Dow

Corporate brand

A global materials science company supplying plastics, chemicals, and performance materials primarily to industrial and commercial customers.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Dow Chemical Company is the operating materials-science business associated with Dow Inc., a publicly traded company headquartered in Midland, Michigan. Founded in 1897 by chemist Herbert Henry Dow, the company began by extracting bromine from underground brine and selling bromine-related products and bleach. It gradually expanded into chlorine chemistry, agricultural chemicals, magnesium, plastics, synthetic rubber materials, solvents, and other industrial compounds. Its historical growth was driven by a combination of process innovation, vertical integration, international expansion, and a willingness to enter adjacent chemical markets. Dow became strategically important during the two world wars because it supplied materials that had previously been imported or were needed for military production. During World War I, its products included magnesium, phenol, bromine, and monochlorobenzene. During World War II, the company rapidly expanded magnesium production at Freeport, Texas, and elsewhere, while also participating in the production of styrene and synthetic-rubber inputs. Dow's early plastics businesses included ethylcellulose and polystyrene. The company later commercialized foamed polystyrene under the Styrofoam brand and developed consumer-facing products such as Saran food wrap. After World War II, Dow broadened its industrial footprint and established overseas subsidiaries and manufacturing sites. It developed major operations in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific region, and created regional structures to manage its expanding international business. The company also increased investment in research and development, using chemistry and materials engineering to serve construction, packaging, transportation, electronics, agriculture, water, energy, and consumer-product manufacturers. Dow has often been described as a “chemical companies' chemical company” because a large share of its sales goes to other businesses rather than directly to consumers. Dow's portfolio has included plastics and polymer systems, polyurethane materials, silicones, coatings and adhesives, acrylic and specialty monomers, industrial intermediates, performance chemicals, and packaging technologies. Through its former relationship with Corning, it also helped build Dow Corning, a major silicone-products enterprise. The company has periodically reshaped its portfolio through divestitures, acquisitions, joint ventures, and reorganizations, reflecting the capital-intensive and cyclical nature of the chemical industry. A defining modern turning point occurred in 2015, when Dow and DuPont announced a transaction intended to combine the companies and then separate the resulting DowDuPont group into three focused businesses. The merger was completed in 2017. In April 2019, the materials-science business was separated and adopted the Dow name, while Dow Inc. became the public holding company. The post-separation Dow operates across packaging and specialty plastics, industrial intermediates and infrastructure materials, and coatings and performance materials. Its customers include manufacturers of packaging, building products, mobility components, consumer goods, electrical and electronic systems, and industrial equipment. The company has also faced substantial environmental and reputational controversy. Dow managed the Rocky Flats nuclear-weapons facility from 1951 to 1975, during a period associated with fires, radioactive contamination concerns, and later litigation. It manufactured napalm under U.S. government contract during the Vietnam War and produced Agent Orange components and formulations for military use, leading to sustained criticism and legal claims. These episodes remain important to the company's historical profile and to broader debates about chemical regulation, corporate responsibility, remediation, and military contracting. Today, Dow presents itself as a global materials-science provider focused on innovation, operatio…

