National Press Release

LONDON, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The focus on superior performance and competitive pricing is motivating the global market for high performance fillers. The adoption of high performance fillers is being encouraged by increasingly demanding end users. Their inclusion can improve the rolling resistance of tyres and reduce weight to aid in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, dissipate static in packaging to protect electronic components, or provide alternatives to banned substances such as brominated flame retardants. Customers are often reluctant to accept that property improvements justify increased costs, so close relationships, and after-sales service are necessary to ensure that the benefits of high performance fillers are known.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of the Global High Performance Fillers Market, finds that the market earned revenues of over $1.16 billion in 2008 and estimates this to reach $1.84 billion in 2015. The following market segments are covered in this research: mechanical property modifiers, electrical property modifiers, processability modifiers, flame retardants, and niche property modifiers.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Katja Feick Corporate Communications, at katja.feick@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.

"High performance fillers are gaining increasing importance as a means of enhancing the properties of end products," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Nicola Rudd. "Market participants are investing in new technologies, while paying extra attention to the environmental profile of their products."

In such a fragmented market, customer relationships are vital, and participants are distinguishing themselves through innovative products tailored to meet customer needs.

The requirements of end products are often driven by legislation such as flame retardant standards, recycling directives, and environmental proposals to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. These will become more stringent and encourage further adoption of high performance fillers to achieve the desired properties.

However, in a purchase-driven market, the additional costs associated with high performance fillers need to be justified, by improved properties, quality, or performance. Customers will turn to cheaper alternatives wherever possible and so manufacturers must be aware of competing technologies and ensure their products warrant the extra cost.

"In a market where cost is the primary concern, customers should be made aware of the additional benefits associated with the use of high performance fillers," explains Rudd. "After-sales service to help the customer get the best out of a product, especially when dispersion difficulties occur, will help reassure consumers that they are gaining additional value."

Customer focus is paramount in the high performance fillers market. A close relationship between high performance filler manufacturers and customers is mutually beneficial; the customer gets advice on the products and the manufacturer gets valuable feedback on potential improvements or an insight into new applications.

"High performance filler manufacturers should tailor their products to customer requirements," says Rudd. "Forming a partnership with customers can encourage innovative applications and developments, as manufacturers focus on specific attributes that are necessary to succeed in a particular market."

Strategic Analysis of the Global High Performance Fillers Market is part of the Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: Indian Polymer Additives Market, European Markets for Carbon Black, Chinese Flame Retardant Chemicals Markets, and European Flame Retardant Chemicals Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

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Strategic Analysis of the Global High Performance Fillers Market

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan