Industry News

Evonik Industries: Expanding Precipitated Silica Production at its Charleston, US Plant  Link...

Evonik is investing in a new precipitated silica production line at its Charleston, US plant to satisfy high demand, particularly in the tire industry. The group is investing a mid-double-digit million Euro amount. The construction of the new production line is scheduled to begin in mid-2024. Operations will start in early 2026. With the new line in Charleston, the company will increase its production capacity for precipitated silica at the site by 50 percent.

PPG Industries: Reviewing Strategic Alternatives for Silica Products Business  Link...

PPG has engaged Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as financial advisor to assist in a review of strategic alternatives for its silica products business. The business operates within the company’s specialty coatings and materials strategic business unit, and manufactures and supplies precipitated silica products to major manufacturers around the world as performance-enhancing additives. In 2023, the silica products business represented between 1-2% of PPG’s total net sales.

PPG expects to complete the review of strategic alternatives by mid-2024.

The silica products business is led by about 350 employees and manufactures products through dedicated facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Delfzijl, The Netherlands. In addition, there is small batch processing at a portion of a PPG facility in Barberton, Ohio and part of a PPG facility in Monroeville, Pennsylvania that includes a laboratory, pilot plant, and the leadership and administrative team offices for the business. Key end-uses include tire, industrial and silicone rubber applications; microporous fillers for battery separators; free-flow and carrier agents for food, animal feed, and agricultural and industrial chemicals; and flatting, thickening and anti-corrosion additives for paints and coatings.

Evonik Industries: 2023 Q3 Results  Link...

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment which is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Quechen Silicon: 2023 Q3 Results  Link...

Quechen Silicon is the largest domestic precipitated silica producer in China. It has a strong focus on highly dispersible silica for tire applications. Quechen was floated on the Shenzhen stock market in December 2020. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Solvay: 2023 Q3 Results  Link...

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Quechen Silicon: 2023 Q2 Results  Link...

Quechen Silicon: Taking measures to overcome difficulties brought about by the economic downturn through cost control and implementation of its strategic plan. Through its strategic plan, Quechen is accelerating the creation of new production capacity in Thailand via a second phase expansion and intends to capture more of the international market. In addition, a biomass (rice husk) project is planed in Anhui where rice husk will be used for power generation and the resulting ash will be used as a product raw material.

Quechen Silicon is the largest domestic precipitated silica producer in China. It has a strong focus on highly dispersible silica for tire applications. Quechen was floated on the Shenzhen stock market in December 2020. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Solvay: 2023 Q2 Results  Link...

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2023 Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Significantly lower volumes in silica business. Evonik posted at 270 million Euro net loss for Q2 as a result of impairment charges which included a contribution from silica production facitlities in Europe and North America.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment which is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: SOLVAY and SYENSQO Revealed as New Company Names  Link...

Solvay has announced the new names of the future independent publicly traded companies that will result from its planned separation into two industry leaders: SOLVAY and SYENSQO. The new names will be effective upon completion of the planned separation of Solvay, which is on track to be completed in December 2023, following the satisfaction of customary conditions

Precipitated silica will reside within SOLVAY which will include the following businesses: Soda Ash, Peroxides, Silica, Coatis and Special Chem.

SYENSQO will play a key role in the future of clean mobility, by making the next generation of EV batteries possible and by advancing green hydrogen and thermoplastic composites. It will bring about breakthroughs in bio-based solutions, natural ingredients, circular solutions, and more. SYENSQO will include the highly innovative businesses Specialty Polymers, Composites, Novecare, Aroma, Technology Solutions, Oil & Gas, as well as the four growth platforms in batteries, green hydrogen, thermoplastic composites, and renewable materials and biotechnology.

Evonik Industries: 2023 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Volume declines in silica offset partially by increased pricing.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment which is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2023 Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Quechen Silicon: 2023 Q1 Results  Link...

Quechen Silicon is the largest domestic precipitated silica producer in China. It has a strong focus on highly dispersible silica for tire applications. Quechen was floated on the Shenzhen stock market in December 2020. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Quechen Silicon: 2022 Q4 Results  Link...

Quechen Silicon: Q4 and 2022 performance adversely impacted by domestic and international financial situation.

Quechen Silicon is the largest domestic precipitated silica producer in China. It has a strong focus on highly dispersible silica for tire applications. Quechen was floated on the Shenzhen stock market in December 2020. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Evonik Industries: 2022 Q4 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Strong sales revenues driven by double digit price increases, compensating for higher raw material and energy costs. Volumes down due to customer destocking.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment which is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2022 Q4 Results  Link...

Solvay

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: Launching Bio-Circular Silica in Europe  Link...

Solvay is investing at its Livorno site, in Italy, to launch the company’s first unit of circular highly dispersible silica (HDS), made with bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash. This new breakthrough silicate process provides a circular solution as it gives a second life to rice husk in a local value chain. Coupled with renewable energy integration at the plant, it will allow Solvay to achieve a 50% reduction in CO2 per ton of silica. This will make the Livorno site Europe’s best in class silica production site in terms of CO2 footprint. Production is expected to start by the end of 2024.

