News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

Danish environmental company Genan reports that it achieved a record turnover of more than EUR 62 million las year, presenting a 4.6% increase in comparison with the previous year. Yet earnings dropped from close to EUR 3.5 million in 2021 to EUR 1.5 million in 2022 – mainly due to high energy and freight prices. Despite these challenges, Genan, which has the capacity to turn more than 400,000 tons of end-of-life tires in total into new, usable materials each year, at its six recycling plants in Denmark, Germany, Portugal and the USA respectively, achieved a turnover of more than EUR 62 million.

After a pause due to Covid-19, the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) 'Briefing Day' will return this year. The event is a regular occurrence in the UK recycling industry and will take place on September 13th, 2023, at the Woodland Grange Hotel in Leamington Spa. Attendees will receive expert presentations and valuable information on the latest market and regulatory trends. For more information and to pre-register, contact the TRA office at:

Engineering News publication reports that TRIASA’s (The Tyre Recycling Industry Association of South Africa) launch is a significant event for the South African economy and environment, according to Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Mathe Group, a truck tire recycling operation based in Hammarsdale and a founder member of the new industry body. TRIASA has been launched with the aim to unite the different elements of tire recycling in South Africa and to provide a forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and collaboration on pressing issues within the industry.

According to The Drive’s press release, Michelin has developed an algorithm, called SmartWear, which can predict tire wear down to the millimeter by using data from existing sensors on the vehicle combined with environmental data. The algorithm was developed specifically for Michelin's tires, but the company hopes to make it brand-agnostic. With vehicles getting bigger and heavier, and electric cars wearing out tires more quickly, Michelin's technology is particularly useful for automakers.

On April 26th, the European REACH Committee voted in favor of proposals to restrict the intentional introduction of microplastics in many products. This decision was made after the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) found that uncontrolled microplastics released into the environment pose a risk to health. It is estimated that over 20 years, the proposed restriction would prevent the release in the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics, at an estimated total cost up to €19 billion. The proposal will now be subject to a 3-month scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council before it can be adopted by the Commission.

Nokian Tyres held a sustainable tyre innovation challenge called FAST RACE, BIG CHANGE to discover new solutions for more environmentally friendly tyres. The competition received almost 50 entries from 18 countries, and four finalists were chosen by Nokian Tyres' experts. After the world's fastest pitch and careful consideration, the jury awarded Reselo AB from Sweden with the winning place. Reselo’s innovative renewable rubber made from residue birch bark convinced the judges with its versatility and future potential.

Bridgestone Americas has announced the release of the latest addition to its iconic ultra-high performance Potenza lineup: the Bridgestone Potenza Race tire. The tire is homologated for public roads but its performance is focused on track days. Independent company TÜV SÜD tests have shown that the Potenza Race tire delivers the fastest lap time and shortest braking on dry pavement, outperforming its main competitors. Bridgestone's expertise in motorsports and high performance has contributed to the development of the Potenza Race tire. The tire's tread pattern, construction, and material compound have been innovatively designed, incorporating Bridgestone's groundbreaking Virtual Tire Development technology.

Acording to the recent case study by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA)., Rubber T-Lok – a new generation of safety barriers made from tire-derived materials (TDM) – offering enhanced safety benefits, a longer life span and cost-effective solutions for a variety of industries. An innovative use of tire derived material that will enhance public safety and support the recovery of end-of-life tires in Australia – 1 kilometre of T-Lok barriers uses 12 tonnes of recycled rubber which is the equivalent of 2,000 passenger tires, and it is projected the product could use up to 60,000 (360 tonnes) passenger tires per year.

Pyrum Innovations AG (Pyrum), a pioneer in the sustainable recycling of end-of-life tires (ELT) based on its patented pyrolysis technology, has commissioned the first automated, semi-industrial recycling plant for carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) after almost four years of development. This is the first time CFRP has been holistically recycled worldwide. The plant is located at the main factory in Dillingen/Saar and will serve as the cornerstone for the construction of an industrial plant. This opens up another promising market for Pyrum alongside the recycling of used tires. Fiber-reinforced composites, which include CFRP, are used in a wide variety of areas, including the transport industry in the production of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, aviation and public transport.