News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

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.

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.

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Recent debates have questioned chemical recycling technologies' environmental effectiveness and practicality, mainly the production and use of pyrolysis oil derived from plastic waste. Critics argue that pyrolysis oil might exacerbate ecological problems rather than solve them, claiming that chemical recycling does not represent true recycling and potentially undermines broader waste reduction initiatives. However, evidence-based analyses indicate that these technologies, particularly pyrolysis, play a significant and beneficial role when implemented responsibly.

Pyrum Innovations AG (Pyrum) announced that the Supervisory Board extended the contract with Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Kai Winkelmann until March 31, 2030, thus ensuring continuity in the management of the company. Kai Winkelmann has been with the company since February 2021 and was appointed to the Executive Board as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the first time on April 1, 2022. In his time at Pyrum to date, he has made a significant contribution to securing the company’s financing, including the successful capital increase last year. In his position on the Executive Board, Mr. Winkelmann is responsible for Finance, Compliance and IT.