News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

A significant volume of end-of-life tires (ELTs) is unaccounted for in Germany, with industry officials suspecting illegal exports of these waste products to non-EU countries. According to the German rubber industry association (WDK), the recycling of used tires continues to thrive, but disposal companies and recyclers have been reporting shrinking volumes, raising concerns within the industry.

Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions, announced the launch of its first Asia Post Treatment (APT) Plant in India. The brownfield initiative is located at the Patalganga unit, in the state of Maharashtra, India. This cutting-edge facility, equipped with the latest treatment technology, is set to revolutionize the carbon black industry by offering the highest levels of flexibility, efficiency, and precision. The plant will serve the fast-growing demand for high-performance carbon black grades in key industries like coatings and inks.

For too long, end-of-life tires (ELTs) have been treated as trash and discarded. ELTs make up nearly 2% of the total global waste, and an estimated one billion ELTs are discarded yearly. This waste flow is growing dramatically year after year. But businesses follow circular economy principles, they begin to view this trash as an opportunity. Through chemical pyrolysis, ELTs can be broken down into reusable commodities like recovered Carbon Black, recovered Pyrolysis Oil, and recovered Steel.

Genan emphasizes that in a world prioritizing sustainability, the infrastructure we build must not only meet today's needs but also contribute to a greener future. GENAN ROAD+ PREMIXED is an innovative elastomer modifier for bitumen and asphalt that integrates high-quality rubber powder from recycled tires. This product enhances road durability while reducing waste and CO2 emissions, representing a responsible approach to infrastructure development. With its focus on circular economy solutions, GENAN ROAD+ PREMIXED is helping reshape road construction.

Scandinavian Enviro Systems (Enviro) has appointed Fredrik Aaben as new CFO. Fredrik Aaben joins Enviro from his role of Head of Corporate Finance at Volvo Cars, where he has a long-standing background of managerial positions in finance, M&A and strategy. Aaben will take up his position in November 2024 and will work in parallel with the current interim CFO Christian Bergaust for a transitional period.

Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions, announced the launch of Continua™ 8030 SCM, a circular material designed to address the growing sustainability needs of customers across the Indian subcontinent and Asia.

Ecopneus, in partnership with Genesis Acoustic Workshop, has completed an acoustic upgrade for the rehearsal hall of the Carabinieri Band in Italy. The project involved the installation of 140 square meters of sound-absorbing panels made from recycled end-of-life tires (ELT) in a 200-square-meter hall. The use of recycled rubber helped reduce reverberation time and improve sound clarity, optimizing the acoustic environment for music rehearsals.

Bilfinger has been awarded with comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction management (EPCm) services for a groundbreaking tire recycling facility in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, by UK-based technology company Circtec. Utilizing Circtec's proprietary technology, their first commercial-scale plant will transform end-of-life tires into valuable resources, such as chemicals and biofuels, through pyrolysis.

Avient Corporation, a provider of specialized and sustainable materials solutions and services, announced the launch of OnColor™ REC Polymer Colorants, formulated with pigments derived from recycled content, including end-of-life tires. They offer an alternative to traditional carbon black formulations and can help manufacturers reduce their product carbon footprint (PCF).