Globalization in the chemical industry - Determination of a concept

Due to the opening of the world markets, the chemical industry is undergoin g a process of progressive globalization. Companies have to be active not o nly in their home markets, but also on an international level, with emphasi s on the triad North America - Europe - Far East. Establishing foreign safe s and marketing organizations, production sites and research facilities are steps in a comprehensive global strategy. Degussa-Huls' product areas hydr ogen peroxide, amino acids for animal nutrition, carbon black and automotiv e exhaust catalyst are typical examples of well established global activiti es. Globalization means new challenges for the staff of companies involved in such a market-driven procedure.