For more than 80 years, the fumed silica industry has relied on conventional production methods built around silicon tetrachloride. HPQ Silicon believes its Fumed Silica Reactor offers a different route: producing commercial-grade fumed silica directly from quartz.
That is why Bernard Tourillon’s latest interview matters. HPQ’s July 8, 2026 press release confirmed that the pilot program achieved its two principal objectives: reliably producing commercial-grade fumed silica directly from quartz and generating the engineering and operating data required to support the design, costing and economic evaluation of future commercial production facilities.
But the interview added the bigger investor context: pilot success did not narrow HPQ’s path. It expanded the commercial conversation.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pilot Validated: HPQ says the pilot program demonstrated that the FSR can produce commercial-grade fumed silica directly from quartz, including pilot-scale production of commercial-grade “150” fumed silica.
Engineering Confidence: PyroGenesis completed a detailed engineering review of pilot operating data, which HPQ says strengthened confidence in projected operating parameters and commercial-scale economics.
Evonik Question Addressed: Bernard addressed investor questions directly, saying they remain involved, communications have not stopped and the company had asked HPQ to be more discreet in how often its name was used publicly.
Multiple Deployment Paths: HPQ’s strategy includes joint ventures, licensing opportunities, royalty-based production partnerships and company-owned production facilities where appropriate.
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
The interview clarified why HPQ’s original timeline around the non-binding MOU shifted. Bernard did not frame the delay as a lack of interest. He framed it as the result of a broader opportunity set that requires more commercial, legal and technical work before HPQ commits to a structure.
Bernard’s key message was that HPQ now has a better understanding of what the technology could look like at scale, including cost structure and potential price points. That has given the company more confidence to re-engage with existing parties, speak with new potential industrial participants and evaluate multiple possible commercial structures.
CEO Bernard Tourillon:
“The pilot program has demonstrated that our Fumed Silica Reactor can produce commercial-grade fumed silica directly from quartz and generated the engineering data required to evaluate multiple commercial pathways with significantly greater confidence. The pilot program has transformed the FSR from an engineering development project into a scalable industrial platform supported by independent validation, strengthened engineering confidence, and growing interest from potential industrial participants. Our focus is selecting the optimal deployment strategy while positioning the FSR as a scalable platform capable of serving multiple industrial markets and creating sustainable long-term shareholder value.”
INVESTOR TAKEAWAY
HPQ Silicon’s fumed silica story is no longer just about proving that the FSR can make commercial-grade material. According to the company’s July 8 update, the pilot program demonstrated commercial-grade fumed silica production directly from quartz and produced the engineering data needed to evaluate future commercial deployment.
For investors, the story has shifted from “does it work?” to “what is the right deal?” With pilot validation complete, engineering confidence strengthened and strategic discussions expanded, HPQ is now focused on selecting the deployment path it believes can maximize the long-term value of the FSR technology.