Evonik Industries: 2022 Q3 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Strong silica and silane business driven by automotive, oral care, electronics and special oxides. Strategic cooperation with two suppliers in Europe and Asia to source 'green sodium silicate' derived from rice husk ash resulting in silica for tires with a 30% lower CO2 footprint. Production of this silica is starting in 2024.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2022 Q3 Results  Link...

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Quechen Silicon: 2022 Q3 Results  Link...

Quechen Silicon is the largest domestic precipitated silica producer in China. It has a strong focus on highly dispersible silica for tire applications. Quechen was floated on the Shenzhen stock market in December 2020. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Evonik Industries: Cooperation for Biobased Silica  Link...

Evonik has entered a strategic cooperation with the Pörner Group, Austria and Phichit Bio Power Co., Ltd., Thailand, to supply sustainable precipitated silica to tire manufacturers. The key raw material for the sustainable silica is sodium silicate, which is derived from rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural waste product, and produced exclusively with green energy.

A next generation of silica will be based on a biobased sodium silicate feedstock and green energy. Therefore, the carbon footprint of the new sustainable precipitated silica can be reduced substantially. The new collaboration addresses the pressing needs of more sustainable tire production and the industry’s ambition to increase the use of renewable raw materials. Pörner Group’s pioneering process to generate the silicate from RHA uses biomass energy that enables Evonik to deliver a CO2 footprint reduction of up to 30% compared to its standard silica. Phichit Bio Power Co., Ltd. with its existing rice mills and biomass power plants, licenses Pörner Group’s technology and will invest in a new RHA sodium silicate plant in Thailand. This step allow Evonik to scale-up a reliable supply of biobased sodium silicate to meet the global tire industry’s demand for more sustainably produced silica.

Quechen Silicon: 2022 Q2 Results  Link...

Quechen Silicon is the largest domestic precipitated silica producer in China. It has a strong focus on highly dispersible silica for tire applications. Quechen was floated on the Shenzhen stock market in December 2020. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Evonik Industries: 2022 Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Continued strong growth in silanes and silica.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2022 Q2 Results  Link...

Solvay: Silica sales revenue up 49.6% YoY from price and volume. Volume growth in tires is outpacing tire-industry production rates.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2022 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Higher prices in the Smart Materials segment compensated for increasing variable costs. Another round of price increases is necessary to compensate for further variable cost increases. Strong performance in Inorganics.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2022 Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay: Silica sales up 34% YoY resulting from solid demand and volumes. Silica price increases have not yet fully offset significant cost inflation.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2021 Q4 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Silica business benefited from high demand worlwide during 2021.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2021 Q3 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Solid demand in automotive benefiting Silica for tires in the replacement market.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

PPG Industries: Strategic Agreement with OSC  Link...

PPG has entered into a strategic agreement with Oriental Silicas Corporation (OSC), whereby OSC will be a sales representative for select grades of PPG silica products used by tire manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement includes select low- and high-surface-area PPG HI-SIL® silica products and PPG AGILON® performance treated silica.

Evonik Industries: 2021 Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Continuing recovery in the automotive sector benefitting silica for tires.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2019 Q4 Results  Link...

Solvay: Silica sales growth due to strong demand for replacement tires and market share gains for higher speciality grades. Sales significantly ahead of 2019 levels.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black: Expanding Chaoyang Plant  Link...

Black Cat Carbon Black are adding a 40 kMTpa tread line at their Chaoyang plant. This capacity and location is required to meet increasing tire demand in the region and to meet emission restrictions in the Beijing area.

Solvay: 2021 Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay: Strong silica sales due to risnig demand in automotove, market share gain and interest in recently launched products.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2021 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Continuing recovery in the automotive sector benefitting silica for tires.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: Launches New Highly Dispersible Low Surface Area Silica for Winter Tire Performance  Link...

Evonik have launched ULTRASIL® 4000 GR a low surface area silica with good dispersibility allowing for very high filler loadings and providing improved traction in snow and wet conditions. ULTRASIL® 4000 GR will initially be produced in a new precipitated silica line at Evonik's Adapazarı site in northern Turkey which started operation in autumn 2019.

Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black: Expanding Domestic Production at Wuhai Plant  Link...

Black Cat Carbon Black are planning to expand their Wuhai plant by 120 kMTpa with two 60 kMTpa production lines and steam generating plant. Construction is set to take 12 months with the increased capacity taking advantage of surplus feedstock in the region as well as capitalising on economies of scale.

Evonik Industries: 2020 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Smart Materials segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2020 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Solvay: Strong rebound in 2020 Q4 Automotive driving silica demand.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Tires: Bridgestone, ARLANXEO and Solvay launch TECHSYN  Link...

