The study is the first in-depth panorama of the contribution of silicones to European economy and society, particularly in terms of wealth generation, innovation and sustainable competitiveness. It was compiled to assist policy makers and as part of the industry's commitment to high quality data and transparency.

Silicones in Europe:

• Generate an impressive €9 billion of wealth per annum for European society.
• Sustain 7,500 jobs directly in the industry, some 139,000 in downstream companies and 1.3 million overall.
• Represent €1.7 billion of base chemical products and support almost €61 billion of final products.
• Are primarily manufactured by six major firms. These form the basis of the supply chain for hundreds of thousands of diverse companies making final products for industry and consumers.
• Permit companies who work with them to add significant further value and facilitate innovation via their extraordinary versatility.
• Contribute to the livelihood of some 243,000 firms of many sizes, activities and sectors. The overwhelming majority of these firms are Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
• Are a family of sophisticated, performance-enhancing products. They provide benefits people want and need to make life safer, more pleasant, more stylish and more comfortable, at home, at work and in leisure.
• Advance sustainable development by improving the productivity, reliability and in-service life of other materials over thousands of applications.