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Researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) have developed an innovative chemical method that breaks down rubber waste into valuable precursors for epoxy resins. Led by Dr. Aleksandr Zhukhovitskiy, the study presents an alternative to traditional recycling methods like pyrolysis, which can release harmful byproducts. Instead, the new process uses C–H amination and a backbone rearrangement technique to transform cross-linked rubber into amine-functionalized, soluble materials.

Versalis, a chemical company owned by Eni, and one of the world’s leaders in the production and marketing of elastomers has signed an agreement with AGR, a company that owns technology for the devulcanization of post-consumer elastomers. Together, Versalis and AGR are going to develop technological innovations and new products and applications from recycled end-of-life tire rubber. Devulcanization is process of selectively breaking chemical bonds that transforms objects in solid rubber, usually granulated, into a workable and moldable form, ready to be reused in the production of new products, such as tires or gaskets.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) recently announced the official launch of Golflex; an innovative product developed by Flexiroc Australia, Environmental Golf Solutions and Turf One, with the backing of TSA. Golflex converts recycled end-of-life tires into crumb rubber to deliver a hard-wearing, durable, flexible and porous surface. It is the perfect solution for cart paths and bunker linings on golf courses. Kate Torgersan – The Director of Environmental Golf Solutions comments her company was proud to collaborate with Tyre Stewardship Australia on Flexiroc.

Italian bicycle tyres manufacturer Vittoria, known for its graphene-enhanced bicycle tires, and Haydale, the global advanced materials group, have started collaborating for innovation and supply of graphene. Vittoria has since 2015 pioneered the application of graphene in the rubber of bicycle tyres. The nanomaterial has proven to create substantial improvements in grip, rolling resistance, puncture resistance and durability. As a result, Vittoria’s tyres are the preferred choice of professionals and cycling enthusiasts around the world. More info can be found here.

Rosehill Security's Ballistic Blocks offer unparalleled versatility, allowing for the construction of various defensive structures, including guard huts and sangars. In collaboration with Damasec Physical Protection Systems , Rosehill has developed a robust guard shelter, combining a wooden framework with its Ballistic Blocks. This design effectively stops bullets and shrapnel, safeguarding occupants from ricochet dangers and preventing bullet fragmentation.

This September, Atlantic Wind and Solar announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, KB Industries (KBI) received notice that the firm has been selected as one of five manufacturers worldwide for inclusion into a State of California sponsored testing and evaluation program, as reported by Business Insider. The program is offered under the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) Feedstock Conversion Technical Assistance and Material Testing Services (FCS) and will evaluate and test a new KBI – engineered product designed as a better retaining wall for erosion control. These programs are designed to expand the demand for differentiated and higher value-added tire-derived products by providing an incentive to use at least five percent of California recycled tire rubber to partially replace virgin rubber, EPDM, plastic, or other raw material. and increase the sale of products that already contain crumb rubber. Some of the engineering tests that will be done will include horizontal pressure load limits, sound absorption characteristics, and maximum vertical wall loading.

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. (NYSE: OEC), one of the leading global suppliers of specialty and high-performance carbon black, has partnered with RISE Research Institutes of Sweden in a project to develop and produce renewable carbon black (rCB). This collaboration represents an important step towards more climate-neutral carbon black production by replacing traditional carbon black feedstock with pyrolysis oil from biomass oil. Orion plans to convert the biomass oil into carbon black using its small-scale furnace reactor in Kalscheuren, Germany and will explore ways to upscale the process to match market demands. Additionally, using a pilot-scale reactor at its site in Piteå, Sweden, RISE will evaluate the use of electrofuels, such as plasma or hydrogen from electrolysis, as sustainable heat sources for the carbon black process.

Continental has introduced its most sustainable tire yet, the UltraContact NXT, which combines a high proportion of renewable, recycled, and certified materials with excellent safety and performance. According to Continental, it is the first tire on the market to achieve both a high share of sustainable materials and the highest EU tire-label performance. All 19 available sizes of the UltraContact NXT have received the highest rating ("A") in rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise on the EU tire label. The UltraContact NXT contains up to 65% renewable, recycled, and mass balance certified materials, depending on the tire size. Renewable materials make up to 32% of the tire, including resins derived from residual materials from the paper and wood industries, as well as silica extracted from rice husks.

Toyo Tires is exhibiting a concept tire that uses 90% sustainable materials at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. On January 12, at the Tokyo Auto salon, Toyo Tires presented its Sustainable Concept Tire. The tire, using 90% sustainable materials is a step forward towards a more viable future mobility. Among the raw materials necessary to commercialize tires, materials that are recognized to contribute to reducing environmental impact. Until now, the highest ever usage rate of sustainable materials in one of our tires was 50%. This latest development was made in the Open Country tires used in the 2024 Dakar Rallye.