News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

ElastikoTM ECR technology has been developed by Asphalt Plus, LLC since the early 2000s as a part of an engineered application system called “Dry Process Rubber.” ElastikoTM ECR has been used to modify millions of tons of asphalt mix in the US, and these modified mixes have been used on thousands of miles of heavy and medium traffic roads. TRS builds solutions for the processing and recycling of scrap tires through the development and implementation of innovative technologies. The company is deploying the technologies globally in a series of regional processing facilities. ElastikoTM ECR will allow TRS to vertically integrate their licensed tire recycling business by providing recycled rubber products to the asphalt paving and roofing markets.

The recent news from Continental – a prominent tire manufacturer – proves that the industry is expected to becoming more sustainable which, in turn, will affect tire recycling industry as well. In late June 2020, Continental received the Red Dot Design Award for Urban Taraxagum – bicycle tires made from dandelion rubber. Moreover, the tire manufacturer recently made a very positive announcement related to sustainability. Now that Claus Petschick heads new Sustainability department, sustainable management is expected to become an integral part of Continental’s “Vision 2030” strategy program. Besides, the company will continue engaging in consistent research and development of new technologies, alternative materials and environmentally friendly production processes in the tire sector.

In late June 2020, Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has released a report which it referred to as “the most comprehensive piece of research conducted into the end-of-life tyre market since the 2017 National Market Development Strategy for Used Tyres.” TSA’s research combines material flow analysis data with TSA participant reports to provide a complete picture on the fate of all tyres: passenger, truck and off-the-road.

Some of the most important services of Weibold are Market Research reports. In Market Research and Market Reports Weibold provides tire recycling and tire pyrolysis companies with in-depth analyses of the latest trends, opportunities, risks and market developments in the industry. Weibold identifies demand for rubber powder, crumb rubber, fuel oil and other tire-derived raw materials on regional and international markets, finds promising applications for the raw materials, lists the most promising sales opportunities and gives exhaustive information on how to develop tire recycling or pyrolysis business given customers’ geographic locations, national and regional environmental regulations, feedstock supplies, market conditions and much more.

In its recent article, Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) reports that it has mapped its 2020-2023 strategy against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). TSA’s mission to ensure the sustainable management, recycling and productive use of end of life tyres is now underpinned by 5 of these SDGs: SDG #8 – Decent work and economic growth

The European Chemical Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) is proposing an EU-wide ban on microplastics infill in sports and other play surfaces from 2028 due to ‘possible’ environmental releases. Since our tyres contain a mixture of natural rubber and synthetic polymers (TDRM), these are deemed to have been intentionally introduced into infill materials. The ECHA further claims that 16,000 tonnes of this material is ‘released’ into the environment annually and constitutes its justification for the proposed ban.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) reports that an innovative spray-on concrete made from used tyres that can protect buildings against blast, ballistics, impact and fire has been short-listed for Australia’s most prestigious manufacturing awards. TSA supports Flexiroc Australia Pty Ltd in its research and development of this ground-breaking product, Protectiflex. Flexiroc managing director Gary Bullock says Protectiflex is a game changer: a one-stop solution that can be sprayed on buildings and structures to strengthen and protect them – and the people within them – from explosions, weapons and ballistics attacks, forced entry and fire.

Carlton Forest Group’s IRR Manufacturing is forging ahead in the pyrolysis market with the launch of an updated website to showcase its unique technology. Manufactured in South Africa, but managed by an expert team in the UK, IRR Waste 2 Energy, already has a pyrolysis plant installed and fully operational at its UK headquarters in Worksop, and is achieving outputs of energy, oil and carbon char making the process entirely circular. To demystify the smoke and mirrors media profile that pyrolysis generally has, the team has adopted an up front and honest approach; showcasing the typical processes and costs associated with installing and commissioning an IRR pyrolysis plant. Four packages are presented on the new website giving clear explanations, which can be supported by onsite visits and the technical expertise of the UK team.

Bolder Industries increased investment in technical expertise, physical lab space, and its leadership team based on the success of its pilot programs. The Bolder Industries’ plant in Maryville, Missouri, fully commercialized the solution, accepting end-of-life tires at the gate and extracting steel, BolderBlack® (Bolder Industries' recovered carbon black brand), gas, and petrochemicals with a 98% recovery rate and a net-positive energy facility. The company reports that the net effect is a ~90% reduction of environmental impact across the board when considering greenhouse gas emissions, electricity, and water usage, and at a lower price. The company’s press release in May 2020 said Bolder Industries' patent-pending manufacturing process offered all of the petroleum-based products inside of a tire another life, revealing re-use savings.