Herculite Products Reaches Two Years With No Lost Time Incidents

EMIGSVILLE, PA— November 18, 2024 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, proudly announces a significant safety milestone: two consecutive years with zero loss-time incidents (LTI). This achievement underscores our associates’ unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the well-being of their teammates.

Safety is a core value at Herculite, and this milestone reflects the dedication and diligence of every associate in upholding the company’s high safety standards. Reaching two years without a single LTI is an excellent accomplishment, demonstrating Herculite associates’ commitment to following safety protocols, participating in regular training, and maintaining constant vigilance while on the job.

Herculite President and CEO Peter McKernan said: “At Herculite, our goal to be world-class starts with Safety. Our Associate-driven culture is empowered to work safely and ensure our fellow associates share the same level of commitment to safety. I am extremely proud of all our Associates for reaching this milestone.”

Herculite Vice President of Operations Gary Harrelson said: “We are all excited about the positive results we are seeing with our Safety Culture.  All associates take ownership in our Safety Journey and remain vigilant in ensuring that we foster a work environment that is safe for everyone.”

Over the past two years, Herculite has invested in various safety initiatives, including:

  • Enhanced Training Programs: Regular, comprehensive safety training for employees and management.
  • Upgraded Safety Equipment: State-of-the-art tools and personal protective equipment to ensure maximum on-site safety.
  • Robust Safety Protocols: Continuous review and improvement of standard operating procedures to prevent incidents before they happen.
  • Employee Wellness Programs: Support programs that ensure all employees’ mental and physical health.

Herculite associates recognize that maintaining a safe workplace is an ongoing process, and they remain committed to upholding and exceeding industry safety standards. As Herculite celebrates this milestone, we seek ways to continue this track record of safety excellence. Our associate-led safety team, Safe-Pack, will continue to foster a proactive safety culture by empowering fellow teammates to prioritize health and safety to achieve our goal of setting new benchmarks in the industry and contributing positively to the communities in which Herculite operates.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

2024 Quarterly Issue IV

Duer’s performance flannel button-down shirt featuring graphene fiber

Vancouver-based denim and lifestyle apparel brand Duer has launched a performance flannel button-down shirt made using a graphene nanofiber. The graphene fights static, keeps the fabric fresh, is cooling when hot, and confers warmth without weight.

Geneva-based testing, inspection and certification company SGS has unveiled a comprehensive suite of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing services.

Q-Lab, Westlake, Ohio, has launchead a redesigned website. Located at Q-Lab.com, the site offers new tools and resources to visitors to simplify searches, among other improvements.

Switzerland-based Heberlein Technology and Indonesia-based Busana Apparel Group have both joined the Zurich-based International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
as a corporate members.

Germany-based Monforts recently celebrated its 140th anniversary under the motto “140 Years of Performance, Innovation and Partners.”

Forbo Flooring Systems has introduced the first collection in its Evolve+ series, Tessera Topology, which features Thrive® matter low-carbon-foot-print yarn from Bristol,Va.-based Universal Fibers®.

Italy-based Thermore has introduced Invisiloft®, a slim insulation product that offers high warmth with minimal thickness.

Spartanburg, S.C.-based Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, won the 2024 R&D 100 Award in Mechanical/Materials for its Power Shield™ Pro fabric.

2024 Quarterly Volume IV

Kelsun™ Fiber: Seaweed Reinvented

The Kelsun™ Universal Blanket Shirt from OuterKnown

Sustainable fashion brand OuterKnown has launched the first commercial product featuring Keel Labs’ Kelsun™ fiber.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Slippery and slimy are words that come to mind when describing seaweed, not soft, smooth and comfortable like natural textile fibers. But Keel Labs, formerly known as AlgiKnit and the creator of Kelsun™ fiber, has harnessed alginate — a biopolymer found in seaweed — and developed a process to turn it into an environmentally friendly textile fiber. The fiber, designed as a plug-and-play replacement for conventional fibers, may be used in applications throughout the textile industry, according to Keel Labs.

The company was founded by Tessa Callaghan and Aleks Gosiewski. As design students, they wanted to tackle waste in the fashion industry and took on the mission of creating a material solution that is as environmentally friendly as possible. Kelsun is 100-percent biobased, and also is biodegradable in wastewater. The seaweed used also is responsibly sourced.