History

Dow’s history began in 1897 in Midland, Michigan, where Herbert Henry Dow founded the Dow Chemical Company after developing methods to extract bromine from brine. The company’s early growth came from process innovation and from replacing imported chemicals with domestically produced alternatives. Dow gradually broadened its chemistry base, moving into bleaching powder, magnesium, dyes, agricultural chemicals, plastics, and other industrial materials. Its early decision to build a direct sales organization and advertise to industrial buyers helped establish the Dow name beyond Midland. During the twentieth century, Dow became a major producer of basic and specialty chemicals. It developed and commercialized materials used in construction, transportation, packaging, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing. DowMETAL alloy pistons and later polymer, polyurethane, and specialty-material businesses illustrated the company’s recurring strategy of translating laboratory and process advances into applications for other manufacturers. The company’s scale grew through new plants, international expansion, joint ventures, and acquisitions. The Dow name also acquired substantial reputational liabilities. Dow was a producer of napalm used by the United States military during the Vietnam War and was associated with the manufacture of Agent Orange, a defoliant whose dioxin contamination became the subject of extensive public controversy and litigation. Chemical releases and pollution associated with industrial operations contributed to criticism from communities, regulators, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders. In response, Dow invested in environmental, health, safety, and public-affairs initiatives and used corporate advertising to present a more socially responsible image. Portfolio management became increasingly important from the 1990s onward. In 1997, Dow agreed to sell its DowBrands consumer-products division, including household brands such as Ziploc, Saran, Handi-Wrap, Fantastik, Scrubbing Bubbles, and Spray 'n Wash, to S. C. Johnson & Son. Dow subsequently concentrated more heavily on industrial and specialty materials. In 2015, Dow and Olin announced a transaction that separated a substantial portion of Dow’s chlorine business and combined it with Olin’s operations. In December 2015, Dow and DuPont announced an all-stock merger of equals. After shareholder and regulatory processes, the transaction became effective on August 31, 2017, creating DowDuPont. The combination was designed as a temporary structure: the businesses were to be divided into agriculture, materials science, and specialty-products companies. The materials-science business was separated as Dow Inc., which began independent trading in April 2019 under the DOW ticker. The modern Dow therefore combines the heritage of the original Dow Chemical Company with a narrower, materials-focused corporate structure. In the twenty-first century, Dow has continued to supply polymers, silicones, coatings, adhesives, polyurethanes, packaging materials, and industrial intermediates to customers worldwide. Its communications increasingly connect materials innovation with circular packaging, energy efficiency, lower emissions, infrastructure durability, and resource conservation. The company’s historical environmental controversies and the broader climate and waste impacts of chemical production remain central to assessments of its performance and public reputation.

2019
Dow becomes an independent public company
[1]Dow company historydow.com
The materials-science business was separated from DowDuPont and began trading independently as Dow Inc.
2017
DowDuPont merger closes
[4]DowDuPont merger successfully completedinvestors.dupont.com
The merger became effective on August 31, creating DowDuPont as the temporary parent structure.
2016
Shareholders approve DowDuPont transaction
[3]Dow and DuPont stockholders approve mergercorporate.dow.com
Dow and DuPont shareholders approved the proposals needed to proceed with the merger.
2015
Dow and DuPont announce merger
[10]Dow and DuPont announce mergermlive.com
The companies announced an all-stock merger intended to be followed by separation into three independent businesses.
1997
DowBrands sale announced
[9]DowBrands sale announceden.wikipedia.org
S. C. Johnson & Son agreed to acquire Dow’s consumer-products division, including several household brands.
1904
First Dow employment advertisement
[2]Dow vintage chemical advertisingcorporate.dow.com
Dow placed an advertisement seeking a sales manager as it moved toward direct selling of its products.
1897
Dow Chemical Company founded
[1]Dow company historydow.com
Herbert Henry Dow founded the company in Midland, Michigan, initially building the business around chemical extraction from brine.

Products and positioning

A global materials-science solutions provider focused on essential materials, performance improvement, industrial innovation, and more sustainable applications.

