Substantial growth in business with cosmetic actives
Thanks to the great diversity of products and services in its portfolio, Life Science Solutions achieved solid growth and fulfilled expectations. Total revenues grew organically by 3.7% and nominally, against the background of negative currency effects, by 1.7%
The business with materials for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries showed strong, above-average growth. This market segment includes, for example, pharmaceutical salts and materials for separation and purification in pharmaceutical production, such as the well-established Fractogel™ product range. Production capacities for silica gels are being further expanded. The business with cosmetic actives also posted significant growth. That applies to UV absorbers for sun protection, skin care products such as Ectoin®, as well as Oxynex® ST Liquid, a stabilizer for light-sensitive raw materials used in cosmetic products and perfumes.
The active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) used in self-tanning agents is the top-selling individual product of the Performance & Life Science Chemicals division. Eusolex® UV Pearls are tiny glass beads in which the UV filter is encapsulated and have been specially developed for active ingredients used in sunscreen formulations.
Continuing success of Metafolin®
In the area of nutraceuticals, the success story of Metafolin® – a biologically very active form of folic acid that can be directly used by the body – also continued in 2007. The cooperation with the Consumer Health Care division for global marketing of the products Femibion® and Diabion® is an example of successful, cross-divisional collaboration that benefits customers.
Business with ionic liquids got off to a promising start. Ionic liquids can be used in many areas of chemistry, for instance as a replacement for conventional solvents or for biotechnological processes. This business was strengthened by the acquisition of Solvent Innovation in Cologne, Germany.
The crop biosciences business did not meet expectations. In Life Science Solutions, products for natural crop enhancement free of gene technology were so far focused on soybeans. Following the global trend, new products to significantly expand the range of applications are being tested for corn and other crops in field trials.
On a regional basis, Life Science Solutions registered good sales growth of 5.5% in Asia, Africa and Australasia. In Europe, by far the largest market, growth was 3.9%. In North America, sales declined.