After years in development, Keel Labs is excited to announce the first commercial product launch for Kelsun fiber. The Kelsun Universal Blanket Shirt was developed in partnership with OuterKnown, a Culver City, Calif.-based apparel brand. The fabric is a 30-percent Kelsun/70-percent regenerative organic certified (ROC™) cotton, which retains the look, feel and performance of the original Universal Blanket Shirts in OuterKnown’s product line.

OuterKnown was founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater and John Moore, Creative director, with a commitment to sustainable choices. The brand focuses on high-quality, responsibly sourced materials including organic, recycled or regenerated fibers, and biobased materials.

“The Blanket Shirt was one of the first products in our line, and it remains one of my favorite pieces,” Slater said. “From the beginning, it was important to me to design and build a shirt that was high quality, made from sustainable materials, but felt vintage soft. … It’s been 10 years since we made the first one, and we are proud to be partnering with Keel Labs on the next generation of this shirt with a version made from Kelsun, a 100-percent biobased fiber derived from seaweed. Working with suppliers that share our love for the ocean is a great fit for Outerknown. I’m excited to see this grow.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Outerknown for the first commercial launch of Kelsun fiber,” said Keel Labs Co-Founder and CEO Callaghan. “At Keel Labs, we are deeply committed to our mission of harnessing the potential of our oceans to create better products for people and the planet alike. Working alongside a brand like Outerknown, that shares our dedication to creating a better world, and our steadfast love of the sea to bring our products to life couldn’t be more fitting. This is a pivotal moment, not just for Keel Labs, but for the industry as a whole, standing as a marker for what lies ahead when conviction, action and collaboration combine. This garment is the first — though not last — of its kind, and we can’t wait to continue sharing the evolution and expansion of our partnership.”

2024 Quarterly Volume IV

KOLAB Collection Launches NFC (Near Field Communication) -Tagged Sustainable Clothing Line

NEW YORK — October 22, 2024 — KOLAB Collection, a global clothing brand dedicated to sustainable clothing, will launch its NFC-tagged clothing line today with its Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Designed to be passed down, KOLAB Collection is one of the first clothing companies to use NFC (Near Field Communication) tagging technology on a wide scale and day-to-day basis by using NFC tags to aid in authentication, inventory management, resale management, and traceability. This ensures that its outerwear can be easily handed down to the next wearer.

Each jacket is equipped with KOLAB’s NFC-enabled, waterproof & laundry-proof info tag, allowing customers to access its unique history and lifetime details.

The Fall/Winter collection focuses on minimalism, with clean silhouettes and a palette of neutral blues, greens and khakis inspired by the colors of New England, as well as urban and natural settings. The Fall/Winter collection will feature new designs for signature items like the Mixed Fabric Chore Jacket, Waterproof Tech Jacket, Padded Parka and other clothing. The collection includes features like hidden pockets, ventilation systems, and adjustable elements to optimize functionality without compromising style.

Paul Ng, Founder of KOLAB Collection, shares, “After years of development, my team and I are excited to introduce the KOLAB Collection to the world. Our sustainable fashion line reflects the values that we believe in—functionality, style, and durability. We are confident in the exceptional quality of our pieces, from YKK zippers to stitching techniques that ensure a flawless fit, giving our pieces the longevity to be passed down rather than discarded. To make this process seamless, we are one of the first clothing companies to utilize NFC tagging technology on a wide scale to ensure that wearers can always trace the provenance of each item.”

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: KOLAB

Jones Family Of Companies And ECO Fiber Inc. Enter Joint Venture To Launch ECO Fiber Packaging, A Sustainable Cold Chain Packaging Solutions Company

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — November 18, 2024 — Jones Family of Companies Inc. and ECO Fiber Inc. are excited to announce the formation of a joint venture to expand their offerings in the sustainable cold chain packaging market. This new venture combines the strengths of ECO Fiber’s expertise in packaging solutions with Jones Family of Companies’ nearly 90 years of experience in textiles and commitment to sustainability. Together, they are establishing a new company, ECO Fiber Packaging, which will provide innovative, sustainable cold chain packaging solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Both companies recognized that a new corporate model would maximize their combined potential, prompting the creation of ECO Fiber Packaging. As part of the venture, Jones Family of Companies has acquired the textile assets of ECO Fiber Inc., and a Joint Venture Agreement has been executed. ECO Fiber Packaging will operate as a wholly new entity under its own brand, with the joint commitment of both companies to deliver high-quality, environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

“We’re thrilled to see the possibilities this joint venture will bring,” said Ralph Jones III, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Jones Family of Companies. “The Schneider family and ECO Fiber team bring immense talent and dedication, which perfectly complements Jones’ legacy of quality and sustainable practices. Together, we’re poised to set a new standard in cold chain packaging.”