Packaging and industrial polymers
Polyethylene and other plastics
Dow supplies polyethylene and related polymer technologies used in flexible packaging, rigid containers, films, consumer goods, infrastructure, and industrial components. These materials can be engineered for barrier performance, toughness, sealing, stiffness, lightweighting, and manufacturability. Dow’s packaging portfolio is sold primarily to converters and brand owners, who transform the resins into finished products. The company also promotes designs and material systems intended to support downgauging, reuse, recycling, and lower resource consumption.
Performance materials
Polyurethanes
Dow’s polyurethane materials include systems and intermediates used in insulation, furniture, footwear, automotive components, adhesives, coatings, and construction products. Polyurethane chemistry allows formulators to balance properties such as cushioning, rigidity, thermal insulation, durability, and adhesion. The business serves manufacturers that use formulated systems rather than selling a single standardized consumer product. Applications span building energy efficiency, transportation, industrial equipment, and everyday goods.
Specialty chemicals and materials
Silicones
Dow produces silicone-based materials for applications including construction sealants, industrial coatings, electronics, personal care, transportation, healthcare, and consumer products. Silicone formulations are valued for combinations of temperature resistance, flexibility, water repellence, electrical performance, and long service life. The portfolio includes intermediates, elastomers, sealants, adhesives, and specialty formulations. Dow’s silicone capabilities were strengthened through the integration of Dow Corning’s business after Dow acquired Corning’s interest in the joint venture.
Specialty materials
Coatings, adhesives, and elastomers
Dow supplies binders, resins, dispersions, adhesives, sealants, and elastomeric materials used in architectural and industrial coatings, packaging, labels, footwear, transportation, flooring, and consumer products. These materials help customers formulate products with targeted adhesion, appearance, flexibility, abrasion resistance, weatherability, and protection. The offerings are generally integrated into customers’ manufacturing processes and are marketed as performance solutions for industrial and commercial applications.
Healthcare materials
Healthcare and pharmaceutical packaging materials
Dow provides selected polymers, silicones, adhesives, and related materials for medical devices, healthcare packaging, and pharmaceutical packaging. These materials are designed around requirements such as cleanliness, barrier protection, flexibility, sealing, sterilization compatibility, and consistent processing. Dow is a materials supplier to healthcare manufacturers and packagers, not primarily a producer of finished medical devices or medicines.

Controversies

2023
New Jersey 1,4-dioxane pollution litigation
New Jersey pursued claims involving Dow and other companies over contamination of water with 1,4-dioxane, a substance described in reporting on the case as a likely human carcinogen.
Source
2019
Hempstead files lawsuit over 1,4-Dioxane contamination
The Town of Hempstead filed a federal lawsuit against Dow Chemical Company, Ferro Corporation and Vulcan Materials Company, accusing them of knowingly manufacturing, promoting and/or selling products containing 1,4-Dioxane despite knowing it could reach local water supply wells. The town seeks damages for water-treatment costs and punitive damages; these are allegations in the lawsuit.
Source
1960
Napalm and Agent Orange controversy
Dow’s production of napalm for the U.S. military and association with Agent Orange during the Vietnam War became major sources of protest, litigation, and reputational criticism. Agent Orange controversy was intensified by concerns about dioxin contamination and alleged health effects.
Source

2012Human train / quieter railways campaign
United States
A whimsical film showed people riding on the exterior of a moving train and signaling “shhh” to bystanders. The creative used a quiet train as a metaphor for Dow materials and technologies applied to rail infrastructure, alongside broader references to food, buildings, and energy solutions.
Outcome. The campaign extended The Human Element platform with a more playful, emotionally accessible demonstration of an otherwise technical infrastructure benefit.
Source
2006The Human Element
United States · Global
Dow’s corporate reputation campaign shifted attention from chemical products to people and the social, environmental, and economic problems that materials science could help address. The program used television, print, online media, and public relations, with creative and communications support from Interpublic Group agencies.
Outcome. The campaign gave Dow a sustained corporate narrative centered on human needs, innovation, and responsibility, while also drawing attention to the tension between that message and criticism of the chemical industry’s environmental history.
Source
1985Doing Great Things
United States
Dow used a large corporate advertising and public-relations effort to rebuild its image after years of criticism connected with napalm, Agent Orange, dioxin, and pollution. Advertisements presented students and employees describing research aimed at food production, health, environmental protection, and wildlife preservation.
Outcome. The campaign represented a significant attempt to reposition Dow as a company whose science could produce social and environmental benefits, although it did not remove longstanding controversy around the company’s historical activities.
Source
1905Early direct-sales advertising
United States
After beginning a direct-sales effort, Dow advertised its bleaching powder in an industrial trade journal so chemical buyers would recognize the company and its products.
Outcome. The effort helped move Dow from reliance on third-party sellers toward a recognizable manufacturer-to-industry brand.
Source

