Dow and Circusil Collaborate on Their First North American Silicone Recycling Plant
As part of the company’s commitment to engage in a circular economy, Dow and its partner Circusil LLC are building a state-of-the-art silicone recycling facility in Kentucky
Dow and Circusil LLC announced Nov. 3 a partnership to construct their first commercial-scale silicone recycling plant in North America. The facility will recycle silicone waste streams from Dow’s U.S. operations as well as post-industrial waste streams from customers. Operations are targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. The strategic investment marks a substantial milestone in Dow’s silicone circularity journey and will allow the company to produce silicone polymers derived from silicone waste and end-of-life products originating from U.S. operations.
The advanced recycling process that will be used at the new facility contributes to enhanced sustainability. In addition to achieving silicone recycling by closing the loop and ultimately reintroducing the recycled silicone product into silicone production, it also aims to reduce the overall carbon footprint. Recycled silicones exhibit a lower carbon footprint compared to silicone manufactured from virgin material.