Jones Family of Companies is a pioneer in sustainable practices and a leader in the USDA BioPreferred Program. This federal program encourages the use of renewable agricultural resources in product manufacturing, reducing dependence on petroleum. Jones’ USDA- certified biobased insulation products, made from renewable materials like cotton and jute, meet rigorous standards for temperature-sensitive applications in industries such as frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. This dedication to environmental responsibility is a natural alignment with ECO Fiber’s values of sustainability and product excellence, making this partnership a powerful combination of service, quality, and innovation.

With Jones’ manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Indiana joining ECO Fiber Packaging locations in North Carolina and Texas, the new company now has expanded reach and capacity to serve customers nationwide with even greater reliability and efficiency. ECO Fiber Packaging is committed to enhancing the service, quality, and product lineup that customers have come to trust from ECO Fiber, while advancing their commitment to sustainable practices.

Key leaders from both companies will continue to serve as champions of the ECO Fiber Packaging brand. Kent Schneider, co-founder of ECO Fiber Inc., and Andrew Dailey, Sr. VP Strategic Accounts and Bus Dev from Jones Family of Companies will work together to deliver exceptional service and drive innovation in the cold chain packaging space.

“It has been an incredible experience working alongside the Jones Family of Companies,” said Schneider. “We share a deep commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, and I look forward to furthering that collaboration with Andrew and the entire Jones team.”

Schneider co-founded ECO Fiber Inc. with his father, Brian, in 2021, building the company on principles of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and uncompromising quality. Andrew Dailey brings decades of expertise in textile sustainability and has established himself as a well-respected specialist in the cold chain packaging industry. Together, they bring a unique blend of experience and passion to the new venture, ensuring the highest standards of service and innovation.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Jones Family of Companies, Inc.

S&S Activewear Taps Industry Veteran Eric Levin To Lead Hard Goods Division

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — November 15, 2024 — S&S Activewear (“S&S”), a technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories, announced the appointment of industry veteran Eric Levin as general manager of its newly designated Prime Line Hard Goods division.

In his role as General Manager, Levin will be responsible for leading a dedicated division focused specifically on hard goods, leveraging his extensive experience in the promotional products industry. A specialized sales team devoted to hard goods will report directly to Levin as he works closely with the executive team at S&S and alphabroder to shape the division’s strategic and organizational design.

Eric Levin

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Prime Line Hard Goods division,” Levin said. “Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable, first-hand experience within the hard goods and decorated apparel industries. That specialized knowledge developed into a unique ability to pinpoint areas prime for growth and improvement within the business and industry at large.”

Levin brings over 33 years of industry leadership to this role, having previously founded Jetline, a successful promotional products business that merged with Prime Line in 2015. Two years later, Prime Line was acquired by alphabroder and became the supplier’s hard goods division, where Levin served as executive vice president of strategy and growth.

“We’re excited for the future of the hard goods division with Eric at the helm,” said Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “His expertise and strong customer relationships position us for significant growth in this new phase.”

To learn more about S&S, visit www.ssactivewear.com.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: S&S Activewear

KARL MAYER: More Business With Composites, Greater Efficiency In Warp Knitting With Weft Insertion

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — November 14, 2024 — During ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, KARL MAYER presented “Master the Change” solutions for numerous areas of the textile industry, including the technical textiles segment. At its stand in the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, the global player showed how the non-crimp fabrics from its highly productive composite machines can be used to exploit promising sales potential with lightweight construction applications. At an in-house show accompanying the trade fair at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in Changzhou, there was also a performance demonstration of innovative warp knitting machines with weft insertion with a 2nd generation TM WEFT and the new WEFT GRID ECO. Thanks to its special performance, the newcomer focuses on the production of lightweight glass fabrics for use in the construction industry, for example as plaster grids or crack tape.