Bridgestone, ARLANXEO and Solvay have launched TECHSYN, a new, co-developed tire technology platform enabling tires to deliver unrivalled strength and environmental performance.

TECHSYN combines chemically optimised synthetic rubber with tailormade silica, interacting at a molecular level, to deliver outstanding performance with no trade-offs.

The materials used in TECHSYN were developed in parallel by the three companies with resulting tires having a 30% improved wear resistance and 6% improvment in RR compared to conventional Bridgestone summer products, there were no compromises in other performance characteristics.

Solvay: 2020 Q3 Results  Link...

Solvay: Silica sales up significantly QoQ due to pick up in tires.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2020 Q3 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Improved business performance QoQ. Automotive OE volumes down impacting silica tire volumes with some recovery in replacement market.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Smart Materials segment (segmentation was revised in 2020, silica and silane were previously in the Resource Efficiency segment). Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Smart Materials segment and previous Resource Efficiency segment. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2020 Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Overall results better than initially expected by combining growth segments with robust EBITDA and pricing in H1. The organisation has improved its cost position through efficiency initiatives and plans to utilise some lower cost base activities learnt through the crisis. There has been a smooth implementation of a new divisional structure promoting research, development and innovation (as of July 1st 2020).

Evonic changed their reporting and divisional structure starting July 2020. Silica and silane activities now reside in the Smart Materials segment (previously they were in the Resource Efficiency segment). Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Smart Materials segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2020 Q2 Results  Link...

Solvay: Acceleration of cost saving measures in 1H 2020 yielded a gross saving of 170 MM Euro as production was aligned with lower demand levels.

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Tosoh Silica Corporation: Establishing Precipitated Silica Joint Venture with Namhe Chemical Corporation  Link...

Tosoh Silica Corporation, a member of the Tosoh Group, is establishing a joint venture with Namhae Chemical Corporation to construct a precipitated silica base in Yeosu, South Korea targetting use in fuel-efficient tires.

Evonik Industries: 2020 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Solid Q1 performance. All larger plants running with limited impact on supply chains. Reporting segment changes for 2020 announced in strategy document.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2020 Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay changed their reporting segments at the end of 2019. The new Chemicals segment now includes precipitated silica (along with soda ash and derivatives, peroxides and coatis), silica was previously in the Advanced Materials segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Chemicals segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2019 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Evonik: Reslience in Tire Silica Market, volumes down in automotive (non-tire) and sealants.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2019 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Solvay: Silica revenue showing resilience in difficult market environment.

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2019 Q3 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2019 Q3 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Resource Efficiency Segment: Difficult market conditions continuing for automotive and coatings busineses. Silica business for replacement tires stable, reduction in business for automotive sealants and silicone rubber applications.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2019 Q2 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: 2019 Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Resource Efficiency Segment seeing weaker market environment particularly for automotive and coatings businesses. Higher prices in precipitated silica business offset by lower volumes.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: Expands Fumed Silica Production at Antwerp, Belgium Plant  Link...

Evonik has started its new plant complex in Antwerp for production of fumed silica. Evonik can now serve the high demand for fumed silicas marketed under the AEROSIL® brand. Typical applications include paints and coatings, advanced adhesive systems, transparent silicones, and nonflammable high-performance insulation materials. Evonik has invested a sum in the upper double-digit million euro range in the new plant complex.

Along with the market for hydrophilic fumed silica, demand is also growing for specialty hydrophobic silicas. The existing plant in Antwerp has accordingly been upgraded such that hydrophilic fumed silica can be given hydrophobic properties by special post-treatment. Evonik therefore now produces hydrophobic AEROSIL® at a second European site in addition to Rheinfelden, thus servicing continued high demand.

Evonik Industries: 2019 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Specaility portfolio demonstrates market resilience in challenging environment. Continued good earnings in Silica.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Note: Prior year values are unadjusted values for the given period. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2019 Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay: Macro-economic conditions negatively impacted automotive, electronics and oil & gas markets. Other markets such as aerospace had strong growth. The general economic context has worsened since February, the difficult market conditions are expected to continue into Q2 2019.

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: 2018 Full Year Results  Link...

Ji Yao Holding: Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co produce precipitated silica for use in rubber (tire and rubber goods) as well as for oral care, coatings and other applications. In 2014 Shuanglong diversified by purchasing Jinbao Pharmaceutical which is now a key focus of the company. RCCL tracks Shuanglong's Chemical Industry segment which represents the precipitated silica business, RCCL also tracks the company financials. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: 2018 Full Year Results  Link...

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co Ltd manufactures explosive chemicals and precipitated silica. Precipitated silica is a minor segment and is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants, the level of detail for the precipitated silica segment varies depending upon whether it achieves 10% of company sales revenue. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Evonik Industries: 2018 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Good demand for silica across all market segments. Some impact to EBITDA due to distribution costs and Charleston, USA plant start-up.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2018 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2018 Q3 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: Starts Production of Precipitated Silica in South Carolina  Link...

