With Stability and Sustainability:
WTH Focuses on Growth in a Changing Market in 2026
WTH enters 2026 from a solid position: the macroeconomic environment offers moderate improvements (EU-wide upswing, German investment impulses, Polish momentum), while structural industry trends (recycling, sustainable coatings, adhesive innovations) create clear growth opportunities. With targeted measures (expansion in Poland, a sustainable product portfolio, active raw material management), WTH can leverage moderate market growth disproportionately and further strengthen its market position in key industries.
WTH Managing Director Gero Thieme:
“Looking ahead to 2026, we approach the coming year with realistic confidence. The overall economic recovery in the EU is moderate, but rising investments in Germany and strong growth in Poland offer real opportunities for us. We will continue to focus on digitalization, customer proximity, and sustainable product solutions.”
Macroeconomic Framework (EU, Germany, Poland) — What to Expect in 2026
EU forecasts project moderate growth for 2026 (EU ≈ +1.4–1.5%; eurozone similar). Inflationary pressures are expected to decline further, while exports remain uncertain due to global economic slowdown. WTH therefore sees improved conditions for investments and export opportunities compared to 2025, though not a strong “catch-up boom.”
In WTH’s core markets (DACH region), institutional forecasts (Bundesbank, ifo, etc.) expect a return to growth from 2026 — partly due to strong government spending programs on infrastructure and defense, which are likely to have tangible effects that year. However, industrial production and export demand remain fragile due to U.S. tariff risks and weaker global demand. For WTH, domestic potential will increase in 2026, but export-oriented customers will still need to manage export risks.
For Poland, forecasts signal robust growth in 2025–2026 — roughly twice as high as in many Western European countries — driven by consumption, EU-funded investments, and sustained internal dynamism. This strengthens WTH’s revenues in Eastern Europe and supports the company’s strategic commitment in Poland and the region.
WTH founder Walter Thieme:
“Our experience from recent years — closeness to business partners, transparent communication, and early scenario planning — remains the foundation of our success. 2026 will be the year in which this resilience pays off.”
The European plastics and rubber industry expects moderate medium-term growth. At the same time, strong regulatory and market-driven pressure toward circular economy and recycling is prompting many processors to localize supply chains and expand recycling integration. With raw material prices remaining volatile, WTH hopes to mitigate this through agility, service readiness, recycled-compatible products, and adapted stock strategies.
In the coatings & adhesives industry, sustainability continues to drive demand for water-based, low-emission coatings and formulated adhesives that support recycling and lightweight construction. Market reports expect moderate to solid growth (mid-single-digit CAGR). Major manufacturers (e.g., Henkel) report differentiated performance: the B2B segment (adhesives for construction/industry) remains stable, while automotive volumes fluctuate with the economic cycle. For WTH, focusing on competitive, environmentally compliant products and application consulting continues to pay off.
Internally, WTH will continue to advance digitalization to reduce costs, sustainably increase productivity, and use resources more effectively — ensuring high delivery reliability even in an environment of volatile raw material prices.
