Shin-Etsu Chemical unveils first recyclable thermoplastic silicone

22.01.2026

A new thermoplastic silicone from Shin-Etsu Chemical promises recyclability, high performance and new application possibilities across consumer, medical and industrial markets.

Shin-Etsu Chemical has developed a recyclable thermoplastic silicone, addressing a long-standing challenge associated with conventional silicone rubber. The material is part of the company’s silicon-chemistry-based initiative, Shin-Etsu Silicones Solution-Engineering™.

Unlike traditional silicone rubber—which is classified as a thermosetting material and therefore difficult to recycle—the new thermoplastic silicone softens with heat and solidifies when cooled, enabling recyclability similar to that of conventional thermoplastics. The company says the breakthrough was made possible through polymer-modification technologies developed over many years.

Photo: Recyclable thermoplastic silicone in pellet form before moulding
Source: Shin-Etsu Chemical 

According to Shin-Etsu, the material also offers properties not typically found in standard silicone rubber: a combination of high hardness (Shore A 80 or higher) and high elongation (800% or greater), high transparency, easy colouring, and the ability to be injection-moulded like standard plastics. It can also be formulated as a solvent-based coating and retains the characteristic soft feel of silicone.

The company expects the material to open new application areas, including rubber components that come into contact with skin in mobile devices and sports equipment, as well as surface coatings for medical and nursing-care devices.

Published on: www.etmm-online.com
Source: Shin-Etsu