Elkem ASA’s Silicones division has published research it the journal Science that outlines a process to recycle silicones. In collaboration with CNRS and Activation researchers, Elkem scientists have developed a process to recycle silicones back to their chlorosilanes states, enabling the creation of new silicones across various technologies. The paper is titled Gallium-catalyzed recycling of silicone waste with boron trichloride to yield key chlorosilanes.

Aurelie Boulegue-Mondiere, Research & Innovation engineer at Elkem Silicones and co-author of the paper, said, "Being published in Science is a major recognition of our R&D efforts. This achievement underscores Elkem's unwavering commitment to silicones circularity and our substantial investments in pioneering recycling technologies.”

This research is the result of a long-term collaboration with the academic lab CP2M, affiliated with CNRS and Activation, a partner company in charge of the very first pilot trials. The innovative recycling route converts silicone waste back to its fundamental building blocks, chlorosilanes, allowing for the production of high-purity recycled materials from any type of silicone waste.

Boulegue-Mondiere added, "This game changing approach to recycling is universal: it is capable of breaking down all types of silicone waste to return to the fundamental building block of silicones, namely chlorosilanes, under mild conditions. The silicone value chain cycle can then be restarted."

The technical feasibility of this recycling route has been demonstrated at the lab scale, and ongoing collaborative work aims to address industrial challenges and enhance the process's viability. One of the key remaining challenges in silicone recycling is the collection and sorting of silicone waste to be used as input materials. Elkem is adopting a comprehensive and proactive approach by forming partnerships along the value chain.

Elkem's other recent investments in chemical recycling have been previously announced, and this latest achievement further solidifies the company's position as a leader in sustainable silicone solutions.

Learn more about Elkem at www.elkem.com.