News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

A recent article published by Rubber World Magazine discusses a study focused on optimizing zinc oxide (ZnO) usage in passenger car radial tire compounds to mitigate environmental impact. Zinc oxide, while essential for rubber vulcanization, is known for its environmental persistence and potential toxicity.

A recent technical overview from Reoil Sp. z o.o., distributed by HARKE GROUP, evaluates the feasibility of using recovered carbon black (rCB) in printing ink formulations. Derived via pyrolysis of end-of-life tires, this rCB offers sustainability advantages by reducing reliance on virgin carbon black and lowering overall carbon emissions. The material also presents cost efficiency, making it an attractive option for large-scale ink production.

On April 8, the Continental Executive Board has decided to make the ContiTech group sector independent. The preparatory phase that now follows will involve analyzing and assessing the possible transaction forms for independence and drawing up a timetable for implementation. The Executive Board will decide on this in the next step. As things stand, Continental considers a sale of ContiTech to be the most likely option.

Phibro rCB – a Natchez-based company (Mississippi, USA) that employs proprietary technology to convert end-of-life tires into renewable carbon black and renewable oils – has completed a major rail infrastructure upgrade in partnership with Natchez Railway. The enhanced rail access will improve transportation of the company’s main products: carbon black and tire pyrolysis oil.

According to Bloomberg, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. may benefit from U.S. tariffs on car imports, as the company sources much of its demand from domestic automakers and tires currently fall outside the scope of the planned duties. Deutsche Bank has upgraded Goodyear’s stock rating from “hold” to “buy,” citing improved cost management and favorable positioning.

Kal Tire is redefining sustainable practices in the mining sector through its advanced recycling facility in Antofagasta, Chile, which focuses on the recovery of ultra-class mining tires. Opened in 2021, the plant uses a proprietary thermal conversion process that transforms end-of-life tires into valuable resources such as alternative fuel, high-tensile steel, and recovered carbon black (rCB).

You can recognize the efforts of companies and individuals in the tire and rubber industry by sending your submission for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada's 2025 Industry Leadership Awards.

Episode 72 of The Tyre Recycling Podcast features Adele Rose from Tyrewise, who shares insights into the scheme’s early progress and strategic plans to grow New Zealand’s domestic market for tyre recycling. With processing capacity exceeding demand, Adele discusses efforts to boost local use of recycled rubber and protect the industry from low-value tyre exports.

Researchers from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology, in collaboration with international partners, have developed an innovative method to convert recovered carbon black (rCB)—a by-product of pyrolysis of end-of-life tires (ELTs)—into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). This sustainable approach offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional graphene production while supporting circular economy principles.