A Global Company with Local Roots in Sustainability

Wacker Chemical, a global chemical manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany, chose Ann Arbor, Michigan, as its U.S. headquarters, and not by coincidence. The city’s deep ties to education, innovation, and sustainability made it a natural fit for a company committed to forward-thinking values and responsible business practices.

“As our business grew, so did our need for innovation,” the Wacker team explains. “We wanted to support both our silicone manufacturing plant in Adrian and our desire to create an innovation hub for the North America region.” Ann Arbor’s ecosystem of technology, research, and environmental awareness was the ideal match.

Sustainability on Display

At Wacker’s Ann Arbor facility, sustainability isn’t just an initiative, it’s a way of life. Their campus features a butterfly garden filled with milkweed and native Michigan wildflowers, designed to support local pollinators. Bluebird boxes and bat boxes placed throughout the property also provide essential habitat for native wildlife.

The company has also taken action on waste reduction by establishing a robust recycling program and partnering with an industrial composting company to divert organic waste from landfills.

These efforts reflect Wacker’s broader environmental priorities: protecting biodiversity, reducing waste, and being an active steward of the land they occupy.

A Values-Driven Partnership with Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor isn’t just the location of Wacker’s U.S. headquarters, it’s an extension of their identity. “Ann Arbor’s values align very closely with our corporate values of sustainability, innovation, diversity, and inclusion,” they note. It’s a place where ideas thrive and environmental responsibility is part of the culture.

For Wacker, being part of the Ann Arbor Green Business Challenge is a natural fit. Another step in their journey to lead by example and integrate sustainable practices into every part of their business.

Interested in learning more about Wacker Chemical's innovative approach? Visit their website today. For businesses looking to follow their lead and join the Green Business Challenge, click here to sign up today!