News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

Shercom Industries, a Saskatoon-based tire recycling company, has initiated legal action against the Province of Saskatchewan, Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS), and TSS CEO Stevyn Arnt. The lawsuit, filed on November 8, alleges breach of contract and "injurious falsehoods," seeking $10 million in damages from the province and additional punitive damages from TSS and Arnt.

Read about the most important events and updates in the tire recycling and pyrolysis industry! Subscribe for our newsletter today! Weibold offers comprehensive consulting services in the field of tire recycling and tire pyrolysis. Learn how Weibold's Market Researches can help you successfully launch and upgrade your business!

An international study has identified tire particles (TPs) as the largest source of microplastics, urging targeted research to address their environmental and health risks. Accounting for nearly a third of all microplastics, TPs differ from traditional microplastics in their size, chemical composition, and behavior in ecosystems, prompting researchers to advocate for their classification as a distinct environmental concern.

Youngstown City Council has voted to extend its moratorium on pyrolysis operations, further delaying SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions' plans to process tire chips into synthetic gas in the downtown area. The decision aims to allow more time to assess the environmental and safety implications of the proposed technology, which has drawn opposition from residents, legal experts, and city leaders.

Chennai-based Rathi Group is set to significantly expand its recovered carbon black (rCB) production capacity, reaching 20,000 metric tons annually by December 2024. The company is adding a new greenfield facility with a 15,000 MT/year capacity under its Rathi Green Energy Private Limited entity, leveraging insights from its existing 5,000 MT/year plant.

SIGNUS and the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) have renewed their collaboration for the 2024-2025 academic year in the prestigious Master’s Degree in Waste and Wastewater Management for Resource Recovery. This partnership focuses on advancing education and research in waste management while promoting the circular economy and equipping future professionals with the expertise needed to tackle environmental challenges. The renewal agreement underscores a shared commitment to fostering responsible and sustainable practices in managing solid and liquid waste. Activities planned for the academic year include specialized training sessions, workshops, seminars, and guided visits to authorized waste management facilities. These efforts aim to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Additionally, the collaboration will support research and development (R&D) initiatives, encouraging scientific innovation and the transfer of knowledge to address pressing environmental issues.

SIGNUS and AIMPLAS have completed the first phase of the GREENFU project, which aims to develop composite materials using recycled rubber from end-of-life tires (ELTs) combined with thermoplastics. The project focuses on creating sustainable solutions for industries such as automotive and construction, leveraging the properties of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).

As millions of tires reach the end of their usable lives each year, their disposal poses significant environmental challenges. Durable and non-biodegradable end-of-life tires (ELTs) contribute to growing landfill volumes, create fire risks, and release toxins when improperly handled. Tire pyrolysis, a process that thermally decomposes tires in an oxygen-free environment to recover valuable materials, offers a promising solution to this problem. However, in an industry facing scrutiny from regulators, investors, and consumers, proving this process's environmental and economic benefits is crucial. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as a critical tool for tire pyrolysis companies to evaluate their impact, identify efficiencies, and build credibility.

The European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA) Conference returns to the Hotel Le Louise in March 2025, offering a platform for industry leaders to discuss advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the tire recycling sector. Featuring keynote speakers from commercial enterprises, NGOs, governments, and research institutions, the event aims to foster open dialogue on current trends and developments in the industry.