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BAFTA-winning BBC journalist Paul Kenyon joined The Tyre Recycling Podcast to discuss “The Tyre Scandal” and the potential for a part 2 with host Richard Wilson of Tyre & Rubber Recycling.
Paul Kenyon Discusses UK Waste Tyre Crisis
Paul, whose File on 4 programme “The Tyre Scandal” exposed the illegal export of UK end-of-life tyres to India, discusses what he hoped to learn at the summit, noting Australia is at a “more advanced stage” than the UK. He reveals the “epiphany moment” of his investigation: realising India lacked the legal pyrolysis capacity to process the sheer volume of tyres being exported from the UK.
Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and InnoVent Renewables, a leader in sustainable tyre recycling, has announced the signing of a master cooperation agreement (MCA) to jointly license and deploy InnoVent’s proprietary continuous tire pyrolysis technology worldwide
“This agreement marks the next phase of our partnership with InnoVent, as we work together to scale and advance a proven circular technology,” saidLeon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology. “It also reflects our continued commitment to reducing tire waste and building on Lummus‘ legacy of collaborating with technology innovators to solve complex sustainability challenges.”
Earlier this year, Lummus and InnoVent signed an MOU, and the MCA establishes their strategic partnership. Under the MCA, Lummus becomes the exclusive licensor of InnoVent’s tyre pyrolysis technology, which converts end-of-life tyres into products like pyrolysis oil, gas, carbon black, and steel. The partnership will also combine Lummus‘ processing technologies to boost the value of fuel and chemical outputs.
“We are excited to move forward with Lummus in this next phase of our partnership,” said Vibhu Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of InnoVent Renewables. “Lummus’ complimentary portfolio of technologies and their global presence will be instrumental in scaling up and addressing the environmental and public health challenge posed by the more than one billion end-of-life tyres disposed each year.”
InnoVent’s technology is said to offer a scalable, end-to-end solution for converting ELT into sustainable fuels and high-value petrochemicals, from pre-processing through purification. The company currently operates a commercial facility in Monterrey, Mexico, capable of processing up to one million passenger tyres annually, with plans to expand capacity.
The Recykl Group has secured €6 million in financing from the Foreign Expansion Fund 2 FIZAN, managed by PFR TFI, to acquire shares in Germany’s HRV and Lithuania’s APG, according to PFR
These transactions will help theRecykl Group grow its business, enter new markets, and ensure a steady supply of raw materials, which will strengthen its position in the European market.
“PFR consistently invests in initiatives that support Polish companies’ international growth, viewing it as a central strategy for enhancing domestic capital. An increasing number of firms are entering global markets, and we allocate resources where they can most effectively enhance their competitive positioning. The current economic transition presents exceptional prospects for enterprises seeking wider European market participation. The Recykl Group serves as a strong example of how such aspirations may be effectively realized in collaboration with PFR,” stated Mikołaj Raczyński, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at the Polish Development Fund, in the official release.
Financing of up to EUR 6 million will be provided by the Foreign Expansion Fund 2 FIZ AN, managed by PFR TFI. These funds are designated to partially finance the acquisition in Germany and to refinance a portion of the loan obtained for the acquisition of the Lithuanian company, which was finalised at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025.
“Signing the loan agreement with the Foreign Expansion Fund marks a significant step forward in our M&A activities abroad. Direct entry into new territories, proximity to prospective clients, and securing essential sources of raw materials are strategic factors driving the Group’s value creation and enhancing the scope for future market consolidation over the long term,” commented Maciej Jasiewicz, President of the Recykl Group.
Recykl Group companies collect used tyres, produce rubber granules for industry, and provide tyre recycling and recovery services. They also handle product fee settlements for tyre makers and importers.
Niutech Environment Technology Corporation has announced the signing of a new sales contract with a European client
Niutech will provide its “New-Generation – Large-Scale Industrial Continuous Intelligent Waste Tyre Pyrolysis Production Line” for a European demonstration project, with the contract valued at $14 million. As a leader in intelligent continuous pyrolysis solutions, Niutech has extensive experience with large-scale international recycling projects and offers safe, efficient, and low-carbon production lines that meet EU circular economy standards. This marks the fourth collaboration between Niutech and the client on European projects, highlighting the company’s strong reputation and technical capability.
