Shin-Etsu's New Thermoplastic Silicone: High-Performance & Recyclable

Breakthrough material Shin-Etsu Chemical unveils first recyclable thermoplastic silicone

2025-11-24 Source: Shin-Etsu 1 min Reading Time

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

Recyclable thermoplastic silicone in pellet form before moulding(Source: Shin-Etsu Chemical) — Recyclable thermoplastic silicone in pellet form before moulding
(Source: Shin-Etsu Chemical)

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.

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.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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