- Elkem aims for climate-neutral production by 2050 through increased recycling.
- The pilot project in Lyon focuses on chemical recycling of silicones.
- The project is funded by France 2030 and EU's NextGenerationEU.
- Partners include CP2M, IMP, Activation, and Processium.
Project Overview
Elkem is advancing its circular economy efforts for silicones with a pilot project in Lyon, France. This initiative is part of Elkem's strategy to achieve climate-neutral production by 2050, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions and resource use through increased recycling.
Innovative Recycling Process
In 2021, Elkem launched a collaborative project to break down silicone waste using eco-designed depolymerization methods. This led to the development of patented recycling processes, now implemented at a pilot scale in Saint-Fons. The pilot unit will provide essential data for scaling up safe and energy-efficient silicone recycling to an industrial level.
Funding and Collaboration
The project is supported by the France 2030 national innovation and industry investment program, operated by ADEME, and the European Union’s NextGenerationEU fund. It also received backing from Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and BPI France, with the Axelera label.
Partnerships and Goals
Elkem's collaborative project, known as the Resourcing Silicones Polymers (REPOS) project, involves partnerships with CP2M and IMP academic labs, and SMEs Activation and Processium. The project aims to develop eco-friendly depolymerization chemistry to reduce silicone waste, contributing to the green transition and digitalization.
