News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

Zeppelin Systems GmbH, a leading supplier of plant engineering and process technology for the chemical and plastics industries, has recently formed the Sustainable Tire Alliance, a new platform of businesses in the tire recycling sector with different technologies that can work together to improve tire recycling. The alliance includes Regom, Recykl, Entex, Reoil, Evonik, Rubberjet Valley, and RCB Nanotechnologies. The goal of the alliance is to close the loop of secondary raw materials and make a sustainable contribution to the circular economy. The alliance aims to provide high-quality recyclates in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of tire manufacturers.

This special episode of the Tyre Recycling Podcast features two experts from the ambitious Blackcycle Project, which is working to create a circular economy model for enf-of-life tires. Stelios Stefanidis, a Collaborating Researcher at CERTH, and Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations, respond to questions from the editor Ewan Scott about the most recent advancements in the Blackcycle Project.

Danish environmental company Genan reports that it achieved a record turnover of more than EUR 62 million las year, presenting a 4.6% increase in comparison with the previous year. Yet earnings dropped from close to EUR 3.5 million in 2021 to EUR 1.5 million in 2022 – mainly due to high energy and freight prices. Despite these challenges, Genan, which has the capacity to turn more than 400,000 tons of end-of-life tires in total into new, usable materials each year, at its six recycling plants in Denmark, Germany, Portugal and the USA respectively, achieved a turnover of more than EUR 62 million.

After a pause due to Covid-19, the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) 'Briefing Day' will return this year. The event is a regular occurrence in the UK recycling industry and will take place on September 13th, 2023, at the Woodland Grange Hotel in Leamington Spa. Attendees will receive expert presentations and valuable information on the latest market and regulatory trends. For more information and to pre-register, contact the TRA office at:

Engineering News publication reports that TRIASA’s (The Tyre Recycling Industry Association of South Africa) launch is a significant event for the South African economy and environment, according to Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Mathe Group, a truck tire recycling operation based in Hammarsdale and a founder member of the new industry body. TRIASA has been launched with the aim to unite the different elements of tire recycling in South Africa and to provide a forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and collaboration on pressing issues within the industry.

According to The Drive’s press release, Michelin has developed an algorithm, called SmartWear, which can predict tire wear down to the millimeter by using data from existing sensors on the vehicle combined with environmental data. The algorithm was developed specifically for Michelin's tires, but the company hopes to make it brand-agnostic. With vehicles getting bigger and heavier, and electric cars wearing out tires more quickly, Michelin's technology is particularly useful for automakers.

On April 26th, the European REACH Committee voted in favor of proposals to restrict the intentional introduction of microplastics in many products. This decision was made after the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) found that uncontrolled microplastics released into the environment pose a risk to health. It is estimated that over 20 years, the proposed restriction would prevent the release in the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics, at an estimated total cost up to €19 billion. The proposal will now be subject to a 3-month scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council before it can be adopted by the Commission.

Nokian Tyres held a sustainable tyre innovation challenge called FAST RACE, BIG CHANGE to discover new solutions for more environmentally friendly tyres. The competition received almost 50 entries from 18 countries, and four finalists were chosen by Nokian Tyres' experts. After the world's fastest pitch and careful consideration, the jury awarded Reselo AB from Sweden with the winning place. Reselo’s innovative renewable rubber made from residue birch bark convinced the judges with its versatility and future potential.

Bridgestone Americas has announced the release of the latest addition to its iconic ultra-high performance Potenza lineup: the Bridgestone Potenza Race tire. The tire is homologated for public roads but its performance is focused on track days. Independent company TÜV SÜD tests have shown that the Potenza Race tire delivers the fastest lap time and shortest braking on dry pavement, outperforming its main competitors. Bridgestone's expertise in motorsports and high performance has contributed to the development of the Potenza Race tire. The tire's tread pattern, construction, and material compound have been innovatively designed, incorporating Bridgestone's groundbreaking Virtual Tire Development technology.