Elkem Enhances Its Upcycling Technology for Silicone Waste

Elkem ASA, based in Oslo, Norway, has reached a key milestone in promoting the circular economy for silicones by advancing its silicone waste upcycling project from lab research to a pilot unit at its Saint-Fons site in Lyon, France. This development aligns with Elkem’s ambitious climate strategy, which aims to achieve climate-neutral production by 2050 through reduced CO2 emissions, optimized resource utilization, and enhanced recycling practices in collaboration with customers and suppliers.

In 2021, Elkem launched a collaborative initiative focused on breaking down silicone waste using eco-designed depolymerization methods. This effort led to the development of innovative recycling routes and processes, now protected by patents held by Elkem and its partners. These cutting-edge technologies are at the core of the Saint-Fons pilot unit, enabling the company to address the rising demand for silicones—a critical raw material essential for the green transition and digitalization. By recycling silicones, Elkem not only lowers their carbon footprint but also helps ensure a stable supply of these materials.

The transition to a pilot-scale operation marks a crucial step in Elkem’s journey to introduce recycled silicones to the market. The Saint-Fons pilot unit will play a key role in demonstrating the feasibility of industrial-scale recycling by providing customers with representative quantities of silicones containing recycled content. Moreover, the facility will generate vital data for optimizing the process to ensure it is both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Joséphine Munsch, Sustainability Project Leader at Elkem, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability: “As a global leader in silicones since 1948, we are dedicated to creating a circular economy for our products and giving them a second life. The chemical recycling of silicones is a crucial technology for achieving a closed-loop system. Our innovative solutions allow us to address silicone waste while delivering low-carbon, high-quality materials equivalent to those made from virgin sources.”

Elkem’s patented depolymerization technology offers multiple advantages, making it a breakthrough in silicone recycling. The process operates at low temperatures, significantly reducing carbon emissions. It delivers high conversion rates and precise chemical selectivity while minimizing the production of unwanted by-products and residues. These unique features ensure a more sustainable and efficient recycling process.

As the demand for environmentally friendly materials grows, Elkem’s advancements position the company as a leader in the development of sustainable silicone solutions. The success of the Saint-Fons pilot unit is a critical step towards meeting global needs while supporting a greener, circular economy.