The breakdown of the turnover along product groups, clearly demonstrates the orientation of the industry towards specialties. About three quarters of the products are life-science products, defined as products impacting on the metabolic processes of living organisms. This group includes in particular pharmaceuticals, vitamins and fine chemicals, as well as crop protection agents and animal health preparations.
- Pharmaceuticals: prescription and over-the-counter drugs (patented or generic) as well as their ingredients to be used in formulations.
- Diagnostics: health care products which support the physician to get additional information for curing a disease.
- Vitamins, flavours and fragrances: products not ready for consumption, but rather ingredients in the form of 'bulk products' to be used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feed as well as cosmetics and perfumes.
- Crop protection agents: herbicides, fungicides and insecticides including their active ingredients. Primarily used in agriculture.
- Specialty and fine chemicals: numerous highly specialised products providing specific effects, often manufactured in relatively small quantities and in response to specific needs of individual customers. Professional advice to customers is usually of considerable importance with these products.
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