Multiaxial non-crimp fabrics for a high-margin market

Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager

The response to the two exhibitions was not as high as at a typical technical textiles trade fair. In particular, the number of visitors from countries outside Asia was below the expectations of Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager of KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles Business Unit. Nevertheless, the market expert draws a positive conclusion. “We held numerous high-quality discussions with different customers. Among them were a surprising number of traditional warp knitting companies who talked to us about entry opportunities in the carbon composite sector,” says Jan Stahr.

The reactions to the samples of non-crimp fabrics exhibited in Shanghai and to the application video shown met all expectations. Particularly pleasing was the visit to the KARL MAYER stand by an up-and-coming carbon composite player, which is characterised by a high willingness to innovate. Representatives of his top management came to exchange ideas. The reasons for the great interest in carbon fiber-reinforced composites are, on the one hand, the affordable raw material prices since China’s entry into fiber production and, on the other hand, an increased demand for lightweight components, especially in the field of e-mobility. The carbon composite business attracts newcomers and those switching to it with higher margins than in the glass fiber reinforcement segment.

MAX GLASS ECO

There was also a promising exchange about the MAX GLASS ECO. The reliable production machine for the extremely economical production of standard articles made of glass fibers is particularly interesting for the wind power market, which is currently picking up speed again in China and India after years of consolidation. The timing of the machine presentation via video and with samples could not have been better!

Warp knitting machines with weft insertion with market tailoring

Ocean Wave Fabric TM WEFT

Another crowd-puller was the TM WEFT for the in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). Many visitors took the opportunity to see the performance of the highly efficient machine for themselves – thanks to a targeted upgrade, the new version is 20% faster than its predecessor. Some customers also decided to invest during the event. Demand is being fuelled in particular by the trend-driven fashion sector. “We are seeing more and more outerwear fabrics being produced at TM WFT instead of interlining articles,” explains Jan Stahr. In line with this development, the exhibition machine in Changzhou produced a chic ocean wave fabric with striking 3D surface effects. TM WEFT customers include many weaving companies that have been able to reduce their machinery and therefore their personnel requirements by switching to the highly efficient warp knitting machine with weft insertion.

Confirmation from the market

The new WEFT GRID ECO aroused interest due to its price-performance ratio. It achieves a working speed of 1,800 rpm and has convinced customers to conduct performance tests in their production in the coming weeks. However, the growth impulses from the construction sector, the main customer for WEFT GRID ECO products, is still below expectations.

The feedback from the presentations at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 confirms that KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles Business Unit is on the right track.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Sicomin Partners With Skaw Sailing And SHORETEAM On The SKAW (A) Worlds First Foiling Scow Yacht To Be Built With Sustainable GreenPoxy Resins

SICOMIN, France — November 18, 2024 — Sicomin, a global supplier in advanced bio-based epoxy systems, is excited to announce its latest collaboration with Skaw Sailing and SHORETEAM for the pioneering SKAW (A) foiling cruising yacht. Built by SHORETEAM and designed by Benoit Marie and Clément Bercault, the SKAW (A) is a ground-breaking monohull scow that brings together a high-performance foiling design and a reduced environmental impact through Sicomin GreenPoxy® resins.

Skaw A interior view

The SKAW (A) represents the first-ever foiling cruising scow yacht, crafted for optimal speed, maneuverability, and eco-responsibility. The vessel leverages Sicomin’s GreenPoxy range to set new standards in sustainable performance. This innovative bio-based epoxy solution achieves industry-leading mechanical properties while significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional petroleum-based resins.

The SKAW (A) will be constructed using Sicomin’s high-modulus GreenPoxy solutions, including SR InfuGreen 171 for the infusion of larger parts and SR GreenPoxy 170 for the hand laminating and bonding of the secondary structures. Both resins provide the strength, durability, and quality essential for a high-performance yacht design and enable SHORETEAM to achieve the ultra-lightweight 5000kg displacement and advanced mechanical performance necessary to achieve optimal foiling.

“Our goal was to design a yacht that embodies both exceptional performance and environmental responsibility,” said Benoit Marie, Founder, Skaw Sailing. “With Sicomin’s GreenPoxy technology and SHORETEAM’s expert craftmenship, we have achieved a lightweight, strong, and sustainable yacht that pushes the boundaries of foiling technology for cruising.”

Sicomin’s GreenPoxy products, specifically formulated for demanding applications such as marine foiling, offer enhanced mechanical properties including mechanical strength and durability, making them the ideal choice for the SKAW (A).

