SEAL THECYCLE

Seal the Cycle is a global open innovation call that seeks to recycle or reuse the millions of silicone cartridges that are marketed in the world every year. For this, we are looking for technological solutions that allow the separation of the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) from the reminder silicone waste that stays in the cartridge after it is used, to incorporate the recovered material in the plastics recycling value chain. Also eligible are technologies that allow for direct recycling of cartridges by creating a new use to the uncleaned HDPE. 

This initiative stems from Henkel’s role as a market leader in adhesive technologies and its commitment to promote the development of a more sustainable industry through the development of greener solutions and packaging that facilitate recycling and enable the path to a more circular economy. To this end, it has teamed up with ChileGlobal Ventures, the venture capital area of Fundación Chile to launch Seal  the  Cycle. 

CHALLENGES

Henkel annually sells globally several hundreds of millions of silicones packaged in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cartridges. At present, these cartridges are not efficiently recycled, mainly due to the presence of silicone residues which traditional mechanical separation technologies cannot separate from the HDPE the packaging is made of. To address this challenge, we seek to identify technology solutions able to prevent cartridges transforming into waste. We envision two ways of doing this:

1.- Separation of the HDPE from the remaining silicone residues in order to incorporate it into the plastic recycling value chain;

2.- Find a new use for HDPE with dry silicone that allows direct recycling of  cartridges (e.g. creating a building material from  silicone HDPE chips)  

What are we looking for?

Technologies or processes

Capable of separating HDPE cartridges from silicone waste at an industrial scale at a standard that allows to incorporate be HDPE into the plastic recycling value chain.

Solutions that allow the direct recycling of

HDPE together with the silicone residue. This includes finding a new uses for the material such as, but not limited to, the development of building materials from cleaned cartridges.

Other technologies capable of contributing to the goal of Seal the Cycle.

This includes new, innovative or disruptive ideas, which we have not been considered in the previous two points.

CONSIDERATIONS

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • 1

    Companies, startups, SMEs or research centers that have innovative technologies or business models that allow recycling HPDE silicone cartridges.

  • 2

    Proposals can have different levels of maturity. Early stage solutions are eligible.

  • 3

    Solutions and/or technologies must be validated in a laboratory with industrial scalability potential and at a technological readiness level (TRL) 3 or higher.

  • 4

    It is recommended for participants to be available to work with Henkel on a pilot project in Chile.

  • 5

    It is also possible to propose a pilot in an alternative location aimed to a technology transfer to run a pilot in Chile in case applicants are not able to pilot in Chile.

  • 6

    Only legal entities are eligible to apply.

WHY APPLY TO SEAL THE CYCLE? YOU WILL HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF:

  • 1

    Working with a global company that generates innovations, brands and leading technologies in three business areas: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care and Laundry & Home Care.

  • 2

    Validating your solution with Henkel, with possibilities to implement it to a global scale.

  • 3

    Access all the knowledge, know-how and networks of contacts of Fundación Chile, through its venture capital area, ChileGlobal Ventures

AWARD

The winner of this call will receive a prize of 20,000 Euros  and will have the possibility to execute a pilot project in Chile that could scale to the global silicone sealants market together with Henkel. The company  has already established a network of partners, and is in a position to quickly deploy a pilot together with the winning team.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

The finalist startups will be analyzed by the ChileGlobal Ventures search and selection team and will have the possibility of being included in its startup portfolio and accessing one of its financing lines. For more information check the rules of the call.  

  • .
    Wednesday, November 3rd - Wednesday, December 22nd
    APPLICATION
  • .
    Monday, December 27th – Monday, January 3rd
    REVIEW OF FORMS
  • .
    Tuesday, January 4th
    ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEETINGS
  • .
    Monday January 10th – Friday January 14th
    MEETINGS
  • .
    Friday, January 21st
    ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS

Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company occupies leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesive market, in all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry and Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel remembers more than 140 years of success. In 2020, Henkel reported sales of €19.3 billion and operating profit of €2.6 billion (adjusted for one-time earnings/charges and restructuring charges). Henkel employs some 53,000 people worldwide, a passionate and very diverse team, united by a strong company culture, common purpose and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel occupies the top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel's preferred shares are listed on the German DAX stock index."

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ChileGlobal Ventures (CGV) is the venture capital area of Fundación Chile, which seeks to support the development of Latin America by accelerating entrepreneurship and innovation; impacting productivity, the emergence of new industries, the attraction of human capital and employment. This by supporting disruptive startups that are developing impact solutions: economic, social; and / or environmental; mobilizing private capital through investment funds; its network of Angel Investors ChileGlobal Angels and developing Corporate Venturing programs. ChileGlobal Ventures, in its more than 10 years of existence, has a portfolio of more than 190 funded startups; currently having a capital under management* of USD $21.6 million. *Capital under management is understood as the funds already invested and available by ChileGlobal Ventures in the current and potential startups in its portfolio, respectively.

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Fundación Chile is a public-private organization whose purpose is to promote the transformation of Chile towards sustainable development. For more than 45 years it has created in a collaboratively way innovative high-impact solutions for the country, addressing local challenges of global reach. Today it focuses on four major themes: climate change, future of work, mitigating school disparity and open innovation and venture capital.

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