Politics and NGOs

In accordance with our code of conduct, we are committed to responsibility and integrity – including in our dealings with political parties and non-governmental organizations. We represent our political interests in a way that is consistent with the positions we have expressed publicly. In our work with political entities, we focus on concrete issues and are open to dialogue with any democratic parties.

WACKER takes an active role in trying to influence energy policies. During the period under review, we made the following contributions to political opinion:

• We support Germany’s transition to renewable energy as part of the Paris climate agreement, especially the cost-efficient expansion of solar and wind energy as mainstays of Germany’s future energy mix, and the climate-friendly use of combined heat and power plants.
• As an industrial company with a high gas and electricity demand, we need globally competitive energy prices and a secure power supply.
• As a globally active company, we support fair and free trade. We oppose any kind of punitive tariffs on solar modules and materials for photovoltaics. They artificially raise the cost of solar products, reduce solar energy’s competitiveness and ultimately prevent the cost-efficient implementation of the Paris climate agreement.

WACKER maintains a liaison office in Berlin to better represent the company’s political interests. In addition, we regularly extend invitations to politicians for discussions and tours at our sites.

National and international associations – especially Europe’s Cefic (European Chemical Industry Council), the USA’s ACC (American Chemistry Council) and Germany’s VCI (Chemical Industry Association; relevant webpages available in German only) – serve as a platform for our expertise. Working within these bodies, we examine issues ranging from plant, product and occupational safety to environmental protection, nanotechnology and industrial (“white”) biotechnology. Our experts are also active in trade associations such as Deutsche Bauchemie (German construction-chemicals association), where issues include sustainable construction.

WACKER in Burghausen is a founding member of the ChemDelta Bavaria initiative, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2017. The companies that make up ChemDelta Bavaria employ some 20,000 people and indirectly secure a further 50,000 jobs in the region. Improved regional infrastructure is one of the issues that ChemDelta Bavaria champions, and this includes double-track upgrades and electrification on rail routes, as well as a sustainable, secure energy supply.

During the reporting period, ChemDelta Bavaria once again extended an invitation to its annual “Summer Lounge,” where leaders from the chemical sites engaged in a dialogue with representatives from science, the political establishment and regulatory agencies. Participants explored current and future challenges facing ChemDelta Bavaria, such as energy and environmental policy.