Top Suppliers and Manufacturers of Polysiloxane in Europe ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

Polysiloxanes, often referred to as silicones, are versatile synthetic polymers that play a crucial role in various industrial applications due to their excellent thermal stability, flexibility, and water-repellent properties. Widely used in the automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare sectors, these materials are essential for manufacturing adhesives, sealants, lubricants, and coatings. As Europe stands as a significant hub for chemical production and innovation, the region hosts a diverse array of polysiloxane suppliers, ranging from multinational giants to specialized local manufacturers. The intricate network of suppliers in Europe is driven by the continent's strong industrial base and the increasing demand for high-performance materials in numerous end-use industries. Some of the largest suppliers in Europe include longstanding industry leaders well-known for their innovation and commitment to sustainability, such as Dow, Wacker Chemie, and Elkem Silicones. This established supply base ensures that businesses across Europe have access to high-quality polysiloxanes tailored to their specific needs.

Wacker Chemie AG

Year Founded
1914
NA
Number of Employees
14000
NA
Revenue
8210000000
NA

Wacker Chemie AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a prominent global leader in the chemical industry. Founded in 1914 by Alexander Wacker, the company has emerged as a pioneer known for its strong focus on innovation and sustainability across diverse sectors.

Wacker specializes in several key product areas, including silicones, polymers, polysilicon, and biotechnology solutions. Within the realm of silicones, their expertise extends to polysiloxanes, which are utilized in a variety of applications from construction and electronics to automotive and personal care, underscoring the wide-ranging utility and versatility of their chemical solutions.

Operating over 25 production sites worldwide, Wacker Chemie AG has an extensive export network that spans Europe, North America, and Asia, servicing more than 100 countries globally. They are particularly noted for their robust market presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company has demonstrated remarkable financial strength, reporting a revenue of approximately โ‚ฌ8.21 billion in 2022. With a workforce of about 14,000 employees, Wacker continues to expand its global footprint and manufacturing capabilities. This growth is evident through significant facilities like the polysilicon production plant in Charleston, Tennessee.

As one of the foremost industry leaders in specialty chemicals, Wacker Chemie AG's commitment to developing high-performance materials and sustainable practices helps address the evolving demands of their extensive client base. The company's dedication to sustainability and technological advancement highlights its role in shaping a more efficient and environmentally friendly chemical industry.

Elkem ASA

Year Founded
1904
NA
Number of Employees
7000
NA
Revenue
3276000000
NA

Elkem ASA is a leading global supplier of engineered materials, especially noted for its expertise in polysiloxane (silicones), silicon-based products, and specialty chemicals. With its foundation dating back to 1904, the company has a strong history of innovation and expansion, making it a pivotal player in the silicon materials sector.

Based in Oslo, Norway, Elkem operates over 30 production sites worldwide, ensuring a broad international presence and effectively distributing its products across Europe, North America, and Asia. The company caters to a wide range of industries including automotive, construction, electronics, and consumer goods, providing solutions that are integral to modern technological advancements.

Elkem's top products include silicon alloys, silicone rubber, and silica, which are crucial components in many industrial applications. Their establishment as a supplier of polysiloxane materials is highlighted by their commitment to producing high-quality silicones, essential in industries like health and personal care, electric mobility, and environmental technology.

The company's strategic efforts in sustainability and the use of renewable energy have not only enhanced its market position but also earned it recognition as a leader in climate performance. Elkem's operational strategy includes significant investments in eco-friendly solutions, ensuring they contribute positively to environmental conservation while servicing diverse customer needs.

Elkem ASA's growth trajectory has been marked by strategic acquisitions, which have broadened its market reach and solidified its portfolio of advanced material solutions. The firm maintains its status as a publicly listed entity on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ELK, showcasing its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in the chemicals industry.

