®, a compound intended for
dashboards, was confronted with higher
raw material prices and a drop in demand.
The higher raw material prices could only
be charged to the market during the second
half of the year. In addition, the separate
management team for Marvyflo® which
was created in 2007, was able to improve
industrial performance and customers
service.
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