Facts & Figures
Total sales of silicones in Europe are estimated at 2.5 billion Euro a year, making it a significant economic sector which accounts for some 10,000 jobs. Silicones in Europe generate an impressive € 9 billion of wealth per annum for European society.
Applications
Silicones are well-known for their versatility, which makes them ideally suited for a variety of applications:
Key Silicones Feature and Main Applications
| Key Performance Attributes | Main Applications |
| Lubricity, substantivity | Personal Care Laundry care, textile finishing Lubricants |
| Surface activity | Defoaming; release coating/additives |
| Use in Wide Temperature Range | Rubbers, sealants |
| Biocompatibility | Medical, surgical |
| Low electrical conductivity and low dielectric constant | Electrical insulating products |
| Resistance to oxidation | Seals, cables and heat transfer applications |
| Durability and water repellency | Construction, textiles |
Market trends
Personal care and cosmetics are important markets for silicones, and have achieved a high degree of market penetration in the past 25 years. Total sale of silicones in Europe for the Personal Care industry are estimated at 40,000 tons
Product innovations continue to expand the useful application range of silicones. Emerging markets, especially in Asia, are providing new opportunities for geographical expansion. The following markets have been identified high-growth areas for silicones, driven by the need for longer-lasting and better performing materials:
- Personal care products
- High-performance coatings in consumer and in industrial applications
- Microelectronics