Evonik Industries has started production of precipitated silica at its new plant in South Carolina, USA. Evonik invested approximately $120 million in this world scale production plant responding to high demand from the tire industry in North America.

Evonik Industries: 2018 Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik: High capacity utilisation and continuing strong demand for precipitated silica.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: Q2 Results  Link...

Solvay

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: Increasing Precipitated Silica Capacity in Turkey  Link...

Evonik Industries is expanding its silica production capacity in response to the high demand within the tire industry. Production will be expanded by 40 kMTpa at the Adapazari site in Turkey. Startup of the production complex is scheduled for 2020.

Evonik Industries: 2018 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: J.M. Huber consolidation and higher selling prices increase sales revenue on reduced volumes.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay 2018 Q1 Silica Volumes Stable - Pricing Pressures Continue.

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: 2017 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co Ltd manufactures explosive chemicals and precipitated silica. Precipitated silica is a minor segment and is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants, the level of detail for the precipitated silica segment varies depending upon whether it achieves 10% of company sales revenue. Currency values reported in: Millions of CNY

Evonik Industries: 2017 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Evonik Industries: Strong demand for precipitated silica in tire industry with high unit utilisation rates, high demand in Q4 driven by Americas.

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay: 2017 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Solvay Precipitated Silica: Volumes up YoY however sales revenue down due to pricing pressure.

Evonik Industries: New Precipitated Silica Ultrasil 7800 GR for SUVs and All-Season Tires  Link...

Evonik have announced the launch of a new high surface area precipitated silica for in large SUV tires as well as high mileage all-season tires. Production of this product is schedule to start at Evonik's new production facility in South Carolina which is expected to be operational from mid 2018.

PPG Industries: Increasing Prices for Precipitated Silica Products  Link...

PPG is raising prices by up to 6 percent for sodium silicate and all precipitated silica grades globally. The increase will take effect Jan. 1, 2018, or as contracts allow, and applies to all end-use segments. The price increase is to partially offset rising raw material and operating costs.

Solvay: Q3 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Rubber Chemical Consultants track the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

Evonik Industries: Q3 Results  Link...

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment. Rubber Chemical Consultants tracks the Resource Efficiency segment. Currency values reported in: Millions of EUR

2017/3Huber silica business acquistion closed on 1st September 2017

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: Q2 Results  Link...

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co produce precipitated silica for use in rubber (tire and rubber goods) as well as for oral care, coatings and other applications. In 2014 Shuanglong diversified by purchasing Jinbao Pharmaceutical which is now a key focus of the company. RCCL tracks Shuanglong's Chemical Industry segment which represents the precipitated silica business, RCCL also tracks the company financials.

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: CNY Millions

Evonik Industries: Acquires Silica Business from J.M. Huber Corporation  Link...

Evonik closed the deal for J.M. Huber Corporation's silica business on 1st September 2017 for $630 million. The newly acquired business will be integrated into the Resource Efficiency Segment.

Solvay: Q2 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. RCCL tracks the Advanced Materials segment which includes Solvay's precipitated silica operations.

Solvay: EUR Millions

1 Silica sales were stable - see silica note for more details.

2 Strong volume growth to the energy-efficient tire market in Europe and Asia was partially offset by negative price developments, resulting in stable sales

Arizona Chemical: Q2 Results  Link...

Kraton Performance Polymers Inc manufacture styrenic block copolymers and other engineered polymers. Kraton acquired Arizona Chemical in January 2016. Arizona Chemical manufacture pine and hydrocarbon based resin products. RCCL tracks Kraton's reporting segment for Chemicals which covers the Arizona Chemical business activities including specialised resins for tire applications.

Arizona Chemical: USD Millions

Evonik Industries: Q2 Results  Link...

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment.

Evonik Industries: EUR Millions

1 Silica: Strong quarter for rubber silica, positive sales development in Asia and Americas.

2 Adjusted EBITDA

3 Adjusted EBIT

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: Q2 Results  Link...

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co Ltd manufactures explosive chemicals and precipitated silica. Precipitated silica is a minor segment and is tracked by Rubber Chemical Consultants, the level of detail for the precipitated silica segment varies depending upon whether it achieves 10% of company sales revenue.

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: CNY Millions

Evonik Industries: 2017 Q1 Results  Link...

Evonik currently reports in four segments. The silica and silane activities reside in the Resource Efficiency segment.

Evonik Industries: EUR Millions

1 Silica: Good start into 2017, driven by high demand from the tire industry and ongoing positive development in Specialty Silica.

Solvay: 2017 Q1 Results  Link...

Solvay operate with four reporting segments, plus corporate and business services. Precipitated silica is included in their Advanced Materials segment.

Solvay: EUR Millions

1 Silica sales +2% resulting from volume growth in energy efficient tire market in Europe and Asia offset by price declines due to competitive pressure

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: Q1 Results  Link...

