ReRubber Solutions funded by ZIM-innovation network has expanded its capabilities with the addition of matteco GmbH, bringing new expertise in sustainable material engineering and circular economy technologies to the tire recycling sector.

This strategic partnership strengthens the network’s interdisciplinary approach, particularly in advancing high-performance applications for recycled tire materials, including rubber powder derived from end-of-life tires (ELTs).

At its core, the collaboration focuses on unlocking greater value from mechanically recycled tires. matteco contributes deep technical know-how in material formulation, compound development, and performance optimization, enabling the transformation of recycled rubber into engineered elastomer products suitable for demanding industrial and construction applications.

These products—composed of more than 95% recycled rubber powder—are designed for use in areas such as vibration damping, structural isolation, and load-bearing components. Their ability to reduce mechanical stress, noise, and structural fatigue makes them particularly relevant for sustainable infrastructure and long-life construction systems.

Photo by ReRubber.

The integration of matteco into the network comes at a time of intensified research and development activity. Ongoing projects within ReRubber Solutions are focused on improving the material recovery and reuse pathways for ELTs, and the addition of matteco is expected to accelerate innovation in:

  • Material modification and performance enhancement
  • Processing and compounding technologies
  • Development of market-ready recycled rubber products

From a circular economy perspective, the partnership reinforces a critical shift in the tire recycling industry—from volume-driven processing to value-driven material utilization. By enabling high-quality secondary raw materials to compete with virgin inputs, initiatives like this help reduce reliance on fossil-based resources while improving the economic viability of recycling.

Importantly, matteco’s product systems are designed with full circularity in mind, allowing materials to be reintroduced into the production cycle at end-of-life—closing the loop within the tire-derived materials value chain.

The expansion of the ReRubber Solutions network highlights its growing role as a platform for collaborative innovation between industry and academia. Supported by Germany’s ZIM program, the network continues to position itself at the forefront of mechanical tire recycling technologies, which remain a key pillar alongside advanced processes such as pyrolysis.

As regulatory pressure increases and demand for sustainable materials grows, partnerships like this are expected to play a pivotal role in scaling high-performance, circular solutions for tire-derived materials across Europe and beyond.

Article source: ReRubber.