News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

The potential of rubberized asphalt to enhance road durability and sustainability was a key topic at the recent Workshop on Rubberized Asphalt held in Rome on December 4-5. The event, organized by ETRA and ANAS, was supported by the EU-funded RE-PLAN CITY LIFE and LIFE SILENT projects.

Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel announced a $1.1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Remediation Fund to clear debris from the former Crest Rubber Co. site in Ravenna, Ohio, facilitating redevelopment. The project, in partnership with the city of Ravenna and the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District, aims to remove 6,600 tons of construction and demolition debris, including nonfriable asbestos-containing material.

Mars Mineral, a global provider of pelletizing technology, is enhancing its manufacturing capabilities through a new investment at its parent company, Woodward Inc. Woodward, a precision metal fabricator, is expanding its square footage and installing a state-of-the-art shape cutting/layout burning machine to support increased production efficiency and precision.

VTTI, a global leader in energy storage and infrastructure, has entered into an agreement with Pyrum Innovations AG, an expert in the recycling of waste tyres via thermolysis, to develop a state-of-the-art waste tyres recycling thermolysis plant at VTTI’s Antwerp Terminal (ATPC). This agreement marks a significant step towards integrating sustainable waste management solutions into VTTI’s infrastructure and marks another important step in Pyrum’s international expansion plans.

A research team at the University of Toronto has developed an innovative self-sensing composite material made from crumb rubber derived from recycled tires. This new material has the potential to enhance infrastructure monitoring by serving as a skin-like overlay on bridge decks and pavements, enabling real-time defect detection and weigh-in-motion capabilities.

On February 19, Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC), a specialty chemical company, announced financial results for its full-year financial results for 2024, reporting a third consecutive year of $300+ million EBITDA and highlighting positive 2025-2026 inflection in Free Cash Flow. “Orion delivered more than $300 million of Adjusted EBITDA for the third consecutive year in 2024, but we are not satisfied by these results.

The European Commission has confirmed that 24 non-OECD countries have successfully submitted their requests to continue receiving EU recycled materials under the new Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR). While this is a positive step, nearly 150 non-OECD countries have yet to submit their notifications, risking an automatic export ban by May 21, 2027.

The Tire Technology Expo & Conference kicks off next week! We are looking forward to a comprehensive 3-day conference, where the latest industry developments in tire manufacturing and design will be explored! What’s in store? Over 240 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products. More than 165 speakers from leading manufacturers, organizations, and educational institutions. Three accredited short courses running alongside the show

UK-based Virdis Chemicals Ltd has acquired the rubber curatives and additives business of J. Allcock & Sons, a Manchester-based rubber recycler. This acquisition does not affect Allcock’s other business operations. The deal strengthens Virdis’ rubber chemicals portfolio by adding the Intercure® range of curatives for FKM, carnauba wax, and other essential rubber chemicals.