Isolde Boettger was inducted into 2024’s class of ‘Women Breaking the Mold’, an honor bestowed on top women in the industry. As an inductee, Isolde also was interviewed by Rubber News about her start in the industry and growing Silcotech to the leading silicone manufacturer it is today.

Isolde has dedicated 25 years to transforming Silcotech into a global leader in silicone molding. Drawing inspiration from her father, a pioneering medical plastics innovator, Boettger combines authority with empathy to foster a collaborative workplace.

Boettger emphasizes the importance of listening to employees, building strong relationships, and understanding their needs. Influenced by leaders like Michelle Obama and Nelson Mandela, she strives to make meaningful impacts while advocating for women in the male-dominated manufacturing industry.

Her efforts include supporting female apprenticeships and driving innovative projects such as Silcotech’s fem-tech menstrual cup line. She also spearheaded the company’s 2009 expansion into India and helped establish its reputation as a leader in medical device production.

Boettger’s leadership style integrates approachability with decisiveness, enabling Silcotech to grow into a diverse, multicultural organization of 120 employees. While challenges, such as the 2015 closure of Silcotech Carolina, tested her resilience, Boettger views failures as essential for growth.

Outside of work, she values family, reading, and self-care. For Boettger, success is defined by innovation, empowering others, and leaving a positive impact on people’s lives.

See the full interview with Isolde Boettger here.

Yogesh Chauhan led Silcotech’s GreenBiz portion of the 4 GreenBiz panel workshop discussions entitled Implementing GHG Reduction & Climate Resilience Projects

The topic of discussion expanded on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing climate resilience are essential actions for businesses striving to achieve sustainability and long-term success. The interactive workshop, hosted by Partners in Project Green and moderated by Matt Brunette of TRCA brings together industry experts (Yogesh Chauhan – Silcotech North America Inc., Martin Kouprie – Alton Mills Arts Centre, David Reed – St. James Anglican Church, and Martha Breithaupt – BDO Canada LLP) to guide businesses on how to take tangible steps toward their environmental goals.

During this session, participants:

• Learned practical strategies for building a strong business case to gain support for GHG reduction and climate resilience initiatives.
• Discovered tools and techniques for effectively engaging stakeholders and decision-makers across all levels of the organization.
• Gained valuable insights into funding opportunities, including grants, rebates, and financing programs tailored to support climate action and sustainability projects.

The workshop provided actionable advice, real-world examples, and resources to help turn ideas into impactful projects.

Find out more about GreenBiz here.

Over the past 25 years, Ontario-based LSR molder Silcotech North America has grown from two employees and two machines into a thriving global firm with some unique product accomplishments. But they’re nowhere near satisfied.