76 SUSTAINABILITY


The benefits of recycled silicone polymers


Alexander Selig - CHT, Germany


Trend researchers have declared neo-ecology as the most important megatrend of the 2020s. It describes the transformation to a resource- efficient, sustainable economy that is taking place in society, with product characteristics that bring together added value and longevity. More and more consumers prefer brands


and companies that offer more than just a product. In particular, the new generation values the sustainable ideals of swapping and reusing, especially when it comes to preserving the value of a product or to save the environment.1


Circular economy and Sustainable Development Goals The principle behind a circular economy is that products are reused for as long as possible or recycled. This extends the lifecycle of products, leads to a significant reduction in waste and ensures that the full value of the resource can be utilized the circular economy, as well as climate protection are also part of the global targets for sustainable development that have been published by the United Nations in their Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 12 – responsible consumption and


production (Figure 1) – sets out demands for more environmentally compatible handling of chemicals and waste, as well as a significant reduction of waste volumes through reuse and recycling.2


Goal 13 – taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts –


issues a challenge to politics and industry to incorporate appropriate climate protection measures in their strategies.


Recycling end-of-life silicone products Silicone is a versatile material that finds use in a wide range of different applications, and as such its commercial importance is significant. Silicones are an integral part of additives in personal care products.


However, the production of silicones is


extremely energy intensive. To fully exploit the value of this resource, end-of-life silicone products can be recycled. As a result, today’s silicone waste can be used to produce an important alternative raw material for tomorrow. This approach to silicone recycling follows


the waste-to-value process and takes place across several stages. The end-of-life polymers are split catalytically into silicone monomers.


Figure 1: UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 13 PERSONAL CARE September 2022 www.personalcaremagazine.com


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