“Our SR InfuGreen 171 and SR GreenPoxy 170 were an ideal fit for this ambitious project”, added Tom Kerriou, Sicomin. “We are excited to see our sustainable GreenPoxy epoxy solutions contribute to the success of this design and we look forward to supporting Skaw Sailing and SHORETEAM in bringing this innovative yacht to life.”

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Sicomin

European And Mercosur Business Associations Ask Swift Conclusion Of EU-Mercosur FTA

BRUSSELS — November 18, 2024 — In a joint call from both sides of the Atlantic, 78 business associations representing a diverse array of industries from the EU and Mercosur ask their governments to expedite the conclusion of the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The statement underscores the strategic importance of reinforcing trade links, fostering investments and promoting sustainable development, which this historic agreement is built to deliver.

Addressed to the Presidents of the European Parliament, European Council, European Commission, and Hungarian Presidency of the Council, and shared with the Mercosur Presidency, the statement highlights that over €159 billion in goods and services was traded between the EU and Mercosur in 2022, with mutual investments approaching €380 billion. Together, these economic ties underpin millions of jobs on both continents. The associations highlight the importance of the EU-Mercosur agreement, emphasising that it can help mitigate the challenges posed by geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions.

The joint statement notes that the agreement represents a rare opportunity to strengthen relations between the EU and Mercosur. Both sides would benefit from an agreement that  supports economic recovery and lays the foundations for sustained growth. In particular:

  • Market Access and Growth: The removal of trade barriers would enable greater market access, facilitating a steady flow of goods and services.
  • Supply Chain Stability: Strengthened trade relationships would mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions, securing reliable access to essential resources.
  • Enhanced Cooperation: By deepening cooperation, the agreement could bolster sustainable development, labour rights, and environmental standards across both regions.

In conclusion, the coalition of business associations calls on policymakers to take immediate steps toward ratification, positioning the EU and Mercosur to advance their mutual competitiveness in a changing and challenging global landscape.

List of Signatories

  • ABAL – Associação Brasileira do Alumínio
  • ABBD – Associação Brasileira de Bebidas Destiladas
  • ABELAC – Alianza de Bebidas Espirituosas de Latinoamérica y el Caribe
  • ABIA – Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Alimentos
  • ABICAB – Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Chocolates, Amendoim e Balas
  • ABICALÇADOS – – Associação Brasileira das Indústrias de Calçados
  • ABICS – Associação Brasileira da Industria de Café Solúvel
  • ABIFINA – Associação Brasileira das Indústrias de Química Fina
  • ABIHPEC – Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Higiene Pessoal, Perfumaria e Cosméticos
  • ABINEE – Associação Brasileira da Indústria Elétrica e Eletrônica
  • Abipeças – Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Autopeças
  • ABIPLAST – Associação Brasileira da Indústria do Plástico
  • Abiquim – Associação Brasileira da Indústria Química
  • ABIT – Associação Brasileira da Indústria Têxtil e de Confecção
  • ABITAM – Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Tubos e Acessórios de Metal
  • ABPI – Associação Brasileira da Propriedade Intelectual
  • ABRABE – Associação Brasileira de Bebidas
  • ABRAFAR – Associação Brasileira de Fabricantes de Refratários
  • ABRAFRUTAS
  • ABRAMEQ – Associação brasileira das Indústrias de Máquinas e Equipamentos para os setores do couro, calçados e afins
  • ACEA – The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association
  • AmCham EU
  • ANFACER – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Cerâmica para Revestimentos, Louças Sanitárias e Congêneres
  • ASIQUR – Asociación de Industrias Químicas del Uruguay
  • ASSOCIQUIM – Associação Brasileira dos Distribuidores de Produtos Químicos e Petroquímicos
  • The Brewers of Europe
  • BusinessEurope
  • CAEDHPA
  • CAOBISCO
  • CAPA
  • CAPABA – Cámara Paraguaya de Bebidas Alcohólicas
  • CASIC
  • CEC – European Footwear Confederation
  • CECE
  • CECIMO – European Association of Manufacturing Technologies
  • Cefic – European Chemical Industry Council
  • CELCAA – European Liaison Committee for Agricultural and Agri-Food Trade
  • Centro de Fabricantes de Licores
  • Cepi
  • Ceramie-Unie – The European Ceramic Industry
  • CICB – Centro das Indústrias de Curtumes do Brasil
  • CIQyP – Cámara de la Industria Química y Petroquímica
  • CIU – Cámara de Industrias del Uruguay
  • CIUS
  • CLEPA – European Association of Automotive Suppliers
  • CNI – Confederação Nacional da Indústria
  • Comité Vin
  • Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association
  • COTANCE – The European Leather Industry
  • CUPCAT – Cámara Uruguaya de Perfumería, Cosmética y Artículos de Tocador
  • EDA – European Dairy Association
  • ESF – European Services Forum
  • ESRA – European Sugar Refineries Association
  • EURATEX – The European Apparel and Textile Confederation
  • Eurochambres – The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry
  • EuroCommerce
  • EUROFER
  • EUROMETAUX
  • FADA – Federación Argentina de Destilados y Aperitivos
  • FIEMG – Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Minas Gerais
  • FIEP – Federação Industrial do Paraná
  • FIERGS – Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
  • FIESC – Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Santa Catarina
  • FIESP – Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo
  • FIRJAN – Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
  • Grupo FarmaBrasil
  • IBRAC – Brazilian Institute of Cachaça
  • Medicines for Europe
  • Orgalim – Europe’s Technology Industries
  • SINCS – Sindicato Nacional da Indústria de Café Solúvel
  • Sindipeças – Sindicato Nacional da Indústria de Componentes para Veículos Automotores
  • SIR – Sindicato Nacional da Indústria de Refratários
  • SIREFMG – Sindicato da Indústria de Refratários no Estado de Minas Gerais
  • spiritsEUROPE
  • TIE – Toy Industries of Europe
  • UIA – União Industrial Argentina
  • UNICA – União da Indústria de Cana-de-Açúcar
  • UPEFRUY

