Elkem ASA's Silicones division today announced a significant leap forward in sustainable material solutions for the label industry with the launch of its new SILCOLEASE RE range. These pioneering release liner products, unveiled in the USA, are the first commercial offerings derived from Elkem's cutting-edge chemical recycling pilot unit in Saint Fons, France.

The initial offerings, SILCOLEASE RE POLY 11362 and SILCOLEASE RE POLY 368, are 100% recycled silicone-based and solvent-free. These groundbreaking products promise to deliver the same high-performance characteristics that customers have come to expect from the established SILCOLEASE range, including reliable non-stick properties and effortless release of self-adhesive materials.

A key advantage of the SILCOLEASE RE range lies in its significantly improved carbon footprint. Developed using Elkem's new, patented depolymerisation technology, these recycled silicones boast a remarkable 70% reduction in carbon emissions compared to their non-recycled counterparts.

Agnès Jolly, Head of Research & Technology for Silicone Fluids at Elkem, emphasized the significance of this launch, stating, "These products represent the future of release liner technology. Our customers can now benefit from the same trusted performance while significantly reducing their environmental impact. Extensive tests and trials have been conducted to ensure a seamless integration into existing processes, providing users with a drop-in sustainable solution."

The performance of the recycled silicones has been rigorously validated through trials conducted in early 2025 with Kroenert GmbH & Co KG, a leading German manufacturer of coating machines. Ralf Thiel, Process Technology Engineer at Kroenert, confirmed the positive results, stating, "The recycled products demonstrated the same processing capabilities as virgin ones, even when operating at high processing speeds. The consistently positive outcomes highlight the optimal and sustainable applicability of recycled silicone."

The launch of the SILCOLEASE RE range underscores Elkem's proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges within the label industry. By successfully implementing chemical recycling technology, Elkem is not only offering a sustainable alternative but also demonstrating the feasibility of a circular economy model within the silicone industry. The pre-commercial availability of SILCOLEASE RE POLY 11362 and SILCOLEASE RE POLY 368 signals a new era of environmentally conscious solutions for release liner applications, empowering the label industry to embrace greater sustainability without compromising on performance or efficiency.

Elkem's commitment to transparency and knowledge sharing extends to a dedicated webinar scheduled for May 15. Hosted in collaboration with industry opinion leader AWA (Alexander Watson & Associates), the webinar will feature Elkem experts Clément Des Courieres, Sustainability Business Manager, Carine Dupuit, Market Manager, and Sébastien Marrot, Product Manager.