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: CNY Millions

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: 2017 Q1 Results  Link...

Shuanglong Tonghua continue their diversification into the Pharma segment with futher investments in Pharma facilities. Precipitated silica, which was their primary product up until 2014 is now the smaller of their reporting segments.

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: CNY Millions

1 Business focus and development switching to the pharma segment

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: 2016 FY and Q4 Results  Link...

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical operate in the pharma and precipitated silica segments, products for the precipitated silica segment include HDS silica for tires as well as a wide range of rubber, industrial and domestic applications.

Shuanglong Tonghua Chemical Co., Ltd: CNY Millions

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: 2016 Full Year Results  Link...

Shanxi Tond Chemical are mainly active in explosives for mining. They also produce precipitated silica with 2016 volume in the region of 20 kMTpa.

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co. Ltd: CNY Millions

Evonik Industries: 2016 Full Year and Q4 Results  Link...

MRT tracks Evonik because it is a major player in both precipitated silica and silanes used in tires and rubber goods. These materials reside in Evonik's Resource Efficiency segment.

Evonik Industries: EUR Millions

1 Sales of silica were higher due to an upturn in demand from tires and coatings

2 Adjusted EBITDA increased due to higher volumes, high capacity utilisation and lower raw material costs

3 Adjusted EBIT

Solvay: 2016 Q4 and Full Year Results  Link...

Advanced Materials Segment: Q4 sales were 1076 MM€ a 1.4% drop YOY. FY sales were 4313 MM€ a 4.2% drop YOY. Q4 EBITDA increased 6.1% YOY and FY EBITDA increased 2.9%.

Silica: Sales were 114 MM€ in Q4 down 14% YOY. Volume growth in the energy efficient tire market was offset by devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar resulting in FY sales at 455 MM€ versus prior year of 521 MM€ a 13% drop.

Solvay (Rhodia): Announces Price Increases for All Silica Products  Link...

Lyon - February 20th 2017 --- Effective April 1st 2017, or as contracts allows, Solvay announces a 10% price increase for all its silica products. This measure reflects cost inflation in raw materials, energy, and logistics and is necessary to support Solvay's ongoing program of securing long term reliability of supply to customers.

Solvay (Rhodia): Launches New Highly Dispersible Silica - Premium SW  Link...

Hannover, (Germany), February 15th, 2017 --- Solvay is launching its breakthrough innovation Premium SW, a new Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS) which boosts the performance of energy saving tires on passenger cars, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Premium SW improves the durability and safety in Ultra High Performance Tires by up to 25 percent and raises the rolling resistance performance and durability of Fuel Efficient Tires by as much as 15 percent. Moreover, tests with Premium SW on truck tires have so far shown a remarkable 30 percent improvement in rolling resistance compared to carbon black truck tires, while the tread wear is the same.

Evonik Industries: Selects South Carolina for New Precipitated Silica Plant  Link...

Evonik Industries has selected a site near Charleston, South Carolina for a 120 MM$ precipitated silica plant, driven by demand for energy efficient tires in North America. The world-scale facility with an investment volume of around 120 million US dollars is to be completed in 2018.

Evonik Industries: Acquiring Silica Business of J.M. Huber  Link...

Essen. Evonik Industries AG acquires the silica business of the US company J.M. Huber for 630 million US dollars. This enables Evonik to expand its position in North America and Asia in this profitable and resilient business. The transaction is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2017, subject to approval by the responsible authorities.

Huber Engineered Materials: Price Increase for Precipitated Silica Manufactured in North America  Link...

ATLANTA, GA (U.S.), December 1, 2016 – Huber Engineered Materials, a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, announces a price increase for its precipitated silica and silicate products manufactured in North America. The increase is effective January 1, 2017, or as current contracts allow for direct customers and distributors. The price adjustment of three percent for North America manufactured products is necessary due to increasing costs in raw materials, energy, freight, labor and manufacturing.

Solvay: 2016 Q3 Results  Link...

Advanced Materials Segment: Segment sales down 8% YOY (5% year to date) from 1167 MM€ in Q3 2015 to 1072 in Q3 2016. The 2016 Q3 sales value was impacted by both the Special Chem units sales and volume declines (accounting for a 4% of the reduction). Silica sales was 112 MM€ in Q3 2016 down 13% YOY from 129 MM€ for Q3 2015 where modest growth in the tire market and other niche markets was offset by unfavourable product mix.

Evonik Industries: 2016 Q3 Results  Link...

Resource Efficiency Segment: Sales were up 7% YOY from 1044 MM€ to 1117 MM€, this was partially dut to lower prior year comparables. Prices were -3% in line with lower raw material costs. There was positive development in rubber silica volumes as well as with speciality silica demand in Asia and Europe and from the coatings industry.

Solvay (Rhodia): Starts Production of HDS for Energy Saving Tires in South Korea  Link...

