Sealing Excellence for 50 Years
In 2026, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone: 50 years of Silirub. What started as a bold idea from our founder, Vic Swerts, has grown into one of the most trusted sealant brands worldwide.
Launched in the 1970s as a solution for professional sealing applications, Silirub has since become an internationally recognised name, synonymous with quality, durability, and superior performance.
Silirub is more than just a product. It represents five decades of innovation, collaboration with installers, and evolution shaped by the requirements of the fenestration and construction markets.
The Beginning of Silirub
Silirub is just one product in Soudal's vast range of sealants. Founded in 1966 by Vic Swerts in Turnhout, Soudal has grown from a small family-owned business into a global leader in chemical building materials. As one of its flagship products, Silirub has been part of Soudal's journey from the beginning and is now used in more than 35 countries worldwide.
In the mid-1970s, when silicone sealants were not common place in the Belgian market, our founder Vic Swerts recognised a unique opportunity. At a time when few people understood what silicone was, he realised its potential - a decision that would later prove pivotal.
Equipped with a single machine and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, the first version of Silirub was created at Ossenmarkt in Antwerp, Belgium. Soon afterwards, the installation of our first vacuum mixer was completed at Plant 1 in Turnhout, laying the foundations for future growth. Vic began producing what would ultimately become Silirub: a new and innovative alternative to traditional putty.
A Brand That Shaped the Market
From the start, Silirub was more than just a product; it was a technology that gained the trust of professional users. Glaziers were the first to see its potential, and when major putty manufacturers approached him with requests to sell Silirub under their own brand, Vic knew he had created something revolutionary.
What made Silirub stand out was Soudal's approach to introducing it to the market. Our founder, Vic Swerts, explains, "We worked hard to make Silirub known: people had to feel the rubber."
Soudal invested early in hands-on demonstrations, including posters featuring real silicone dots so users could feel its unique rubber-like texture. These efforts, combined with rising production volumes and a shrinking price gap with putty, resulted in explosive growth for Silirub.
This marked the beginning of a journey where innovation and a personal touch go hand in hand. Our employees, distribution partners, and customers form the heart of our success and their stories continue to shape Silirub today.
A Trusted Brand Name for 50 Years
Silirub has remained a professionally trusted brand of silicone sealants for over the last five decades. The strength of the brand is base around its superior quality and excellent sealing capabilities:
- Excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials
- Exceptional weather and UV resistance for long-lasting performance
- Mould-resistant properties for sanitary environments
- Low-emission, low-odour formulations
- Easy and reliable application for both indoor and outdoor use
Today, Silirub is used globally for:
- Window and door installation
- Sanitary sealing in bathrooms and kitchens
- Construction and façade joints
- Airtightness applications
Sustainable progress: Building the future, together
The world is changing, and as a business we must evolve with it. Innovation has always been part of our DNA. We continually invest in research and development, with respect for both people and the environment. Silirub continues to offer users more sustainable solutions, such as:
- New alkoxy formulas for even better performance
- Foil pack formats to considerably reduce plastic packaging
- EC1+ certifications for the highest emissions standards
- Ongoing R&D investments in Turnhout