A message on behalf of Silicones Europe (sector group of European Chemical Industry Council).

Silicones bring unique performances and properties that make them the material of choice for essential applications across all industrial ecosystems. They are vital in critical value chains such as those for semiconductors, optic fibres, and space and defence technologies: satellites, drones, and airplanes. They also play a key role in the healthcare sector due to their biological compatibility. What’s more, is that they are a key enabler of the European Green Deal, supporting sustainable mobility, via their applications in batteries and electric vehicles, and the deployment of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydrogen. Through improvements in the product lifespan and durability they increase circularity, including increasing the lifespan of buildings and reducing maintenance costs.

The flip side to durability could be persistency in the environment. Silicones Europe, the sector group of Cefic representing major producers of silicones in Europe, commissions studies to address any environmental concerns. As such, we have a study which shows the potential of certain technologies to save almost 100 Mt of CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to non-silicone alternatives. We are also currently doing research in Antarctica to check the potential for long-range transport and the deposition of silicones in remote locations.

Intrigued? Connect with Sindija Armanovica (sar@cefic.be). She is our bridge between manufacturers of silicones and downstream users. Through our Downstream User Forum and newsletter, you can benefit from industry news, regulatory updates, and studies.