Dow’s European Shutdowns: What Closes, What It Means, and Which Solvents Will Feel the Squeeze

July 9, 2025

Author: Felix Adam

On 7 July 2025, Dow confirmed it will permanently shutter three upstream plants in Europe—an ethylene steam-cracker in Böhlen (Germany), chlor-alkali & vinyl assets in Schkopau (Germany), and a siloxane unit in Barry (UK). The wind-down will start in mid-2026 and finish by year-end 2027, with demolition stretching to 2029 if needed . About 800 jobs will go, but the effects reach far beyond head-count: each site feeds critical raw materials into Europe’s chemical and solvent chains. Here’s a five-minute briefing on what disappears, why it matters, and where price pressure is likeliest.

Dow’s European Shutdowns: How Three Plant Closures Could Re-price Your Solvents


Dow confirmed on 7 July 2025 that it will permanently close three upstream sites in Europe—an ethylene steam-cracker in Böhlen (eastern Germany), its chlor-alkali and vinyl chain in Schkopau (central Germany) and a siloxane unit in Barry (Wales, UK). The wind-down will start in mid-2026 and finish by late 2027, with demolition possibly stretching to 2029. 




Why each plant matters & which solvents feel the loss


Böhlen (ethylene cracker)

This unit turns naphtha into the light olefins that feed hundreds of everyday chemicals. When its ethylene disappears, Europe will have less raw material for ethylene oxide, mono-/di-/tri-ethylene glycol (MEG/DEG/TEG) and the entire E-series glycol-ether family (EGEE, EGBE “butyl Cellosolve”, Carbitols). On the propylene side, fewer tons mean a thinner pool of propylene oxide, propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG) and their P-series glycol-ether solvents such as PGME, PGMEA (“PM Acetate”) and DPM. Expect gradual price creep in high-solids paints, water-borne cleaners and de-icing fluids as the EO/PO balance tightens.


Schkopau (chlor-alkali + vinyls)

Shutting this membrane-cell plant removes regional supplies of chlorine, caustic soda and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). The immediate solvent casualties are classic chlorinated solvents—1,2-dichloroethane, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, methylene chloride and chloroform—because they all start with chlorine reacting with ethylene. Europe was already a net importer of caustic; losing Schkopau raises the floor for alumina refining, pulp & paper and detergent producers, and it leaves PVC converters hunting for imported VCM.


Barry (basics siloxanes)

Barry’s 150 kt/yr output of cyclic and linear siloxanes (D4/D5/D6) is the tap for most European silicone fluids and rubbers. Personal-care formulators rely on these volatile carriers; electronics and construction groups need polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oils and RTV/HTV rubbers. With UK production gone—and new REACH restrictions on D4/D5 looming—buyers should brace for double-digit price gains and longer lead times unless they secure imports from Asia or the US.




Likely price direction, 2026-28


  • PVC & plasticizers: strongest upward pressure as the VCM gap widens.
  • Caustic soda & hydrochloric acid: firming trend tied to lower chlor-alkali utilisation.
  • Ethylene-oxide chain (MEG, DEG, E-glycol-ethers): steady climb once Böhlen throttles back.
  • Propylene-oxide chain (PG, DPG, P-glycol-ethers, IPA, acetone): more volatile; spot spikes possible whenever C₃ imports hit bottlenecks.
  • Chlorinated solvents: supply-led increase as EDC side-streams dry up.
  • Siloxane fluids and rubbers: double-digit gains likely by 2027 as European inventory thins.


Even products one step removed—such as ethyl or butyl acetate (linked to ethanol and n-butanol, themselves tied to ethylene and propylene)—could feel indirect cost push.




How to stay ahead of the squeeze


  1. Line up alternative suppliers now for PVC compounds, caustic soda and chlorinated solvents; tenders for 2026 delivery are already pricing in the risk.
  2. Lock term options with US Gulf Coast or Middle-East producers for EO- and PO-derivatives; freight still undercuts Europe’s high-energy costs.
  3. Review formulations that rely on D4/D5 or low-viscosity PDMS oils; where performance allows, test hydrocarbon or ester replacements.
  4. Insert feed-surcharge language in 2026-27 contracts to cushion any spike in olefin or energy costs.
  5. Watch seasonal logistics pinch-points—low Rhine or Danube water can amplify any feedstock shortage in central Europe.





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