The Re-Tyre CO₂ project, coordinated by Saras SPA Raffinerie Sarde, has secured €9.3 million from the European Innovation Fund to construct a pyrolysis plant in Cagliari, Sardinia, with operations expected to begin in March 2029. The facility will process 10,000 tonnes of end-of-life tires (ELTs) annually, converting them into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), recycled carbon black, and gas used to power the plant. The project employs an optimized low-temperature pyrolysis process to improve oil yields and product quality, with the goal of producing over 2.6 million kg of kerosene annually, equivalent to fueling around 260,000 km of flights.

The plant is expected to achieve a 117% reduction in GHG emissions compared to conventional aviation kerosene and virgin carbon black production, avoiding approximately 104,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Beyond environmental impact, the project contributes to the circular economy and local development. Located in the Macchiareddu Industrial Area, the plant will support the regional economy by engaging local contractors and skilled workers while preventing harmful tire waste exports from the island.

This project marks a significant shift in Italy’s approach to tire recycling, following a history of strict regulations that have limited pyrolysis initiatives. While modest in scale, Re-Tyre CO₂ serves as a demonstration model for future expansion and replication across Europe, supporting the EU’s broader goals of sustainable growth, emissions reduction, and zero-pollution targets.

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