Being a part of the responsible Mica initiative
Our heritage and our responsibility
At Elmelin, our history stretches back to 1912, when we began processing mica in Walthamstow, London. From these roots, we’ve grown into a specialist in industrial insulation, providing innovative high-temperature thermal and electrical solutions.
Serving industries as diverse as aerospace, foundry, automotive and domestic appliances, we’ve continuously evolved for more than a century.
Mica has always been at the heart of what we do. It’s a mineral with some remarkable properties: heat resistance, electrical insulation and versatility across countless applications. However, we also know mica’s story isn’t always a positive one. Too often, it comes from regions where poverty drives unsafe working conditions and, in some cases, child labour.
Because of our long history with mica, we feel a responsibility to be part of the solution.
Keep reading to learn more.
What is the Responsible Mica Initiative?
We’re proud to support the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) and commit to creating a supply chain that’s fair and sustainable.
The RMI is an international coalition of companies and organisations all committed to ensuring that mica is mined and processed in a way that respects people, communities, and the environment. Its work is focused on three pillars:
• Responsible Workplace Standards – promoting safe and fair working conditions.
• Community Empowerment Programs – creating alternatives through education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.
• Legal and Governance Frameworks – strengthening regulations to protect workers and children in mica regions.
These efforts matter because mica is woven into modern life. It is used in paints, plastics, cosmetics and countless electrical and automotive components. The demand will only grow as industries innovate. If this demand is not matched by responsibility, vulnerable communities will continue to bear the cost.
By supporting the RMI, we are helping to transform the mica industry from the inside, building a supply chain that is fair and transparent.
Our Commitments for 2025
We’re not here just to talk about responsibility, we want to show how we’re putting it into action. For 2025, we set out some clear steps to support changes across the mica industry:
Taking a leadership role
We’re proud to be serving on the RMI board, helping shape the initiative’s overall direction. By being part of the decision-making, we can make sure the realities of industrial applications of mica are considered while pushing for stronger, fairer supply chains.
Full traceability through The Madagascar Project
Madagascar is a key source of phlogopite mica, the type we use most in our products. That’s why our involvement in the RMI Madagascar Project is so important. For the first time, it gives us traceability all the way back to the mine. This means we can be confident the mica we use is responsibly sourced, while helping ensure miners and their families are supported.
Supply chain transparency
We are integrating our mica supply chain into Tilkal, a blockchain-based platform that enables end-to-end traceability. This technology ensures that every step, from mine to finished product, is visible and verifiable.
Building on sustainability
Our involvement in RMI is an extension of our wider company vision: to enable net-zero carbon solutions through innovative insulation technologies. Just as we help customers reduce their environmental impact, we are committed to addressing social and ethical challenges in the mica industry.
As an ISO 9001:2015 accredited company, we apply rigorous standards of quality and continuous improvement not just to our products, but also to the way we source and manage raw materials.
Looking ahead
Mica miners and their communities depend on the global mica supply chain just as much as industries depend on mica’s unique properties. At Elmelin, we believe the path forward must be one where both thrive. Our work in 2025 and beyond will continue to focus on transparency and positive change.
To find out more about the Responsible Mica Initiative and how we’re making a difference, call us on 020 8520 2248 now.
