Facts & figures

Socio-economic impacts of formaldehyde
A study conducted in 2007 quantifies the value of formaldehyde to society and the contribution of the formaldehyde industry to the economies of the European Union and Norway. The results show not only the enormous economic significance of formaldehyde but also the benefits for consumers.
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Saving consumers‘ money
Using formaldehyde and its derivatives in Europe rather than alternative products saves more than € 29 billion per year – not taking account of huge technical and supply issues.

Creating jobs in Europe
No less than 1.7 million people are directly employed throughout the European formaldehyde value-chain. They work in approximately 20,300 plants that are critically dependent on formaldehyde: 395 chemical processing plants and 19,900 fabrication plants primarily in the wood products and furniture industries. Employee wages amounted to over €42 billion for the year – an average of €24,300 per worker.

Formaldehyde is consumers’ first choice
Formaldehyde has unique qualities. Products with formaldehyde are stronger, lighter, easier to install or use, longer-lived, or more resistant to high temperatures and environmental stresses than those made of substitute materials. These qualities are valued by consumers. The substitution of formaldehyde is not only a question of losing money but also of forfeiting quality.