The Performance & Filtration Minerals business group is continuing its efforts to deliver a unique range of products and strengthen its global leadership.

Serving common customers

Thanks to the often complementary properties of minerals from both activities, the business group is well poised to serve its common customers. Collaboration and resource-sharing take place across these activities on a case-by-case basis, leveraging synergies to deliver unique product offerings.

Deepening and expanding markets

In 2012, the business group’s end markets, particularly fast-moving consumer goods (food, health, etc.) and intermediate industries (plastic, rubber, filtration, catalysis, etc.) were driven by gradual rebound in the United States and by dynamic emerging countries. In Europe, the business group’s greater exposure to fast-moving consumer goods since the integration of Talc limited the impact of a downturn in industrial equipment and construction. Furthermore, demand in Performance Minerals (talc, mica, etc.) benefitted from the growing use of lightweight, impact-resistant plastic parts, which is helping to reduce vehicle weight as required in mature markets.

In 2012, the development capital projects launched in 2011 were completed and two new plants came on stream: the US production line for Celite Cynergy™, a proprietary filtration and stabilizing agent for edible liquids (Lompoc, California) and the Filmlink™ production unit on the Ipoh (Malaysia) site, which will serve the fast-growing personal care market in Asia.

In the United Kingdom, consolidation of Goonvean’s kaolin activities, which remains subject to the required administrative authorizations, will enhance the Group’s high-purity reserves for performance and ceramic applications.

Would you like more information about our products? Here are the websites of our Performance & Filtration Minerals business group.