Elkem, one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials, received recognition from the Business Intelligence Group (BIG) for its cutting-edge innovation SILCOLEASE? RE, the first range of 100 percent recycled silicones, which was named “Sustainability Product of the Year,” honoring its approach to circularity and eco-designed manufacturing for the label industry.

“Receiving the BIG Sustainability Award is a great honor and an affirmation that our innovation delivers genuine impact,” said Joséphine Munsch, R&T sustainability leader. “The jury recognized SILCOLEASE? RE range not only for its sustainability-driven formulations, but because it reflects our deep understanding of market needs, showcasing the dedication of our R&T teams in delivering a recycled silicone solution that can seamlessly be used into existing processes and equipment without any compromise on performance.”

The SILCOLEASE? RE range stood out as the first commercially available fully recycled, silicone-based, solvent-free release liner technology for the label and tape markets. SILCOLEASE? RE benefits from one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry thanks to an innovative, low energy recycling process. These products now reach a new milestone with 1.1 kg CO?e per kg, far under the global average of 6 kg CO?e per kg.

Developed through months of collaborative research with academic and local partners, the SILCOLEASE? RE technology rapidly evolved from a R&D project to the launch of a pilot unit at Elkem’s site of Saint-Fons, France. The development received support from France 2030 and NextGenerationEU, the French government’s and EU’s recovery initiatives supporting forward-looking investments. The scalable pilot line enables industrial liner coating machine trials and early commercial deployment.

Elkem’s pioneering method transforms silicone waste into new, high-performance silicone release coatings, validated through extensive benchmarking for anchorage, reactivity, and release, even at high line speeds. The solution empowers customers to advance their environmental strategy without compromising operational efficiency.

Visitors attending the Labelexpo Europe show from 15 to 19 September 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, will be invited to explore this breakthrough innovation and learn how it can support their sustainability goals. Elkem’s team of experts will be available for in-depth discussions at booth 4C42.

The BIG Sustainability Awards honor the companies, products, projects, and individuals proving that purpose-driven strategies can fuel growth. Winners are selected by a panel of business leaders who evaluate performance, innovation, and quantifiable outcomes across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pillars.