Shin-Etsu Chemical

Year Founded
1926
NA
Number of Employees
30000
NA
Revenue
241493728088
NA

Shin-Etsu Chemical is a leading Japanese chemical company, renowned for its specialization in producing polysiloxanes, a type of silicone that plays a critical role in various industrial applications. As one of the biggest suppliers of polysiloxanes, Shin-Etsu offers a diverse range of silicone products, including rubber, fluids, resins, and thermal interface materials, often used in electronics, automotive, construction, and healthcare industries.

Founded in 1926, Shin-Etsu has a rich history of innovation and excellence, continuously expanding its product portfolios to meet global market demands. Headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, the company has manufacturing sites in over 16 countries, showcasing its extensive global reach and commitment to international markets. This presence allows Shin-Etsu to cater to a diverse clientele across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The company's dedication to research and development is evident in its advanced semiconductor silicon, high-performance polymers, and other specialty chemicals. With approximately 30,000 employees worldwide, Shin-Etsu focuses on providing high-quality materials that adhere to environmental sustainability standards and global market needs.

The companyโ€™s solid foundation and strategic expansion ventures, such as new facilities in Vietnam and China, enable Shin-Etsu to augment its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities while reinforcing its market leader position.

Dow Inc.

Year Founded
1897
NA
Number of Employees
36000
NA
Revenue
43031
NA

Dow Inc. stands as a critical player in the global chemicals industry, renowned for its diversified portfolio that encompasses numerous high-impact products. Among these, Dow is significantly recognized for its production of Polysiloxane, a key material used extensively in a variety of industrial and consumer applications, including electronics, automotive, and construction due to its unique properties.

Established in 1897, Dow has capitalized on its extensive legacy of over a century, marked by innovation and strategic growth. Headquartered in Midland, Michigan, the company has successfully expanded its footprint to operate in approximately 160 countries worldwide. This extensive international presence allows Dow Inc. to effectively tap into diverse export markets across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Dow Inc. is organized into specific business segments such as Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings. This segmentation underscores the company's extensive product range that caters to several sectors, enhancing its ability to adapt to specific regional demands. Top products include chemicals and performance plastics, which contribute significantly to industries like packaging and agriculture.

Financially, Dow reported a revenue of $43.031 billion for the year 2023, reflecting its robust operational strategy and market adaptability. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 36,000 employees, Dow Inc. is committed to advancing technological and sustainability initiatives, which are paramount in maintaining its leadership status in the industry.

Dow Inc.'s strategic endeavors in mergers and acquisitions have continuously propelled its market positioning, notably the merger with DuPont in 2015, which paved the way for further innovation. Through sustainable business practices and cutting-edge solutions, Dow Inc. remains a pivotal supplier in the global chemical supply chain, with a keen focus on evolving market needs.

Evonik

Year Founded
2007
NA
Number of Employees
37106
NA
Revenue
12199
NA

Evonik, a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals, is renowned for its innovative solutions across industries such as automotive, healthcare, energy, and consumer goods. Of particular note is their work with polysiloxanes, which play a critical role in enhancing the performance and sustainability of products ranging from personal care to industrial applications. In addition, Evonik is known for its high-performance additives used in coatings and inks, and advanced products like ultra-high purity colloidal silica essential for the semiconductor industry.

Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Evonik boasts a significant global presence, operating in over 100 countries with substantial facilities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Notably, their largest chemical production facility in North America is located in Mobile, Alabama, highlighting the companyโ€™s focus on production excellence.

Founded in 2007 following the restructuring of RAG AG, Evonik has shifted its focus from mining to becoming a powerhouse in the specialty chemicals market, continuously adapting through strategic acquisitions and innovation. Today, it employs roughly 37,000 people worldwide and is committed to sustainability and technological advancement, evident in their biogas membrane technology and investments in expanding their silica production capabilities.

Evonik's contributions are not limited to products; the company is also dedicated to community support, investing in educational initiatives and ensuring that its growth positively impacts the regions it operates in. Through its innovative products and strategic global presence, Evonik continues to lead in the specialty chemicals industry, remaining committed to environmental sustainability and fostering economic growth.

