Statement: Lars Wallstein, Managing Director, IMCD Germany

Rapidly changing demand patterns are affecting customers and distributors alike. De-globalization, demographics and digitalization are driving this.  

Global demand is very different across world regions, hence customers and distributors with global footprints have an edge. De-globalization will make sourcing more complex and supply chain security is top of mind again.  

Aging populations have a growing demand of for example, pharma or personal care whilst they simply consume less goods, so a relevant life science position is essential for distributors. Some customers in automotive and construction related areas are struggling, especially in Germany.

Digitalization is a great opportunity to boost demand, if your offering is broad and complex, which is true for many distributors. Customers want to experience seamless self-service and be inspired by new concepts and explore our best-in-class product portfolio online.

IMCD is asset light, certainly compared to many of our peers and our supply chain partners up- and downstream. We are investing globally in the best people and are proud of our expert teams. Our global digital ecosystem has been a considerable investment too but is paying off nicely—its boosting leads and sales yet offers efficiency gains through process automation at the same time.  Last but not least, IMCD is a consolidator through M&A in our space, and those investments add to our organic growth.  

Innovation is a combination of expertise and knowledge with new ways of working to address next challenges. Sustainability and the decarbonization of entire formulations are key. We work very closely with our customers on an individual expert basis or through seminars and industry workshops. We develop a solid grassroots understanding of what the market needs. Our experts in our network of over 70 labs and tech centers worldwide are addressing those needs.