LD Carbon, a resource recycling startup founded in 2017, has opened Korea’s first and largest end-of-life tire (ELT) pyrolysis facility in Dangjin. Every year, South Korea generates approximately 400,000 tons of ELTs, creating significant waste management challenges. Unlike conventional methods, LD Carbon uses advanced technology to transform pyrolysis byproducts into recovered carbon black (rCB), used in the production of new tires.

The new plant, located in the Dangjin Hapdeok General Industrial Complex, covers 29,800㎡ and can process 50,000 tons of tire chips annually. By applying secondary pyrolysis to char — a solid byproduct — LD Carbon produces Green Carbon Black, reducing carbon emissions by up to 32,000 tons compared to traditional carbon black. The plant is projected to produce 20,000 tons of rCB and 24,000 tons of pyrolysis oil each year, far surpassing output from its previous Gimcheon facility.

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LD Carbon's first and largest tyre pyrolysis plant. | Photo by LD Carbon.

Automation has helped LD Carbon achieve significant cost efficiencies, with its rCB already supplied to major Korean tire companies and being tested by global brands. With the tire industry targeting over 40% sustainable raw materials by 2030, demand for LD Carbon’s products is set to rise. Moreover, SK Incheon Petrochem has secured a 10-year contract for LD Carbon’s eco-friendly pyrolysis oil.

Full-scale operations at the Dangjin plant will begin next month, and LD Carbon is planning to expand into overseas markets across Asia.

To learn more about the topic, proceed to LD Carbon’s LinkedIn post.