Dow introduces low density liquid silicone rubber for improved processing, performance and recycling

New lightweight liquid silicone rubber for food contact and other consumer applications demonstrates lower viscosity, higher resilience and sustains gravity-separation recycling operations.
MIDLAND, Michigan. – March 24, 2021 – Dow today announced the general availability of its first low density liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for injection molding to brand owners and formulators in Europe and NA. The material’s properties make it a favorable option particularly for food dosing valves, closures, dispensers, seals, gaskets and other food contact applications.

“This innovative material expands Dow’s SILASTIC™ injection molding LSR portfolio in several key areas. It allows us to help our partners along the value chain fulfill ambitious recycling targets. The innovation at the same time enables attractive gains versus standard LSR and TPE in processing and in-use performance,” said Nathalie Gerard, European Market Manager Consumer Rubber, Dow Consumer Solutions.

Improved processing and high resilience
 
In addition to its notable sustainability contribution, SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR extends Dow’s LSR portfolio on key processing and performance characteristics:
  • SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR for optimized processing: The white, low viscosity liquid silicone rubber helps fabricators improve the processing compared to standard LSR while utilizing established injection-molding machines.
  • SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR helps brands create better performing closures and dispensers for food contact and other consumer applications: The new material has been designed specifically for the molding of closures and dispensers in a wide range of consumer packaging applications. Its low compression set allows reliable sealing. Thanks to its high resilience, valves made with this lightweight LSR are capable of superior dispensing performance compared to existing solutions, especially for inverted packages and in food applications. SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR is formulated to meet the requirements of the BfR XV recommendation and of FDA 21 CFR 177.2600.

Built-in recyclability for consumer applications

One aspect that sets SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR apart from standard LSR is its low density. Floatability is a key factor when separating materials for the production of high-quality recycled feedstocks. With a specific gravity of only 0.97, SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR can be split from higher density plastics in a gravity-separation process. This helps reduce some of the decisive impediments in plastics recycling and allows fabricators, brands, and consumers to stay aligned with regulatory mandates and their own sustainability objectives.

“The launch of this lightweight LSR is strongly aligned with Dow’s strategy to design products for circularity together with its partners in the packaging industry,” said Loriane Parisot, Global TS&D sustainability leader. “Dow has expressed its commitment to create products that are inherently good for the planet as well as good for the people they are made for.”

A continuing commitment

SILASTIC™ brand silicone rubber, which was introduced commercially in 1945, has a long history of success. SILASTIC™ silicone elastomers are known today for their effectiveness in consumer goods, electrical, industrial and other demanding applications where performance, reliability, safety and aesthetics are essential. SILASTIC™ LSR are two-part dispensable silicone materials that are readily mixed and rapidly heat-cured into durable elastomers.

Additional information on SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR is available on the Dow website.

Photo: Low density SILASTIC™ 9250-40 LSR enables the separation of silicone valves and closures from higher density plastics in the recycling stream

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company, with a purpose to deliver a sustainable future for the world through our materials science expertise and collaboration with our partners. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

For further information contact:

Marie-Melanie Levecq
Europe Marketing Communications Specialist
Consumer & Electronics, Dow Consumer Solutions
MLevecq@dow.com

Martina Beranek
Consultant
G&S Business Communications
mberanek@gscommunications.com