Major Sales Markets and Competitive Positions

The competitive positions of WACKER’s three biggest divisions by sales were unchanged in 2017. Globally, we rank among the top three suppliers for silicones, for dispersions and dispersible polymer powders based on vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE), and for polysilicon. For a number of products we are the world leader. Asia is the key sales region for our products, followed by Europe and the Americas.

Competitive Positions of WACKER’s Divisions

WACKER SILICONES is number two in the world and leads the market in Europe. WACKER is the global market leader in building-protection silicones. With their wide range of properties, silicones are used in every major industry. The largest growth potential lies in Asia.

WACKER POLYMERS is the world’s largest producer of VAE dispersions and dispersible polymer powders. WACKER is the only company in the market to have a complete supply chain for dispersions and dispersible polymer powders in Europe, the Americas and Asia. At this division, too, we see Asia as the region with the largest growth potential.

WACKER BIOSOLUTIONS is the global market leader in cyclodextrins and cysteine, and in polyvinyl acetate solid resins for gumbase. We hold a small but promising market position as a producer of bacterial pharmaceutical proteins and are continually working to expand that position. The division also offers fine chemicals in profitable niches.

Business at WACKER POLYSILICON is marked by volume growth and intense competition. Determining factors are the solar industry’s demand for polysilicon and market trends in the world’s solar sector. WACKER POLYSILICON is number two in the world in terms of production capacity. Our sales volume exceeded 70,000 metric tons in 2017.