German distributor Biesterfeld Plastic (Hamburg; www.biesterfeld-plastic.com) has reported earnings of EUR 510m for 2012 mustering just a 2% increase over the previous year in its consolidated revenues. The polymer distributor’s joint ventures in Italy, Turkey and Scandinavia – see Plasteurope.com of 09.01.2013 – amounted to EUR 538m in group revenues.

According to a company statement, increasing uncertainty with regard to developments in the finance and capital markets, along with a rather volatile market environment contributed to the rather thin profit margins. However, growing sales in Eastern Europe and Africa were bright spots for the Biesterfeld Group's generally positive financial year overall.

Biesterfeld Plastic, the largest division within the Biesterfeld Group, offers a fully homogenous delivery program in 42 countries across Europe and North Africa. With its 256 employees the group has an area-wide, decentralized sales structure.