Aether and Dow India kick off joint silicone manufacturing research initiative

Indian speciality chemical and advanced intermediate manufacturer Aether Industries has teamed up with Dow India to launch a multi-year research programme aimed at developing next-generation silicone manufacturing technologies. The collaboration will utilise Aether’s R&D and pilot facilities in Surat, located in northwestern India, to advance process chemistry and scale-up capabilities. According to Aether’s 31 July social media announcement, the initiative is positioned as one of India’s first dedicated collaborative efforts focused specifically on silicone manufacturing technology rather than end-product development. The project seeks to bolster domestic innovation and reduce reliance on imported silicone technologies, which currently dominate the market. Aether highlighted Dow’s selection based on its expertise in process chemistry, technology development, and process scale-up. Financial details and a project timeline remain undisclosed.