Solvay has launched the production of Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS) at its new state-of-the-art plant in Gunsan, South Korea, meeting strong and growing regional demand for energy saving tires. The plant has an annual capacity of more than 80,000 tons in producing Solvay’s most advanced grades of HDS.

PPG Industries: Complete Precipitated Silica Expansion Delfzijl, Netherlands  Link...

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 28, 2016 – PPG (NYSE: PPG) today held a ceremony marking the completion of a project to increase precipitated silica production capacity at its Delfzijl, Netherlands, manufacturing location. The expansion, which came on line earlier this year, adds capacity of more than 15,000 tons per year of advanced precipitated silica products. The added capacity helps PPG meet growing global demand for AGILON® performance silica products, including fulfilling multiyear global supply agreements with major tire manufacturers.

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co., Ltd: 2016 Q3 Results  Link...

All Segments: Sales revenue down 4.6% YOY with net margin down 25.9% YOY.

TongHua Shuanglong Chemical Industry Co., Ltd: 2016 Q3 Results  Link...

All Segments: YOY sales revenue up 19.6% and net margin up 8.3%.

TongHua Shuanglong Chemical Industry Co., Ltd: 2016 Q2 Results  Link...

All Segments: YOY sales down 7.2% and net margin down 37.9%. Half yearly results, sales down 10.5% and net margin down 26.4% YOY.

Silica Segment: YOY sales revenue up 0.5% and gross margin down 2.2%.

Evonik Industries: 2016 Q2 Results  Link...

Resource Efficiencies Segment: YOY sales were up 4% reflecting good volume growth across most businesses, this was counterbalanced with lower selling prices (-2%) reflecting lower raw material costs. Silica continued to see strong demand from the tire industry with positive ongoing developments in other sectors such as Coatings, Consumer and Nutrition.

Solvay: 2016 Q2 Results  Link...

Advanced Materials Segment: Sales down 4.9% YOY from 1138 MM€ in 2015 to 1082 MM€ Q2 2016 due to sale of Special Chem's refrigerants and PCC businesses. Volumes up in other Special Chem businesses. Silica sales were 115 MM€ down 12% YOY, this is also reflected in the first half results showing silica sales dropping from 258 MM€ in first half of 2015 to 229 MM€ for first half of 2016. The silica figures have been influenced by the strong devaluation of Venezuelan currency which has offset the growth in the energy-efficient tire market.

Evonik Industries: Starts Production at Precipitated Silica Plant in Brazil  Link...

Evonik Industries started its precipitated silica production plant in São Paulo, Brazil on 20 July.

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co., Ltd: 2016 Q2 Results  Link...

All Segments: Sales revenue down 11.6% YOY and net margin down 22% YOY.

Silica sales revenue directionally higher versus previous year with increased gross margin.

Evonik Industries: Planning New Precipitated Silica in South Carolina, USA   Link...

Evonik AG received approval of an economic development grant from South Carolina to assist in site preparation and construction.

Evonik Industries: 2016 Q1 Results  Link...

Resource Efficiencies Segment: Segment sales were flat YOY with increased volumes of 2% being offset by lower selling prices (-3%). Adjusted EBITDA increased by 5% to 256 MM€ based on postive business development and lower raw material prices. Silica had a strong start to the year in Europe and the USA while the weaker Asian market environment continued from the 2H of 2015 into 2016. Speciality silica, especially matting agents have improved in all regions YOY.

Solvay: 2016 Q1 Results  Link...

Advanced Materials Segment: Sales were 1082 MM€ (down 2.3% YOY) with a EBITDA of 267 MM€ (up 1.4% YOY), this drop is related to the sale of Special Chem's refrigerants and PCC businesses. Silica sales accounted for 113 MM€ down 11% YOY from 127 MM€ in Q1 2015. Silica demand was strong in North America and Europe, however demand in Asia was weak and also influenced by new market entrants. Operational excellence programs are leading to efficiency gains.

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co., Ltd: 2016 Q1 Results  Link...

All Segments: Sales revenue down 51.2% YOY with net margin down 61.2% YOY.

TongHua Shuanglong Chemical Industry Co., Ltd: 2016 Q1 Results  Link...

All Segments: YOY Sales revenue down 14.3% and net margin down 10.1%. Main effect due to reduced sales volume in the newly acquired pharma segment.

TongHua Shuanglong Chemical Industry Co., Ltd: 2015 FY Results  Link...

All Segments: YOY Sales revenue up 97.6% and net margin up by 139.2% resulting from the acquisition of Jinbao Pharmaceutical in 2014.

Silica Segment: YOY Sales revenue down 1.6%, volumes down 5.9%. Gross margin down 8.1%

Shanxi Tond Chemical Co., Ltd: 2015 FY Results  Link...

All Segments: Sales revenue dropped by 24.8% and net margin dropped by 34.6 %, drops being attributable to the poor economic situation in the main product group.

