TyreLoop will be built at VTTI Antwerp terminal in Belgium, where land has been allocated for the project
Key feasibility steps in 2025 included selecting several contractors. In February, VTTI signed a consultancy agreement with Pyrum Innovation AG, an expert in tyre recycling using patented thermolysis technology. Pyrum was chosen for its advanced, proven technology and successful industrial operations in Europe.
VTTI officially launched a market consultation on September 9 for the offtake of Tyre-Derived Oil (TDO) as part of the project’s next phase. Interested market participants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest by 18:00 CEST on 17 October 2025, marking the start of commercial engagement.
1. Expression of Interest (9 September – 17 October 2025)
- The first step is for parties to express their interest by sending an email to TyreLoop@vtti.com.
- After sending this notification, the interested party will receive an information package with an NDA, a questionnaire, and a process letter.
- The signed NDA and filled in questionnaire need to be submitted by 18:00 CEST on 17 October 2025.
2. The second phase will be determined based on the outcome of phase 1 (17 October onwards)
- VTTI aims to have signed Heads of Agreements by Q1 2026.
This initiative is fully aligned with VTTI’s goal to generate 50% of its earnings from transitional and sustainable energies, while expanding infrastructure that supports circular economy solutions globally.
The Process
Before arriving at VTTI Antwerp, waste tyres will undergo shredding and separation to remove steel wire and textile components. The remaining rubber granulate is then transported to the facility for processing.
Thermolysis Process (onsite)
Pyrolysis of rubber granulate involves the thermal decomposition of the organic components at high temperature to produce TDO or pyrolysis oil, pyrolytic gas, and recovered carbon black. TDO and pyrolytic gas are derived from synthetic and natural rubber. The pyrolytic gas is used to produce electricity to heat the pyrolysis reactors. The natural rubber content will recycle into the biogenic parts of gas and TDO (minimum 40%); hence part of the pyrolysis oil is biogenic. The solid fraction of the feedstock is turned into char, a raw form of recovered carbon black.
A process of milling and pelletising turns the char into rCB a product that can be used in the production of tyres, mechanical rubber goods (MRG) and specialty products (e.g., paints).
By utilising this process, the W2V plant maximises resource recovery, reduces dependence on virgin materials, and supports sustainable industrial practices – reinforcing VTTI’s commitment to circular economy principles and environmental responsibility.
TDO Quality
With Pyrum as development partner, VTTI TyreLoop Antwerp has ensured the best in class pyrolysis technology for its project to enable high consistency in TDO quality. This quality is proven with thousands of tons of delivered TDO from the Dillingen plant of Pyrum Innovations, used in several end applications.
The Tyreloop project will be sited at the Port of Antwerp and Bruges (PoAB), Belgium;
