Elkem ASA’s Silicones division has announced the launch of two additions to its SILCOLEASE range for release liners, reinforcing its commitment to circularity and innovation. These products offer superior carbon profiles and deliver identical technical performance to their non-recycled counterparts. They are the first commercial products from Elkem’s chemical recycling pilot unit in Saint Fons, France.

SILCOLEASE RE POLY 11362 and SILCOLEASE RE POLY 368, now available for pre-commercial sales, are 100% recycled silicones-based, solvent-free products.

“They represent the future of release liner technology, delivering the same trusted, non-stick properties and easy release of self-adhesive materials our customers expect from us,” says Agnès Jolly, head of research & technology for silicone fluids at Elkem. “Extensive tests and trials have been conducted to make sure users experience a seamless integration into existing processes.”

In early 2025, Elkem conducted trials with Kroenert GmbH & Co KG, a coating machine manufacturer based in Hamburg, Germany, to validate the performance of its recycled silicone. “The recycled products demonstrated the same processing capabilities as virgin ones, even when running at high processing speed. The consistently positive results point to an optimal and sustainable use of recycled silicone,” says Ralf Thiel, process technology engineer at Kroenert.

The recycled products, developed using Elkem’s new, patented depolymerization technology, have a 70% lower carbon footprint compared to their non-recycled counterparts, anticipating future requirements and specifications and meeting growing market demand for more sustainable solutions.