Dow to open first N.A. silicone recycling facility

MIDLAND, Mich.—Dow Inc. intends to take silicone recycling to commercial levels in 2024 with the establishment of the company's first North American silicone recycling plant in Paris, Ky.

Set for operation in late 2024, the plant—constructed in partnership with Circusil L.L.C.—will recycle silicone waste streams from Dow's U.S. operations as well as post-industrial waste streams from consumers.

Dow then will have the capability of using the recycled materials in its silicone production, lowering its overall carbon footprint in the process and giving its customers more sustainable options for silicones.

"Our partnership with Circusil L.L.C. to establish silicone recycling capabilities in North America marks a major stride forward in our pursuit of circularity," Eric Peeters, vice president for Dow Performance Materials and Coatings, said in a statement.

"It reflects our ambition to lead silicone recycling at scale," he said. "As a global silicone manufacturer, we are actively delivering on our commitment to drive circularity aiming to achieve a closed-loop system on this extremely valuable material, while lowering the carbon footprint of silicones."

Specifics about the size of the investment and the details about the new facility's size and capacity were not disclosed. However, Dow did note that, once operational, the plant will allow it to reduce Scope 1 or 3 emissions in its operations, mainly those associated with waste treatment.

And Circusil's expertise plays a key role in allowing all of that to happen. The company's technology and innovations allow for the production of silicone fluids from silicone-based materials.

"By reintegrating silicone fluids into industrial applications, Circusil is working to ensure waste reduction and resource efficiency," Dow said in a news release. "This vision embodies the very essence of circularity, where materials are continuously repurposed, echoing the harmony of nature's cycles."