Elkem Scientists & Partners Publish Silicone Recycling Breakthrough in Science

Aurelie Boulegue-Mondiere, Research & Innovation engineer at Elkem Silicones and co-author of the paper, stated, "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."

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.

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.

Gallium-catalyzed recycling of silicone waste with boron trichloride to yield key chlorosilanes

Access the publication on Science

About Elkem

Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index.

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Elkem Silicones