The innovation allows for the re-incorporation of recycled material at rates exceeding 50% while maintaining excellent mechanical properties.
In a significant move towards advancing the circular economy, Elkem ASA has announced a major breakthrough in silicone recycling with the successful validation of an innovative mechanical recycling process for High Consistency Rubbers (HCR). This new technology enables the effective recycling of crosslinked HCR waste, allowing the reclaimed material to be reincorporated into new formulations with impressive results.
The innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in the elastomer industry: the recycling of thermoset materials like HCR, which are highly stable and difficult to break down. Elkem's proof of concept demonstrates that advanced material engineering can unlock scalable circular approaches for high-performance silicone elastomers. The process achieves re-incorporation rates exceeding 50% while preserving the excellent mechanical properties of the resulting material. This not only helps to reduce waste and carbon footprint but also meets the growing market demand for sustainable and circular elastomer solutions.
Joséphine Munsch, R&T sustainability leader at Elkem, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating, “This breakthrough demonstrates the power of purpose-driven innovation aligned with market expectations.” She added that the company is proud to present this first proof of concept after two years of dedicated development, which opens the door to new industrial applications. Munsch emphasized that the innovation reinforces Elkem’s ambition to leverage pragmatic, science-driven solutions to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for silicones.
This new mechanical recycling route expands upon Elkem’s existing silicone recycling strategy, which also includes chemical recycling methods. By integrating multiple recycling approaches, Elkem can offer tailored solutions based on the specific type of silicone waste, sustainability goals, and the desired performance of the final product. This holistic approach supports the company’s vision of building a smart and efficient circular economy for silicones.
The development is a key outcome of the “RENOV” open innovation project, which focuses on developing technologies for the characterization and recycling of crosslinked elastomer waste. The project's goal is to enable the optimal reintegration of recycled material into formulations that contain virgin elastomers for identical applications.
High Consistency Rubbers, also known as Heat Cured Rubbers (HCR) or High Temperature Vulcanizing (HTV) silicone rubbers, are known for their exceptional mechanical strength, long-term stability, and excellent electrical insulation properties. They are chemically inert, non-flammable, and can withstand a wide temperature range, from -120°C to over +300°C depending on the grade. These unique characteristics make HCR an essential material in a diverse array of critical applications, including components for electric and hybrid vehicles, aerospace and defense equipment.
