Elkem has announced the successful transition of the Resourcing Silicones Polymers (REPOS) project from the laboratory phase to a pilot unit, speeding up the launch of regenerated silicone products to the market.

Launched in 2021 by Elkem, the REPOS project is a collaborative effort?between Elkem and leading scientific research institutions. It receives support and funding from Bpifrance, the France 2030 National Innovation and Industry Investment Programme, which is managed by the French Agency for Ecological Transition, and the European Union's NextGenerationEU fund.

The project aims to create an eco-friendly method for breaking down silicone waste, establish a value chain for silicone product recycling, and reduce the environmental impact of silicone waste. Elkem's patented depolymerization technology offers benefits like low-temperature processes to cut carbon emissions, and high conversion rates and chemoselectivity to prevent harmful by-products and residues.

The project is conducive to fostering?innovation in silicone waste recycling and depolymerization technology, guarantees?a consistent supply of essential raw materials, and meet the increasingly strict requirements for raw materials amidst the green and digital transformation. In 2023, the project received the 2023 European Responsible Care Award from the European Chemical Industry Council.