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This article deals with the question of whether the scientific recommendations for the development of new modification methods for upgrading recovered Carbon Black (rCB) derived from end-of-life tire (ELT) pyrolysis have not already been (partially) overtaken by industrial practice. This question does not mean that the extensive research on rCB is unnecessary. Quite the contrary! Past and new research results were and are of priceless value for the development of new ASTM approved characterization methods to be able to predict rCB performance in rubber applications in a practical and science-based manner.

On 7 July, Newcastle University and Wastefront announced their partnership that will focus on the characterisation and enhancement of Wastefront’s recovered carbon black (rCB). As one of the UK’s top universities and a world leader in sustainability, Newcastle University’s partnership with Wastefront will see cutting-edge industry innovation emerge from research conceived in the North of England - ensuring the region is at the forefront of progressing circularity across Europe.

The best available technology (BAT) is the technology approved by legislators or regulators for meeting output standards for a particular process. BAT for a given industrial sector is described in reference documents called BREFs (Best Available Techniques Reference documents). BREFs are the result of an exchange of information between European Union Member States, the industries concerned, non-governmental organizations promoting environmental protection and the European Commission. This exchange of information is referred to as the Sevilla process because it is steered within the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies of the European Commissions' Joint Research Centre, which is based in Seville. The process is codified into law by Commission Implementing Decisions. The most important chapter of the BREFs, the BAT conclusions, are published as implementing decisions of the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union. According to the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), the BAT conclusions shall be the reference for setting permit conditions of (large) industrial installations.

The chemical recycling of end-of-life tires (ELT) via state-of-the-art pyrolysis technologies does not only avoid greenhouse gas emissions compared to today’s conventional production processes, but it also increases the resource efficiency while closing the loop in the transition to a circular economy. However, civil organisations criticise the production of fuel through chemical recycling, sometimes mutilate the terminology, pointing to the associated environmental impacts, while they overlook the fact that modern ELT pyrolysis concepts are not geared towards the production of "fuels" (which, by the way, should not be defined as "recycling" but rather as less preferred "recovery" according to the EU waste hierarchy).

Since their launch in 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 169 timebound targets underpinning them have provided all stakeholders – the private sector included – with a lens through which to translate global needs and ambitions into business solutions. Companies and sectors that apply their creativity and innovation to develop these solutions will be able to better manage risks, anticipate consumer demand, capture growth markets, and strengthen supply chains in line with the sustainability needs outlined by the SDGs.

In a recent press release by Birla Carbon – one of the leaders and innovators in the carbon black industry worldwide – the company announced a partnership for sustainability with Circtec – an end-of-life tire pyrolysis operator focused on production of renewable fuels and recovered carbon black. According to the press release: Circtec will become the largest producer of Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials Birla Carbon to deliver Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials to customers through its extensive product development capabilities Partnership to create the single largest source of Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials for the tire, mechanical rubber goods, and plastic industries

The three day event will take place from Monday through to Wednesday 30 May - 1 June 2022 at LE LOUISE Hotel Brussels. The Conference is the culmination of a year-long series of ETRA-led and supported activities and events that focused on market development and expansion for a broad array of recycled tire materials, products and applications.

Black Bear – the Dutch tire upcycling company – has appointed Richard Dikkers as its new Commercial Director. Before joining Black Bear, Dikkers spent thirteen years at Oiltanking, most recently as Director New Business & Market Intelligence. In his new position he will support Black Bear in solving the global waste tire problem with the company’s circular economy-based business model.

Black Bear will produce 12,000 metric tons p.a. of recovered Carbon Black — a sustainable alternative that results in a reduction of over 65,000 tons of CO2 missions compared to the use of conventional Carbon Black. Black Bear and HELM seek to start production and marketing of recovered Carbon Black from the flagship plant in Chemelot Industrial Park from the 2nd half of 2023. On August 27, 2021, Black Bear Carbon B.V. (“Black Bear ”) and HELM AG (“HELM”) have announced a long-term supply chain and marketing cooperation. Black Bear will produce recovered Carbon Black from end-of-life tires via its proprietary technology. Both companies will jointly introduce this innovative product to industrial clients. Black Bear will contribute its extensive knowledge in product and application development while HELM will provide its supply chain know-how and commercial expertise through its broad market presence. This exclusive, long-term agreement covers Black Bear’s first flagship plant on the Chemelot Industrial Park in Geleen, The Netherlands, which is aimed for a start-up in the 2nd half of 2023. Both partners seek to extend their cooperation via further projects which Black Bear is planning.