Sibelco deliver 7% revenue growth despite challenges
Industrial silica and recycled glass help offset subdued performance of high-purity quartz business
SIBELCO have reported 2025 first-half revenue growth of 7% to €1,153 million, thanks to a strong performance in Europe, APAC, and South America, and the first contribution of Strategic Materials Inc., a US glass-recycling business that was purchased in June 2024.
However, these contributions could only partially absorb the subdued performance of Sibelco’s high-purity quartz (HPQ) business, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene and was also impacted by the ongoing tariff negotiations between the US and China.
The HPQ revenue and corresponding profitability shortfall, magnified by a weaker US dollar, affected EBITDA, which fell 15.9% to €233 million. The lower EBITDA and a deterioration in working capital impacted cash flow significantly.
In April 2025, Sibelco launched their Build 2030 strategy, which sets out a clear path for sustainable growth based on a more evenly balanced contribution of their three core businesses in industrial silica, HPQ, and recycled glass.
Commenting on the first-half results, Sibelco chief executive officer Hilmar Rode said: ‘Despite complex global trade dynamics and constantly shifting tariff policies, Sibelco delivered revenue growth over the first half of 2025 thanks to positive performances in Europe and the first contribution of Strategic Materials Inc.
‘EBITDA was lower due to the subdued performance of our high-purity quartz business, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene and was also impacted by a disruption in exports of high-purity quartz from the US to China. The global tariff situation remains unsolved with most of the economic impact yet to come. Given this challenging context, we are taking proactive steps to improve cash flow and reduce leverage.’
