News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

Hexpol AB has announced the acquisition of the remaining 30% of German recycled polymer specialist almaak, completing its full ownership of the company. The deal, valued at €36.7 million, follows Hexpol's initial purchase of a 70% stake in 2022 and is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand in thermoplastic compounding and high recycled-content polymers.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its member companies applaud the introduction of the Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies (IMPACT) Act, H.R. 1534, and its complement, IMPACT Act 2.0, H.R.2122, both introduced by U.S. Representatives Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Max Miller (OH-07). The bills promote research and deployment of innovative pavement technologies, including rubber modified asphalt (RMA), which delivers proven economic, environmental and performance benefits.

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.

The Ontario Government has made amendments to the Tires Regulation which may impact registered producers, PROs, collectors, haulers, processors and retreaders. To view the approved amendments, visit the Environmental Registry of Ontario. As per the Ontario government, the amendments were made to increase flexibility, reduce burden and simplify requirements for producers.

Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Mohan Natarajan as the new Regional Head – Sales and Service for its South Division. With over a decade of experience in the manufacturing industry, Mr. Natarajan brings a strong combination of strategic insight, technical proficiency, and leadership capabilities to his new role.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has opened applications for its 2025 Market Development Fund, supporting Australian businesses, researchers and organisations to deliver innovative, practical projects using tyre-derived materials (TDM).

Pyrum Innovations AG (Pyrum) and the bicycle tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle GmbH (brand: “Schwalbe”) have concluded a framework agreement for the long-term purchase of Pyrum’s recovered Carbon Black (rCB). The agreement covers the purchase of rCB at a fixed price for a term of ten years. This is already the second framework agreement of this scope that Pyrum has been able to conclude, in addition to the one with Continental. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Schwalbe’s supply of bicycle tyres to Pyrum will also be further expanded in this context.

Following the media expose on UK used tyre exports to India, UK industry leaders set out next steps to support British government response to end environmentally devastating trade Friday 04 April, the UK’s Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has written to the Steve Reed MP, the Environment Secretary and offered to support the British policy makers review of the UK’s tyre waste policy. The British government is under growing pressure to take immediate action to end export of whole end-of-life (ELT) whole tyres following the BBC and Source Material investigation which exposed the damage caused by UK waste in India.

Recykl Group, Poland’s tire recycling company, has signed its first international M&A deal by acquiring 100% of Lithuania-based UAB Antrinio Perdirbimo Grupė (APG)—the largest end-of-life tire collection and recycling operator in the Baltic states. This strategic move will strengthen Recykl’s raw material security and enhance access to customers across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The acquisition aligns with Recykl’s broader plan to expand operations, including the potential future construction of a production plant in Lithuania.