Silica Segment: Sales revenue dropped 2.2% with gross margin improving from a loss of -1.9 MM RMB to a profit of 1.8 MM RMB at equivalent sales volume.

Evonik Industries: 2015 FY Results  Link...

Resource Efficiency Segment: YOY sales grew 6% from 4040 MM€ to 4279 MM€ with an adjusted EBITDA of 896 MM€ which was up 7% YOY. Within this segment, silica sales increased significantly due to demand from both the tire and silicones sectors. The increased EBITDA resulted from higher volumes, better capacity utilisation, postive currency effects and lower raw material costs.

Solvay: 2015 FY Results  Link...

Advanced Materials Segment: Q4 REBITDA up 8% YOY with both volume growth and favourable pricing. Full year REBITDA of 836 MM€ with a REBITDA marin of 25%, sales in precipitated silica accounted for 521 MM€ out of total segment sales of 3334 MM€. Silica had strong performance in the EU and North America which offset weaker demand in Asia.

Solvay (Rhodia): Production starts at highly dispersible silica plant, Poland  Link...

Brussels, July 1, 2015 --- Solvay is hosting a ceremony to mark the production launch of Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS) at its new state-of-the-art plant in Wloclawek, Poland, to address strong and growing regional demand for energy saving tires. Polish authorities and other dignitaries present at the ceremony welcomed the coming on stream of the plant. With 85,000 tons of annual capacity dedicated to Solvay’s latest HDS technologies it will create more than 100 jobs in the Pomeranian region. Guests included Governor of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province Ewa Mes, Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province Piotr Calbecki, Vice President of Wloclawek Dorota Grabczyńska, Vice Minister of Environment Janusz Ostapiuk, as well as Belgian Ambassador Colette Taquet.

Solvay (Rhodia): Start of silica plant construction in South Korea  Link...

Brussels, April 27, 2015 --- Solvay today launched the construction of its Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS) production plant in Gunsan, South Korea, to address growing demand in Asia for energy saving tires and to develop innovative HDS grades. In the presence of the Head of Jun-Book province, the mayor of Gunsan and other local dignitaries, Solvay officially broke ground for the construction of the plant, which with an annual capacity of more than 80 000 tons, is expected to be operational in the next two years.

Evonik Industries: Expanding Green Tire Research  Link...

Evonik Industries is counting on research regarding improved fillers for modern high-performance tires. To this end, Evonik is investing a mid-single digit million € amount in several German sites. At the Wesseling site an additional pilot-scale line for precipitated silica is coming on stream to allow for working with innovative precipitation media. In Rheinfelden, where Evonik is building a new research center for silanes, the innovative power is strengthened by the purchase of an additional NMR device (NMR = nuclear magnetic resonance), which allows for analyzing complex molecules.

PPG Industries: Increasing Silica Production in Netherlands  Link...

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 3, 2015 – PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) announced that it is increasing precipitated silica production capacity at its Delfzijl, Netherlands, manufacturing location by more than 15,000 tons per year, due in part to growing global demand for AGILON® performance silica products. The expansion is expected to come online in 2016 and will help PPG meet growing demand for its silica products, including large-scale Agilon volumes tied to a new multiyear global supply agreement with a multinational tire manufacturer.

Evonik Industries: New Distribution Agreements For Silica In U.S.  Link...

Evonik Corporation’s Inorganic Materials Business Unit has announced new agreements with The Cary Company and Dorsett & Jackson, Inc., to broaden distribution of its silica products in the U.S. Midwest and Western regions, respectively.

Evonik Industries: Boosts capacity for special silicas at its Rheinfelden site  Link...

Beginning in October 2014, Evonik Industries (of Essen, Germany) officially opened a new production line to manufacture surface-treated fumed silica under the AEROSIL® brand name. The new line will be located at Evonik’s Rheinfelden, Germany site, which will boost their global production capacity for these products by 25 percent. With this new capacity on stream, Evonik’s global annual production capacity for precipitated and fumed silica, metal oxides and matting agents now exceeds 550,000 tons, with many more projects in the planning and implementation phases to continually support the global customer base.

Evonik Industries: Completes Precipitated Silica Expansion In Chester, Pennsylvania  Link...

Evonik Corporation today opened a new 20,000 metric ton expansion at its precipitated silica site in Chester, Pa.

Evonik Industries: Expanding specialty silica capacities in Japan  Link...

Evonik Industries has announced an expansion of its specialty silica capacities in Ako, Japan through a holding in DSL Japan Co. Ltd. (DSL). Evonik holds 51 percent of shares in DSL, a joint venture with the Japanese Shionogi & Co. Ltd. The expansion, with an investment volume in the single-digit million euro range, is scheduled to become operational in 2015. The specialty silicas of the Evonik SIPERNAT® brand improve the properties of products such as batteries, silicones, engineered rubber items, or coatings. Silicas of particularly high quality are used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, for example in toothpastes or in beer filtration.

