Dow Corning expands to meet beauty demand

Midland, Michigan – Dow Corning has completed a $6-million (€5.3 million) investment at its silicones manufacturing site in Midland, the company announced on 31 March.

The investment, said a company press release, is to support the growing beauty and personal care markets with silicone elastomer blends.

"Evolving global consumer preferences, specific customer requirements and differing regional expectations are driving innovation and global growth in beauty and personal care markets," said Dirk Soontjens, Dow Corning global market segment leader.

In addition to increasing capacity, the investment was also in automation of the plant to ensure production quality, and improve material handling, Dow Corning added.

The automation will also allow production flexibility to support changes in market demand.

Silicone elastomers are used in personal care applications to provide aesthetics.

According to Dow Corning, the speciality silicones address consumer demands from enhanced texture and improved hydration to anti-aging effects.