Business opportunity
Providing a range of silicones, polymers, biosolutions, polysilicone and siltronics, Wacker aims to build upon its existing presence in Japan.
Through its joint venture, Wacker Asahikasei Silicone (AWS), the company will focus on providing seminars on silicone products for the personal care sector. A silicone-coatings competence centre will also be set up, along with the Wacker Academy.
Wacker Asahikasei Silicone, which was first established in 1999 by Japanese Asahi Kasei Corporation and German-based chemical group Wacker, combines R&D, production and application technology to inform and educate brands on all elements of silicone.
Diverse applications
“Our new training centre in Tsukuba is another milestone in our growth strategy for Asia, particularly for Japan,” said Christian Hartel, Executive Board member, Wacker.
As the silicone facility has designed its seminar programme specifically for the Japanese and Asian markets, AWS is focusing on local consumers.
“Thanks to this unique Japanese facility, we can generate high added value for our local customers and partners and expand our technical expertise in the region,” added Hartel.
Wacker’s speciality silicones are used in skin creams in a range of cosmetic products: “Wacker Academy workshops and seminars are ideal for showing how we tailor the versatile properties of our silicones to a customer’s specific needs,” commented Robert Gnann, head of Wacker Silicones.
Producing speciality silicones, Wacker focuses on coating technical textiles and offers seminars on personal care products, release coatings and sealants.
Economical landscape
In January, CDA announced how another leading APAC silicone producer, BRB, upped its innovation, production and expansion efforts.
The Japanese beauty and personal care markets are expecting to show improved growth over the forecast period, Euromonitor International reveals, as producers launch products that add value and enhance skin and hair health.