Shin-Etsu reports increased demand for silicone moulded products

Tokyo – Shin-Etsu’s functional materials division, which also includes silicones production, has reported a slight increase in sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (started 1 April).

The unit posted 3% year-on-year higher sales to Yen110 billion (€640 million), while operating income fell 10% to Yen24 billion, Shin-Etsu reported 24 July.

Here, the group said, the recovery of the market condition for the commodity products did not materialise.

“We continued to make up for the shortfall in sales by focusing on expanding the selling of highly functional product groups,” it added.

Among other challenges, Shin-Estu said it is addressing issues surrounding silicones production, including finding substitute for per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances.

Furthermore, the group’s ‘processing and specialised services’ division reported growth in automotive-related products, including silicones.

The Japanese supplier said the mass production of new silicone moulded products such as fire prevention cushions for EV batteries had “started in earnest.”

Furthermore, sales of silicone rubber moulded products increased due to growth in medical equipment parts such as catheters.