News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

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.

UK-based tyre recycler Big Atom has formed an official partnership with Tyre Spot, a large independent tyre wholesaler in the Northeast of England. The agreement aims to improve the efficiency and compliance of used tyre disposal across Tyre Spot’s network.

Perth-based CTS Tyre Recycling is expanding its leadership team and industry partnerships as it advances plans to reshape end-of-life tyre (EOLT) disposal across Western Australia. Part of the family-owned Cometti Group, which began as Cometti Tyres in 1984, CTS builds on decades of experience in tyre supply and servicing, particularly for major fleet operators. The group now includes Complete Tyre Solutions, with 13 branches across WA, SA, and the NT, servicing over 800 clients.

Hexpol AB has announced the acquisition of the remaining 30% of German recycled polymer specialist almaak, completing its full ownership of the company. The deal, valued at €36.7 million, follows Hexpol's initial purchase of a 70% stake in 2022 and is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand in thermoplastic compounding and high recycled-content polymers.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its member companies applaud the introduction of the Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies (IMPACT) Act, H.R. 1534, and its complement, IMPACT Act 2.0, H.R.2122, both introduced by U.S. Representatives Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Max Miller (OH-07). The bills promote research and deployment of innovative pavement technologies, including rubber modified asphalt (RMA), which delivers proven economic, environmental and performance benefits.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) have developed an innovative chemical method that breaks down rubber waste into valuable precursors for epoxy resins. Led by Dr. Aleksandr Zhukhovitskiy, the study presents an alternative to traditional recycling methods like pyrolysis, which can release harmful byproducts. Instead, the new process uses C–H amination and a backbone rearrangement technique to transform cross-linked rubber into amine-functionalized, soluble materials.

The Ontario Government has made amendments to the Tires Regulation which may impact registered producers, PROs, collectors, haulers, processors and retreaders. To view the approved amendments, visit the Environmental Registry of Ontario. As per the Ontario government, the amendments were made to increase flexibility, reduce burden and simplify requirements for producers.

Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Mohan Natarajan as the new Regional Head – Sales and Service for its South Division. With over a decade of experience in the manufacturing industry, Mr. Natarajan brings a strong combination of strategic insight, technical proficiency, and leadership capabilities to his new role.