Group CEO Christian Hartel calls on lawmakers to “take urgent action” to address industry challenges
Munich, Germany – Wacker Silicones generated sales of €2.73 billion in 2025, down 3% on the previous year, according to the German group’s preliminary results.
Earnings (EBITDA) for the division came in at €335 million, down 2% year-on-year, impacted by negative volume/mix and currency effects as well as by low plant utilisation rates, said Wacker 28 Jan.
At group level, Wacker Chemie AG reported a 42% year-on-year decline in earnings to €430 million, on 4% lower sales of €5.5 billion.
The group linked the sharp decline in earnings to lower volumes as well as low plant-utilisation rates.
In response to the general business trend, Wacker said it launched a global project aimed at reducing production-related and administrative costs by more than €300 million a year.
“In 2025, the chemical industry, especially in Germany and Europe, faced tremendous pressure,” said group CEO Christian Hartel.
Therefore, Hartel said, the group is focusing on growth, cash and costs.
“In October 2025, for example, we launched PACE, the biggest cost-cutting project in Wacker’s history. The first measures are now being implemented,” he said.
At the same time, the company is sharpening its business model, focusing on areas of growth.
“We are doing our homework. However, for the chemical industry to continue to have a future in Germany, lawmakers must also take urgent action now to create the right underlying conditions,” said Hartel.
Above all, the Wacker CEO said Germany needed “internationally competitive energy prices and less bureaucracy.”
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