Tire pyrolysis
We have optimized the chemical recycling of used tires (pyrolysis) to such an extent that we can operate it economically.
From 2026, we will launch the recycled materials TPO (Tire Pyrolysis Oil) and RCB (Recovered Carbon Black) – thus closing the tire cycle sustainably.
The recycling of old tires is still in its infancy – the mountain of waste in landfills continues to grow. Vehicle tires are still considered disposable products, and their materials are not recycled into the production of new tires. We want to change that. But this is not yet possible using conventional methods.
Conventional recycling of car tires
As a driver, you can take your old, worn-out tires to a local dealer. Ideally, they will be recycled, meaning they will be mechanically broken down into their components: steel and rubber. The rubber is then used to produce granules that can be used for sports fields, artificial turf, etc.
However, due to stricter environmental regulations, the use of rubber granulate from old vehicle tires is increasingly restricted. Furthermore, the amount of old tires generated each year far exceeds the demand for recycled rubber for sports fields.
The largest buyers of old vehicle tires are cement plants.
Today, only the metal is usually recovered from car tires. The remaining material mix—whether from bicycle tires or tons of dump truck tires—is used as a fuel substitute in cement plants.
None of the materials are directly recycled into the production of new tires. Traditional tire recycling doesn't close the loop for new tires.
Chemical recycling of car tires
Where mechanical recycling reaches its limits, chemical recycling comes into play: when separating the different materials in a tire.
Depending on the type of tire, different materials are used: natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, silicon oxide, zinc, lead, sulfur, as well as steel and fabric are the basic materials. Natural rubber is obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. For synthetic rubber, fossil petroleum must be extracted and further processed.
The goal of the chemical recycling process is to separate the tire material. The recovered TPO and RCB are returned to the cycle as valuable raw materials. RCB can be used directly in tire production as an alternative to conventional carbon black. This completes the cycle.
The process at a glance
The chemical recycling of used tires is similar to the recycling of mixed plastics (made of polyolefins such as HDPE, LLDPE, PP, and PE). The tire granules are thermally decomposed using oxygen-free heating. This produces gaseous products that are condensed into tire pyrolysis oil (TPO). Solid residues, also known as pyrolysis soot, are processed to produce recovered carbon black (RCB).
Pretreatment
The tires are first mechanically shredded. The fabric and steel are separated. The cleaned feedstock (rubber granulate) is temporarily stored for continuous feed into the reactor.
pyrolysis
In the pyrolysis reactor, plastics or rubber are thermally decomposed. Gaseous hydrocarbons are produced, which are separated via condensers as liquids and waxes. Non-condensable gases escape as pyrolysis gas, and solid residues such as ash and coke are removed in the ash discharge.
aftercare
After pyrolysis, a third raw material, known as recovered carbon black (RCB), can be recovered. As pyrolysis solid, it enters a storage tank at the mill. The ground material is processed into pellets, which are stored for final marketing.
end products
Starting in 2026, we will sell recycled pyrolysis oil with ISCC-Plus sustainability certification and industrial carbon black into the tire industry's production cycle. This will close the loop and enable a fully circular economy.
ISCC Plus certification
ISCC-PLUS certification is a voluntary commitment for the circular economy. All types of biomass, waste and residues, non-biological renewable energy, and recycled carbon materials can be certified under ISCC-PLUS.
Our guarantee
We offer a quality guarantee for our products. Consistent quality is ensured by analyses conducted in our own laboratory and regular inspections by an independent external laboratory.
When you buy pyrolysis oil or carbon black from us, you can be assured that it was produced in an energy-efficient and sustainable manner from recycled vehicle tires.
Dr. Albert Paparo heads our research laboratory in Tangstedt. His team's work has contributed significantly to the optimization of the pyrolysis process, which is both economical and sustainable.
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