Annually, New Zealand generates 5 million scrap tires and the biggest part of them end up at landfills or as waste export. To solve the problem, a company Eneform has developed a low emissions system that has the recycling capacity of 1.5 million scrap tires per year. Currently, the firm seeks expansion within the country and wants to upgrade its recycling capacity up to 5 million tires per annum.

To develop its new system, Eneform relied on traditional pyrolisys and transformed it so the company could run a cost-efficient tire recycling plant. Southern Cross Engineering, Petrotec and Hineuru Holdings helped Eneform develop the innovative tire recycling facility.

According to Andrew Simcock, Eneform’s spokesman, the company has already teamed up with tire collectors and signed deals with them so chipped old tires can be accepted as feedstock and transformed into valuable products. The firm already produces fuel, gas and steel; however, its key product is environment-friendly diesel that can substitute conventional fossil fuels. Simcock further stressed that his company will supply a major national roading contractor with its tire-derived diesel. Craig Philips, CEO of Southern Cross Engineering, stated that the up-to-date systems based on tire pyrolysis can deconstruct waste streams in a clean way by using vacuum and heat to get energy and valuable materials. He stressed that this process makes New Zealand a unique global innovator in tire recycling as it not only solves waste issues, but considers safety and health.

It is widely known that tire pyrolysis is not a novelty, however, year of tests allowed Eneform to come up with a cleaner, more viable process which is now ready to enter markets. Simcock stressed that the innovation helps New Zealand get closer to circular economy concept as tire diesel has a beneficial impact on the environment and can increase value of scrap tires. Eneform’s first facility already has endorsement of Regional Council Resource. The company also plans develop a facility at Rolleston, Canterbury which may start functioning in 2019. Eneform also considers recycling plastics, not just scrap tires. In addition, Eneform seeks construction of a larger North Island plant and the company has already applied for a state-backed funding program.

Article by Eneform.