‘Our innovation portfolio is driven by customer needs’

For more than 30 years, Dow Corning´s proven silicone solutions have enabled its customers in India to manufacture world-class products. The company set up its Indian operations in 2000 to better serve its customers – and since then, it has developed new products, supplied technical and business support, and offered innovative solutions to customers in dozens of industries and markets across India and South Asia.

Through its Dow Corning® and XIAMETER®brands, the company provides performance-enhancing products and solutions to meet the needs of customers in virtually every major industry and to improve the daily lives of nearly a billion of the world´s people. More than half of its annual sales are outside the US. Padmadas Nair, Head-AETS, India Region, Dow Corning, shares the recent trends in silicone consumption and the segments that has scope in the coming years.

Excerpts…
What are the global trends in silicone – consumption, manufacturing & distribution?
Given the unique performance-enhancing properties of silicones, manufacturers are increasingly using it in various applications such as construction, beauty and personal care, automotive, and so many others. A little silicone goes a long way and has the added advantage of providing value for money.

At Dow Corning, we are seeing increased usage in developing and emerging countries such as India, mainly because manufacturers and formulators are becoming more aware of its unique properties such as thermal stability, conductivity, sensory and very importantly, its non-reactive nature.

We ensure that we are based in locations where we can have the maximum impact and be of the most relevance to our customers. We supply from various manufacturing sites across the globe, while making sure that we are serving the customer in the most effective manner.

How does your company stand globally in silicone?
As you are aware, Dow Corning was set up in 1943 specifically to explore the potential of silicon and silicones. Over the years, we have realised that the applications of silicon-based technology are diverse, giving us the ability to contribute to almost every industry. Our passion, and that of our people, is to continue exploring this diversity. This passion has ensured that Dow Corning continues to be a global leader in the field of silicon-based innovation.

In India, what trend do you see in silicone consumption? Which are the segments that show greater scope in the coming years?
We see India as a key market for Dow Corning, given the potential for growth in this region. We are very committed to serving the Indian market and contributing to its key industries.

India´s cities are expanding, and there is now an emphasis on the need for better infrastructure to support this expansion, as well as the impact of increased urbanisation. We see that the use of silicone materials for use in construction applications-glass facade buildings, airports, pavements, runways, flyovers and so on-is increasing accordingly. There is also more focus on energy efficiency, thus leading increase in usage of silicones in electronics and lighting.

Given that disposable incomes are rising, and along with that, the use of personal care products is also going up, we see a rise in the use of silicone materials there as well.

How long has your company been in India? What are the developments for the Indian market, especially the textile industry?
Dow Corning has been serving the Indian customer for more than 30 years now. Our focus has always been to understand and meet our customers´ needs, so that we are able to positively impact their success in India. We set up our India office in 2000, so<