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: The European Textile and Clothing industry (EURATEX)

Elkem Reaches Major Milestone In Advancing The Circular Economy For Silicones

LYON, France  — November 18, 2024 — Elkem today announced the successful scaling of its chemical silicone waste upcycling project from a laboratory to pilot unit at its Saint-Fons production site in Lyon, France. This marks a significant milestone in driving the transition to a circular economy for silicones.

As part of its climate strategy, Elkem is committed to cutting CO2 emissions and resource-use to reach climate-neutral production by 2050, notably by increasing recycling in its own operations and developing circular loops with customers and suppliers. In 2021, Elkem initiated a collaborative project* dedicated to breaking down silicone waste, using eco-designed depolymerization methods. This project led to the implementation of innovative routes and processes for the recycling of silicones that are patented by Elkem and partners and embedded in the construction and operation of the unit at Saint-Fons. Recycling silicones reduces their carbon footprint and contributes to securing the provision of the critical raw material, demand for which is rising due to the green transition and digitalization.

The technical implementation of the chemical recycling is now being performed at a pilot scale. This marks a major milestone in Elkem’s journey towards offering recycled silicones to the market. The pilot unit will provide vital scale-up information for safe and energy-efficient recycling of silicones at the industrial scale, and supply Elkem’s target customers with representative quantities of silicone with recycled content.

“As a manufacturer of silicones since 1948 and leading global supplier of silicones, we are committed to creating a circular economy for our products, giving them a second life. Chemical recycling of silicones is a key technological enabler to close the loop. Through our innovative technology, we can provide a solution for silicone waste and offer low carbon solutions from recycling with the same quality as those made from virgin material to the market,” says Joséphine Munsch, Sustainability Project Leader at Elkem.

Elkem’s patented depolymerization process technologies offer multiple unique benefits, such as low process temperatures, which enable lower carbon emissions, high conversion rates and chemical selectivity that avoids the generation of undesirable by-products and residues.

This project** was funded by the France 2030 national innovation and industry investment programme, operated by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), and the European Union’s NextGenerationEU fund.

*Elkem’s collaborative project, known as the Resourcing Silicones Polymers (REPOS) project, focuses on developing eco-friendly depolymerization chemistry to reduce silicone waste. REPOS has been developed with CP2M and IMP academic labs, and the SMEs Activation and Processium. This project received the support and funding from Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes et BPI France and labelled by Axelera.

** The funded project ROSE UPP is dedicated to the scale up of chemical recycling technologies.  

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Elkem ASA

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