Page 161 - CW E-Magazine (3-6-2025)

News from Abroad

EXPANSION
Wacker commissions new plants for speciality

silicones in China

German chemicals firm, Wacker,
has announced mechanical completion
of facilities at its Zhangjiagang (China)
site that will expand capacities for
speciality silicones. The new production
complex – involving an investment of “a
low three-digit million euro amount” –
will manufacture silicone fluids, sili-
cone emulsions and silicone elastomer
gels. Production is to be ramped up
over the coming months.

“Our investment in Zhangjiagang
shows that we are committed to our
successful ‘in China for China’ strategy,
even in economically challenging
times,” the company’s Executive Board new facilities include high-purity func- investment in the site’s 15-year
member, Mr. Christian Kirsten, said at tional and non-functional silicone fluids history.
the ceremony marking the completion as well as silicone emulsions. Selected
of the production complex. production lines will comply with GMP Silicone fluids are frequently used in
(Good Manufacturing Practice) manu- the consumer goods, textile and construc-
Wacker has been operating success- facturing, creating products that can be tion sectors, while silicone emulsions and
fully in China for more than 30 years. It used in the cosmetics industries. Another silicone elastomer gels are typically used
currently generates 37% of its sales in new development in Zhangjiagang is in textiles, cosmetics and personal care
Asia, with China accounting for around the production of silicone elastomer applications, including makeup, sham-
half of this amount. “By expanding our gels, up to now only manufactured in poos and fabric softeners. Functional
silicone capacities in Zhangjiagang, we Germany and in India. Elastomer gels are silicone fluids are important starting
are able to strengthen our specialities particularly in demand from Chinese materials for industrial applications
business. This secures our market posi- manufacturers of cosmetics and personal such as release coatings or impregnating
tion as a leading manufacturer of sili- care products. agents. Other applications for silicone
cones in China,” Mr. Kirsten pointed fluids include their use as additives for
out. The products manufactured in the The project is the largest single construction, paper, paints and coatings.
Lynas achieves first separated heavy rare earths

production in Malaysia

Australian mining firm, Lynas Rare quarter and first production of Dy was with the option of sourcing product from
Earths Ltd., has confirmed first produc- expected in May, followed by Terbium an outside China supplier. Lynas is now
tion of dysprosium oxide (Dy) at Lynas (Tb) in June. Commenting on the first the world’s only commercial producer
Malaysia. Dy production, Lynas Rare Earths’ CEO of separated heavy rare earth products
and Managing Director, Ms. Amanda outside China.” She added that the com-
The company had earlier said that its Lacaze, said, “The production of this on pany is already engaged with customers
new heavy rare earth separation circuit spec Dy is a significant step for supply in Japan, the US and Europe for heavy
was commissioned during the March chain resilience and provides customers rare earths supply.

Chemical Weekly June 3, 2025 161

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