Search Results

Reoil – a tire pyrolysis operator from Polish – has announced its exclusive partnership with HARKE Chemicals GmbH, who will distribute the company's "ReBlack" recovered carbon black (rCB) and tire pyrolysis oil (TPO) in Europe and the United Kingdom. According to Reoil, this collaboration focuses on sustainability and the circular economy. Reoil's products, which are obtained from the recovery of end-of-life-tires (ELT), offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional raw materials and help reduce waste and CO2 emissions.

Michelin has produced a new version of its motorcycle racing tire, with an even higher share of environmentally sustainable material ahead of the MotoE World Cup motorcycle racing series. The new version consists of an average of 40% sustainable material, a significant portion of which is recovered carbon black (rCB) supplied by Enviro. At the same time, Michelin has taken another step towards mass production of its tire with improved sustainability performance.

On June 17, 2020 the world’s first webinar about recovered carbon black (rCB) in plastic color concentrates (also called masterbatches) was held by Martin von Wolfersdorff from Wolfersdorff Consulting Berlin. During the webinar, Martin spoke about the state of technology for recovered carbon black, introduced masterbatch basics such as types of masterbatches and color measurement with CIE L*a*b*, showcased 5 companies who offer recovered carbon black masterbatches and explained important test methods for masterbatches with recovered carbon black as well as regulatory aspects.

Recently, an expert in tire-derived carbon black Martin von Wolfersdorff shared his views on the prospects recovered carbon black (rCB) in tire-to-tire recycling. In his press release Mr. von Wolfersdorff said he appreciated it when tier one carbon black companies spoke about rCB. The expert says top carbon black producers attend rCB workshops, presentations or conferences organized by Wolfersdorff Consulting, and there are ample opportunities for collaboration between the rCB and the CB industry, some of which have been highlighted in his Carbon Black World 2018 presentation in Düsseldorf (see image below). There is way to go, Martin von Wolfersdorff says.

Scandinavian Enviro Systems – a renowned tire pyrolysis equipment manufacturer from Sweden – reports that its production company has now obtained ISO certification in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 regarding the company’s quality and environmental management systems. “Our production has been running in accordance with both certifications for a long time, being certified formally is important in our customer dialogues, as it’s often required,” says Thomas Sörensson, CEO of Enviro.

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.

Sustainable rCB, thermochemically recovered from end-of-life tires, has already made the leap into industrial practice, and is making an important contribution to closing the loop in the tire and rubber industry. The first Cradle to Cradle certificate for rCB was already issued by EPEA in 2017, and most recently another rCB was accredited under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme. Besides the environmental advantages of using rCB in the rubber & tire industry, for instance that of CO2 reduction, the economic feasibility of pyrolysis is positively affected by these markets.

ASTM International – a standardization body introducing key definitions of products and materials with over 12,800 ASTM standards already in work worldwide – recently published their first standard relating to recovered Carbon Black (rCB). The ASTM Committee D36 on Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) was founded in 2017 to support the emerging rCB industry regarding the quality and safety of their products. Several sub-committees are responsible for developing standards for terminology, guidance, practices, and testing methods. Recovered Carbon Black, typically derived from the thermal degradation of end-of-life tires, is a relatively new, sustainable raw material product for use in rubber, plastics, and pigment applications.

One year after bicycle tyre manufacturer Schwalbe introduced the world’s first circular tyre using the Pyrum rCB, the use of rCBs in tyre production is being massively expanded. From now on, 70% of all Schwalbe tyres will be made of Pyrum rCB. Pyrum takes over the recycling of the tyres in the recycling system. The recovered carbon black is returned to Schwalbe to produce new bicycle tyres. The rCB replaces 100% of fossil carbon black in the production of new bicycle tyres without compromising on quality and at the same time saves 80% CO₂ equivalent. Thanks to the wide range of possible applications, rCB is now also used in Schwalbe’s high-end tyres for road, gravel and mountain bikes as well as in city and cargo bikes.