In February 2023, Silicones Europe, a sector group of Cefic, published a study to identify and quantify silicones’ contributions in response to the EU Green Deal’s ambitions to become climate neutral by 2050. Overall, each application of silicones analysed in the study shows a larger emission-saving potential compared to alternative applications which do not use silicones. This points to the importance of the silicone industry in supporting the Green Deal’s decarbonisation goals.

This study is an update of the 2012 study on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of silicone-derived products conducted by the Global Silicones Council (GSC). The aim is to reflect the impact of technological changes of silicon applications since 2012 on their carbon footprint throughout their full life cycle: manufacture, usage and disposal or end of life. The study, covering Central Europe, North America, and Japan, highlights 26 applications contributing positively to GHG reduction across industries.

Carbon Balance Study (2012)

To understand the sustainability of silicone-derived products, the Global Silicones Council (GSC) has conducted a comprehensive ‘cradle to grave’ study on their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This research updates a 2002 life cycle inventory and aims to provide industry benchmarks for GHG impacts, aiding in performance assessment and identification of improvement areas. Amidst growing public concern about climate change and the environmental impact of manufacturing, this study serves as a critical component of the sustainability strategy for silicone products.

Evaluation of Skin Sensitisation Risk of Polysiloxanes and Silanes

Exploring the skin sensitisation potential of functional polysiloxanes and silanes, the study leverages the SENS-IS assay – a 3D skin-based model. This method overcomes previous technical challenges related to solubility and composition, providing accurate results that align with in vivo outcomes. Thus, the SENS-IS assay is an effective starting point for integrated testing strategies for these substances.

Evidence-based assessment of polyfunctional silicones’ skin sensitisation Risk

Testing five prototype polyfunctional silicone materials for skin sensitisation potential yielded inconsistent results between the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT). Despite all substances testing negative in the GPMT, four out of five showed weak to moderate potential in the LLNA. A thorough analysis, including workplace exposure and cosmetic use data, suggests these silicones do not pose a significant skin sensitisation risk to humans. The LLNA’s suitability for such materials is questionable, indicating future testing strategies need careful, case-by-case evaluation.

New study challenges in vitro skin Irritation tests for Organosilicons

Silicones Europe has conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate the suitability of EpiSkin™ and EpiDerm™ SIT in vitro methods for testing skin irritation potential of organosilicon-based substances. While regulatory frameworks increasingly mandate in vitro methods as alternatives to animal testing, their reliability for organosilicons remained unverified. This study found that both methods fell short in accurately predicting skin irritation when compared to traditional in vivo tests.

The findings highlight a critical need for further research to refine in vitro methods, ensuring their applicability across diverse chemical families, including organosilicons.

Arctic & Antarctic Research

Silicones Europe (SiE) and the Global Silicones Council (GSC) have jointly commissioned a monitoring study in the Antarctic to gather robust scientific data on cyclic Volatile Methylsiloxanes (cVMS) concentrations in Antarctica’s air, surface media and aquatic biota.
The study aims to address scientific uncertainties around potential long-range transport and the deposition of these substances in distant areas.

Monitoring Study D4, D5, D6

Impact Assessment: Nomination of D4, D5, and D6 to the Stockholm Convention

A recent study conducted by the consultancy Ricardo, explores the potential impacts of nominating D4, D5 and D6 to the Stockholm Convention.