News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

Nokian Tyres, a leading developer and manufacturer of premium tires, and UPM, a leading biomaterials production expert, are partnering to further increase sustainability in the tire industry by introducing the first concept tire made with a new renewable material with the potential to replace a significant part of the carbon black currently used in tire production. The innovative material, called UPM BioMotion™ RFF is a promising fully renewable lignin-based alternative for traditional carbon black, reducing the need for fossil materials and lowering carbon emissions in tire manufacturing.

Pyrum Innovations AG (Pyrum) today published its consolidated interim report for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2024. Revenue in the first three months totalled € 336 thousand and was therefore around € 54 1TP3 thousand higher than in the same period of the previous year (3M 2023: € 218 thousand). Own work capitalised amounted to € 1,615 thousand (3M 2023: € 2,958 thousand) as construction of the plant expansion in Dillingen progressed according to plan. The decrease corresponds to the lower cost of materials required to produce own work capitalised as the degree of completion of the plant expansion increases. Due to the lower level of own work capitalised in the reporting period compared to the same period of the previous year, total operating performance fell by around € 1TP3k to € 2,177k (3M 2023: € 3,188k). At € 148 thousand, other operating income was around € 85 thousand higher than in the same period of the previous year (3M 2023: € 80 thousand). The consolidated net loss for the period totalled € ‑2,684 thousand (3M 2023: € ‑2,237 thousand). The available liquidity as at 31 March 2024 was € 7,065 thousand (31 December 2023: € 4,275 thousand).

In an Australian first, Ararat Rural City Council has tested new road sealing technology using a circular road solution to enhance road efficiency within the community. This innovative method uses recycled tire rubber as a modifier for bitumen binder and a substitute for traditional aggregates, significantly advancing sustainable road construction practices. This approach could increase the use of waste tires on rural roads by tenfold.

Tuesday 24 September sees the largest gathering of the UK tyre recycling industry to discuss the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Over 50 businesses are expected to be represented to hear from the leading industry experts and analysts at a time when the new government needs to focus on some crucial decisions to enable the industry to succeed. Without an update to the regulatory framework many fear the imminent demise of the UK’S domestic tyre recycling industry.

According to Swedish Tyre Recycling (Svensk Däckåtervinning AB), the company has been working with balance since 1994, and this year marks their 30th anniversary. The company focuses on aligning society’s need for resources with the planet’s renewable capacity to promote a sustainable existence. This involves using existing resources for longer periods with minimal modification, particularly in areas where virgin extraction would have significant consequences.

Natural rubber production offers significant opportunities to enhance both environmental and social outcomes. While the expansion of rubber plantations can negatively impact tropical forests, sustainable practices can mitigate these effects by protecting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, promoting dignified working conditions and upholding workers' rights on rubber plantations is crucial to fostering an ethical and sustainable industry.

One year after bicycle tyre manufacturer Schwalbe introduced the world’s first circular tyre using the Pyrum rCB, the use of rCBs in tyre production is being massively expanded. From now on, 70% of all Schwalbe tyres will be made of Pyrum rCB. Pyrum takes over the recycling of the tyres in the recycling system. The recovered carbon black is returned to Schwalbe to produce new bicycle tyres. The rCB replaces 100% of fossil carbon black in the production of new bicycle tyres without compromising on quality and at the same time saves 80% CO₂ equivalent. Thanks to the wide range of possible applications, rCB is now also used in Schwalbe’s high-end tyres for road, gravel and mountain bikes as well as in city and cargo bikes.

124 associations, representatives, universities, and companies in the tire recycling industry from across Europe support the AZuR Resolution for securing the future of used tire recycling. To ensure the future of environmentally responsible used tire recycling in Europe, the Alliance Future Tires (AZuR) has drafted a resolution directed at European policymakers. The widely recognized resolution calls for all tires used within the European Union to be recycled or repurposed within the EU.

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) releases the Monthly NR Statistical Report, May 2024. As production resumed following seasonal leaf exfoliation, the physical rubber market exhibited signs of recovery during May, except for RSS-3 in Bangkok. The NR market continues to be influenced by the strength of currencies in NR-producing countries against the greenback, as well as other prevailing factors affecting market sentiment namely the supply-demand fundamental.