Norit N.V. - NORIT- Profile

Norit N.V. manufactures and markets activated carbon. Activated carbon falls into two main groups: powdered carbon and granular carbon. These carbon products are used by the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as for water, air and gas purification. The group also manufactures cosmetics through its subsidiary Cosmara B.V., supplying markets primarily in the Netherlands and Germany. Norit has production facilities in the Netherlands, Scotland and the United States. Reactivation stations, where spent activated carbon is processed for re-use, are located in the Netherlands and Italy. In 1993 Norit introduced a mobile filter unit for application in the water purification sector and in the automobile industry tests are being carried out in connection with the use of active carbon in the reduction of fuel vapours emission. The principal subsidiaries include: Purit B.V., Chemisch-Technische Handel Maatschappij B.V., Cosmara B.V., Veenproduktenmaatschappij Barger-Oosterveen B.V., American Norit Company Inc, Norit (UK) Ltd, Norit Italia SpA. & Norit Japan Co Ltd. Activated carbon accounted for 52% of 1999 revenues; process technology, 26% and personal care products, 22%.