Evonik Industries: Iinvests in new silica plant in Brazil  Link...

Evonik Industries plans to build a plant to produce precipitated silicas in Americana (São Paulo, Brazil). The company is investing a mid-double-digit million euro amount; the plant is scheduled to go on stream in 2016. This will be the first production plant for highly dispersible (HD) silica in South America. This high-growth silica is used mainly for high-quality low rolling resistance tires. In addition, by building this new silica production plant, Evonik is also catering for the needs of the growing regional business in attractive specialty segments in South America's food, animal feed, and agricultural industries.

Evonik Industries: Building Plants for Silicon Compounds with Chinese Partner   Link...

Evonik Industries and Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited (GCL-Poly), have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint venture for the production of fumed silica and ultra-pure silicon tetrachloride in China. Evonik will hold a 60 percent share in the joint venture. The plants, which will have an annual capacity of over 20,000 metric tons, will be built in Xuzhou (Jiangsu Province, China) and are scheduled to start-up operation in 2016. The entire project has yet to be approved by the executive bodies.

Evonik Industries: Inaugurated New Building for Applied Precipitated Silica Technology  Link...

Wesseling, Germany – Evonik Industries inaugurated a new building to house precipitated silica applied technology for tire and rubber at its Wesseling site near Cologne on 15 May. In so doing, the firm has added applied technology to the world’s largest facility for precipitated silica production and research. Evonik invested an amount in the “low tens of millions of Euros” in the new building. The 2,500-square-metre building was completed in 13 months and 34 technicians and scientists have been working there since October 2013. Dr Johannes Ohmer, head of the inorganic materials business unit, said: "The unified and strengthened Wesseling team will now be able to work on qualitatively first-class production and on ideas for the future with its colleagues worldwide in an even more targeted and efficient manner. We and our customers will use these to grow our businesses throughout the globe together." A combination of precipitated silica and sulphur-functional silanes produced for the tire and rubber industry enables tire manufactures to reduce their products’ rolling resistance and improve their wet-grip. This can reduce fuel consumption by up to eight percent in comparison to conventional tires. Recently, the company has undertaken a series of worldwide capacity expansions. In March 2014, it opened an expanded precipitated silica facility in Thailand; in May 2013, it initiated planning for a new facility in Brazil; and it will begin operations later this year in an expanded facility in Chester, Pennsylvania, US. Global silica production capacity will increase by approximately 30 percent over its 2010 capacity by the end of 2014.

Evonik Industries: Expanded Silica Operation Opens - Thailand  Link...

Rayong, Thailand – Evonik opened its expanded production for precipitated silica in Rayong in a ceremony on 14 March. With this investment, the German company increased its capacity for precipitated silica for the automotive industry, food and animal feed industry as well as the paints and coatings industry. "Expanding our manufacturing footprint in South East Asia, Australia & New Zealand highlights our commitment to this region and allows us to better serve regional markets with state-of-the-art products and optimum solutions," said Peter Meinshausen, Regional President South East Asia, Australia & New Zealand. Used in the tire and rubber industry, the combination of silica with silanes enables tire manufacturers to produce tires of much lower rolling resistance, thus reducing the overall fuel consumption by up to eight percent compared to traditional tires. The silica production, now a joint venture between Evonik Industries and Oriental Siam Company, was founded in 1990. Evonik came on board as majority shareholder taking charge of operating this Map Ta Phut site in 1999. This expansion, using Evonik’s latest technology, comprised enhancements of the production process to ensure highest levels of safety, productivity, and quality of the overall production.

Evonik Industries: Expansion of Maptaphut Site Thailand  Link...

As part of plan to expand global silica capacity by 30% between 2010 and 2014 - the Maptaphut site in Thailand will undergo expansion for completion by first quarter 2014.

Evonik Industries: Planning Precipitated Silica Plant in Brazil  Link...

A new plant based in Americana is planned for completion by 2015. Basic engineering is underway.

Solvay (Rhodia): New Precipitated Silica Plant - Wloclawek, Poland  Link...

Solvay is investing €75 million to build a new 85kMTpa highly dispersible silica plant in Wloclawek, Poland.

Solvay (Rhodia): Inauguration of Collonges R&D and Precipitated Silica Expansion  Link...

Sovay inaugurated the production expansion and upgrade to the R&D facility at their Collognes facility in France.

PPG Industries: Precipitated Silica Capacity Expansion - Lake Charles, LA.  Link...

PPG industries announced a capacity increase of over 22kMTpa at its Lake Charles facility. This expansion is due online by the end of 2012.

PPG Industries: Global Precipitated Silica Production Capacity Expansion  Link...

PPG Industries announced that it is increasing its global precipitated silica production capacity by more than 18,000 tons per year in response to growing global demand. The capacity expansion includes projects at PPG’s Lake Charles, La., and Delfzijl, Netherlands, manufacturing locations