News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

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.

Black Bear will produce 12,000 metric tons p.a. of recovered Carbon Black — a sustainable alternative that results in a reduction of over 65,000 tons of CO2 missions compared to the use of conventional Carbon Black. Black Bear and HELM seek to start production and marketing of recovered Carbon Black from the flagship plant in Chemelot Industrial Park from the 2nd half of 2023. On August 27, 2021, Black Bear Carbon B.V. (“Black Bear ”) and HELM AG (“HELM”) have announced a long-term supply chain and marketing cooperation. Black Bear will produce recovered Carbon Black from end-of-life tires via its proprietary technology. Both companies will jointly introduce this innovative product to industrial clients. Black Bear will contribute its extensive knowledge in product and application development while HELM will provide its supply chain know-how and commercial expertise through its broad market presence. This exclusive, long-term agreement covers Black Bear’s first flagship plant on the Chemelot Industrial Park in Geleen, The Netherlands, which is aimed for a start-up in the 2nd half of 2023. Both partners seek to extend their cooperation via further projects which Black Bear is planning.

The Swedish Tyre Recycling Association – SDAB or Svensk Däckåtervinning AB – recently issued its annual report 2020 where it reflects upon what the greatest challenge for sustainability is and how to overcome it. In the press release, it stresses that humanity’s power to impact the ecosystem, an impact which is often more negative than positive, has led the Swedish Tyre Recycling Association to devote its Annual Report 2020 to this theme.

Episode 25 of the Tyre Recycling Podcast features the Director of the Recycling Committee of SLTC – Emanuel Bertalot. SLTC – Sociedad Lationamericana de Tecnología del Caucho – is the Latin American Society of Rubber Technology, it brings together professionals, academics and businessmen from the sector. With partners distributed all over the planet, an online magazine and dozens of conferences and courses throughout the region, we are committed to technological, entrepreneurial and management knowledge in the field of the rubber industry.

The Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) reports that as of July 1st the new Victorian Environment Protection Regulations (2021) are in force in Australia under the amended Environment Protection Act (2017). TSA together with Equilibrium and EPA Victoria have facilitated a webinar recording to help all interested parties navigate through the new requirements in the regulations. The webinar helps tire recycling-related businesses understand the laws that apply to them minimize risks of harm to the environment and human health.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) recently announced it would fund innovative ideas that utilize end-of-life tires. According to the organization’s recent press release, TSA has dedicated a special budget for funding such projects. The organization also says TSA’s Market Development Fund is now open for applications. The scope is broad; from research grants to funding prototypes, projects and initiatives, the goal is to transform passenger and truck tires into new and innovative markets.

Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers of carbon black globally, has announced its intent to bring down its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050. The announcement is seen as a natural progression in Birla Carbon’s leadership in the area of Sustainability and circularity. Birla Carbon recently announced the availability of Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials (SCM) through the launch of its ContinuaTM brand. Birla Carbon’s net zero announcement aligns with The Paris Agreement, signed as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on climate-change mitigation, adaptation, and finance. It also aligns with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Tire Industry Project SDG Roadmap aimed at addressing health and environmental impacts associated with the life cycle impact of tires towards a sustainable future. Within the Aditya Birla Group, Birla Carbon is collaborating with sister companies to develop decarbonization initiatives through the Aditya Birla Science and Technology Center.

Southampton City Council, and highways partner Balfour Beatty Living Places, are pioneering the use of Rubber Modified Asphalt to reduce the environmental impact of highways maintenance activities. Southampton City Council recently approved an additional £10m investment to resurface residential roads and pavements across the city – boosting investment to a record £22 million over the next two years. As part of this program the council and its highways partner, Balfour Beatty Living Places, is pioneering a new method for resurfacing which puts waste rubber that would have otherwise ended up in landfill to good use.

The European authorities have introduced the limits for the PAHs in the recycled rubber used in synthetic turf pitches, and its content must not exceed 20 mg/kg. If the limit is met, a playground or a field can be considered safe for children and sportsmen. The evaluation of all possible risks has been conducted by The Risk Assessment Committee of the European Chemicals Agency, (ECHA). According to ECHA, it was important to make this research as the rubber contains controversial and potentiallly harmful PAH particles. If within the limits, the rubber that is made out of recycled end-of-life tires is safe and not harmful to people who spend much time training and playing on the grounds that contain this type of recycled material.