Momentive

Year Founded
1857
NA
Number of Employees
9200
NA
Revenue
6500000000
NA

Momentive is a well-renowned global leader in silicone-based solutions and specialty chemicals, including the supply of polysiloxane materials, which are essential in various high-performance applications. Operating out of its headquarters in Niskayuna, New York, Momentive showcases an extensive portfolio that includes adhesives and sealants, elastomers, coatings, and personal care additives. These products are crucial in industries such as automotive, healthcare, electronics, and consumer goods.

Founded in 1857, this American chemical giant has a rich history of innovation and resilience, having derived from the pioneering research of GE chemist Eugene G. Rochow on silicone compounds. Despite facing challenges over the years, such as undergoing bankruptcy in 2014, Momentive has sustained its growth and operational excellence, earning significant revenue, reported at $6.5 billion in 2019.

The company employs approximately 9,200 individuals, underscoring its robust manufacturing and service capabilities across more than 50 global locations. Momentive's strategic presence in various export markets, including North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, bolsters its ability to meet diverse market demands diligently.

Momentive's commitment to sustainability and innovative developments through its advanced R&D initiatives ensure that the company not only meets but anticipates market needs with cutting-edge solutions. As a formidable entity in the polysiloxane supply chain, Momentive continues to drive progress and remain a vital partner to industries seeking specialized materials and innovative solutions.

Kaneka

Year Founded
1949
NA
Number of Employees
3300
NA
Revenue
5000000000
NA

Kaneka Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global leader in the chemical industry, renowned for its diverse range of innovative products, including their significant contributions to polysiloxane supplies. Since its establishment in 1949, Kaneka has developed a strong presence in several markets, including polymers, healthcare, electronics, and energy management solutions.

Kaneka's specialization in advanced materials extends to modified silicone polymers, a vital component of their offerings that aligns with the companyโ€™s commitment to innovation in polysiloxane technology. The company is recognized in the healthcare industry for state-of-the-art medical devices and nutritional ingredients, being the leading manufacturer of Ubiquinol globally, an ingredient playing a crucial role in cellular energy production and acting as an antioxidant.

As of 2023, Kaneka boasts an annual revenue of approximately $5 billion, supported by a robust workforce of about 3,300 employees and an extended network of 8,400 including subsidiaries. With manufacturing facilities strategically located in the United States, such as in Pasadena, Texas, and a recently opened medical device plant in Hokkaido, Japan, Kaneka is well-positioned to cater to international markets. Their export operations span across the United States, Belgium, Germany, and various Asian countries.

Throughout its history, Kaneka has successfully diversified its portfolio from its initial product lines of caustic soda and cosmetics to now include sophisticated innovations in solar energy technology, specifically in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). This diversification highlights Kaneka's ongoing evolution and dedication to addressing complex market demands, ensuring a sustainable and innovative future. The company continues to thrive as a trusted supplier of polysiloxanes and other essential chemicals, delivering high-quality solutions globally.

Future Supply Dynamics

Looking ahead, the supply landscape of polysiloxanes in Europe is set to evolve, influenced by several pivotal factors. Firstly, the tightening of environmental regulations by the European Union aims to enhance sustainability across the chemical industry, compelling manufacturers to innovate towards more eco-friendly production processes and products. The drive towards sustainability could spur advancements in recycling technologies for silicones, thus reshaping the supply chain dynamics. Moreover, the rise in digitalization and automation within manufacturing facilities is expected to increase efficiency, further transforming the market by reducing production lead times and optimizing supply logistics. Additionally, geopolitical factors and trade relations are expected to play a role in shaping supply trends, as businesses seek to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions. As consumer awareness of environmental impact continues to grow, companies might increasingly pivot towards sourcing and producing silicones that adhere to green standards, gradually shifting the supply towards more sustainable practices and products in the European polysiloxane market.

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