Silicone Recycling Methods
A Breakthrough Process Will Enable Silicone to Be Infinitely Recycled
Georgia Wray Norsten — April 28, 2025
Researchers at France’s CNRS have developed the first universal silicone recycling process, breaking down used silicone products into their original chemical building blocks. Unlike current methods, the new process can recover chlorosilanes repeatedly without degradation, enabling infinite recyclability.
This breakthrough could dramatically reduce the silicone industry’s carbon footprint, as silicone production is energy-intensive and relies on raw quartz mining. By creating a true closed-loop system, the innovation paves the way for circular production of silicone materials used in industries from construction to healthcare.
Researchers are now working to scale the technology for industrial applications, aiming to make silicone recycling as common as glass or aluminum recycling. Infinite silicone recycling could disrupt the $20+ billion silicone market. Manufacturers adopting closed-loop systems can cut costs, reduce carbon emissions, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers, while alleviating pressure on raw material supply chains.
