Overview
Wacker Chemie AG is a globally operating chemical company headquartered in Munich, Germany, founded in 1914 by Alexander Wacker. The company specializes in silicone chemistry, polymer chemistry, fine chemicals and biotech products, polysilicon, wafers and hyperpure silicon monocrystals. Wacker Chemie plays a crucial role in the bioplastics industry by providing specialized additives and polymer solutions that optimize the production process and property profile of bioplastics.
Wacker Chemie employs approximately 16,600 people worldwide and generates annual revenue of $6.14 billion, making it a significant player in the global chemical industry with a strong focus on sustainable solutions for biopolymers.
Primary Materials
WACKER POLYMERS Division: The company’s POLYMERS division offers a leading technical portfolio of polymer binders and additives, and is the only company capable of supplying both dispersions and dispersible polymer powders to customers worldwide.
Additives for Biopolymers: WACKER’s products help to optimize the production process of bioplastics and their property profile, enabling manufacturers to improve processability, mechanical properties, and end-use performance of biodegradable materials.
Product Lines:
- VINNEX Additives: Specialized additives designed to enhance the performance of biodegradable plastics
- GENIOPLAST Pellets: Polymer solutions for bioplastic applications
- Dispersions and Polymer Powders: Comprehensive range of polymer binders for various bioplastic formulations
Market Segments
Wacker Chemie’s additives and polymer solutions serve multiple bioplastics market segments:
- Biodegradable Plastics Processing: Enhancing processability and production efficiency
- Compostable Materials: Improving properties of compostable polymers
- Packaging: Supporting bioplastic packaging applications
- Agricultural Films: Additives for biodegradable mulch films
- Injection Molding: Solutions for molded bioplastic products
- Flexible Films: Enhancing film properties and processing
- Various Industrial Applications: Broad range of bioplastic processing needs
Key Expertise
WACKER presents its additives for biodegradable plastics at industry events such as the European Bioplastics Conference, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration within the bioplastics community. The company’s highly effective additive combinations help bioplastic manufacturers achieve optimal performance characteristics while maintaining biodegradability and compostability standards.
Technology and Innovation
Wacker Chemie’s technical expertise in polymer chemistry enables the development of specialized additive solutions that address specific challenges in bioplastic processing, including:
- Improved flow properties during processing
- Enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility
- Better thermal stability
- Optimized film formation
- Superior surface properties
Global Presence
As a global chemical company with worldwide operations, Wacker Chemie maintains manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and technical support services across multiple continents, ensuring consistent supply and technical assistance for bioplastics manufacturers globally.
Last updated: January 05, 2026