Specialty chemicals player Altana achieved stable sales and earnings in the first half of 2025 despite increasingly challenging market conditions. The company generated sales of €1,624 million, only 1 percent below the strong prior-year figure. Adjusted for currency effects, operational growth amounted to 1 per cent, driven primarily by strong demand in Asia.

Profitability improved in the reporting period. Altana increased earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) by 1 per cent to €290 million, corresponding to an operating growth of 2 per cent. The EBITDA margin rose to 17.9 per cent, compared to 17.5 percent in the previous year.

“We, too, are feeling the effects of ongoing volatile market conditions. However, our business performance clearly shows that investing in the future pays off in any economic climate,” said Martin Babilas, CEO of Altana AG. “Thanks to our innovative and financial strength, targeted acquisitions and investments, and the proven sustainability of our business model over many years, we are ideally positioned to continue our success with sustainable solutions.”

Altana remains less exposed to fluctuations in global energy markets than many industry peers, as the company requires significantly less energy than the industry average. At the same time, it has been investing for years in energy efficiency and sustainability. Between 2014 and 2023, the company reduced its CO₂ emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 70 percent despite growing sales volumes. In recognition of its efforts, EcoVadis awarded Altana its Platinum rating in July, placing the group among the top one percent of all companies rated worldwide.

CFO Stefan Genten emphasized the benefits of ALTANA’s diversified positioning: “We are well represented in all regions where our customers are and where growth opportunities lie. Our decentralized site network strengthens geographic independence, accelerates innovation, and reduces risks related to supply chains and customs duties.”

Despite these headwinds, Altana is pressing ahead with investments in Europe, including the construction of a state-of-the-art innovation, laboratory, and seminar complex at its Wesel headquarters and a new production facility in Deventer, the Netherlands.