Brand decisions

2016
Proceed with the three-company separation planStrategy
Background
The planned DowDuPont combination was designed to create more focused businesses in agriculture, materials science, and specialty products.
Action taken
After shareholder approval, Dow and DuPont continued regulatory and integration work toward the intended separations.
Aftermath
Dow Inc. ultimately emerged as the independent materials-science company, while Corteva and the modern DuPont became the other successor businesses.
Source
2015
Agree to merge with DuPontM&A
Background
Dow and DuPont sought to combine two large chemical companies while creating a temporary structure that could later be divided into more focused businesses.
Action taken
The companies announced an all-stock merger of equals, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in 2017 as DowDuPont and was followed by the separation of Dow’s materials-science business and two other companies.
Source
2015
Separate and combine substantial chlorine operations with OlinM&A
Background
Dow sought to reshape its chlorine and chlor-alkali portfolio and create a larger dedicated chlorine producer.
Action taken
Dow and Olin announced a transaction under which a significant portion of Dow’s chlorine business would be separated and combined with Olin.
Aftermath
The transaction created a major chlorine business operated through Olin and reduced Dow’s direct exposure to that portfolio.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
Dow announces carbon-neutrality program for building-façade silicones[14]陶氏宣布推出建筑幕墙用硅酮碳中和计划glassonweb.com
Dow announced the launch of a commercially available carbon-neutrality program for silicone materials used in structural glazing, insulating glass and weathersealing.
2021.10.06
Reported2021.10.06
Dow announces plan for net-zero ethylene and derivatives complex in Alberta[15]陶氏宣布计划在艾伯塔建设净零排放乙烯及衍生品综合设施prnewswire.com
Dow announced a plan to build an integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site at its Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta site. The proposed project would more than triple ethylene and polyethylene capacity there and retrofit existing assets to net-zero scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions; it remains subject to board and regulatory approvals.
Unconfirmed
XPO Logistics receives Dow Sustainability Award[16]XPO Logistics获得Dow可持续发展奖freightweek.org
XPO Logistics announced that it received Dow's Sustainability Award for road transportation at Dow's 2020 Road Logistics Service Providers Conference.
2020.04.01
Reported2020.04.01
Dow produces hand sanitizer at five manufacturing sites[17]陶氏在五个制造基地生产洗手液wsaz.com
Dow selected five manufacturing sites to mass-produce hand sanitizer, using raw materials it already had on hand. The South Charleston-area plant produced sanitizer for a local donation.
2020.04.01
Reported2020.04.01
Dow donates hand sanitizer to South Charleston Fire Department[17]陶氏在五个制造基地生产洗手液wsaz.com
Dow Chemical Company donated 100 gallons of hand sanitizer to the South Charleston Fire Department to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2019.10.15
Reported2019.10.15
Hempstead files lawsuit over 1,4-Dioxane contamination[13]Hempstead files lawsuit over 1,4-Dioxane contaminationpatch.com
The Town of Hempstead filed a federal lawsuit against Dow Chemical Company, Ferro Corporation and Vulcan Materials Company, accusing them of knowingly manufacturing, promoting and/or selling products containing 1,4-Dioxane despite knowing it could reach local water supply wells. The town seeks damages for water-treatment costs and punitive damages; these are allegations in the lawsuit.
2019.10.01
Reported2019.10.01
Trinseo completes acquisition of Dow latex assets in Germany[18]Trinseo完成收购Dow在德国的乳胶资产finanznachrichten.de
Trinseo announced that it completed its acquisition from Dow of latex production facilities and related infrastructure at Rheinmunster, Germany. The transaction also included approximately 108 employees who transferred from Dow to Trinseo.

Sources20 sources

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