Niutech’s latest production line efficiently converts waste tyres into valuable outputs such as pyrolysis oil, recycled carbon black, steel wires, and combustible gas, contributing to a sustainable recycling model. The technology is certified by EU CE, German TÜV, EU ATEX, and ISCC EU/PLUS, and complies with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). Niutech’s equipment is widely adopted in over ten countries, including the US, UK, South Korea, and Denmark, processing more than 30 types of recyclable materials, and is recognised for its advanced technology and energy-efficient performance.
The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) highlights the importance a new technology process to manage tyre waste exports to shipping companies
The new means of compliance came into effect on the 28 October. Non-compliant shippers will face penalties. The new rules, announced this summer, state that from 28 October every container of baled ELTs (end-of-life-tyres) bound for India [or anywhere] should be accompanied by a digital geo-tagged Annex VII.
The introduction of technology is to enable better policing of the rules and follow the Environment Agency’s previous reminder that, when it comes to the shipment of used tyre exports, any waste export must be accompanied by a fully completed Annex VII. Not only is the digital geo-tagged Annex VII easier to police it also makes it easier for operators to comply with this important environmental rule.
If the waste shipment does not end up being recovered at the stated consignee address the parties in the chain of custody face prosecution. The penalty can be the cost of repatriation of that illegal waste shipment, unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison. The parties in the chain of custody include the waste generator, the broker, the consignee in the receiving country and the shipping line.
The TRA advises that any business involved in exporting ELTs to India, have up to date declarations of compliance from all the parties in their chain of custody. The digital Annex VII make this easier. Amending internal compliance procedures for the digital geo-tagged Annex VII protocol will reduce a shipper’s risk of prosecution.
Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, said; “The TRA wants to ensure all shipping operators are aware of that a digital geo-tagged Annex VIIis now required when transporting waste tyres to India. This is a significant development in waste export enforcement. UK environmental rules for the exporting of ELTs now require all businesses involved to have up-to-date declarations of compliance from every party in their chain of custody. This is of particular importance when shipping to countries like India. Shipping companies should already be aware that their revenues will be undermined by measures that force them to cover the cost of repatriation for an illegal shipment.
“The introduction of the digital geo-tagged Annex VII is a welcome step forward as both an efficient and effective means of clamping down on the export of UK environmental waste destined for pyrolysis in India, which is illegal. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have previously clarified that importing waste tyres for pyrolysis is explicitly banned.
“We are keen to support the Shippers who are involved in the ELT chain of export by bringing their attention to this new rule, we don’t want to see anyone caught out because they are unaware of their obligations.”
Since the 1st October, the Environment Agency has enforced rules on the export of waste tyres, no containers should be leaving without the appropriate paperwork. However, anecdotal evidence suggests there is still leakage in the system
Tyre and Rubber Recycling approached four of the key shipping lines to ask for their position on the shipping of waste tyres. All four had been suggested by a recycler who had knowledge of tyres being shipped via these lines.
One shipping line responded. Hapag Lloyd came back with a statement saying; “We do not accept used tyres, The control process is that we notify our colleagues in India who in turn obtain the consignees pre-approval. However, we are not currently exporting granulated rubber as our India colleagues are quite rightly restrictive by insisting on deposits and certain terms i.e. prepaid only, tariff free time.
“Regarding the Annex VII, in short, yes. rubber is viewed as highest risk and therefore the EA pay extra attention to those containers so if there’s no Annex document, the cargo is not shipped.”
However, not every container leaving a UK port has the veracity of its consignment checked. Some years ago, HMRC recorded UK Retread exports at a figure higher than the UK manufactured of imported put together. The implication being that ELT were being shipped out of the UK as retreads, allowing them to bypass waste tyre restrictions, and potentially access export markets where waste tyre imported were banned.
On the 29th October, The Telegraph carried a story that claimed cars were being stolen in the UK and exported abroad and there was nothing the Police could do about it.
Eleanor Dallaway, from cyber insurance firm Assured, was told that on the day the car was stolen, it was probably on a ferry and on its way abroad.
As with all rules and regulations, they are only as good as the enforcement, and with thousands of containers being shipped out of the UK every day, it is currently impossible to check the contents of every container against its consignment paperwork.
For so long as this is the case, the unscrupulous players will slip through the system.
The light at the end of the tunnel could well be digital waste tracking, which cannot come soon enough.
Ultimately, when every tyre has its own tag, tyres can then be traced back to their manufacturer, and since end of life is the responsibility of the producer, in the case of tyres that is the manufacturer, perhaps the manufacturers will pay more attention to where their end-of-life tyres end up – maybe.
The second episode of TRR Video Insights, recorded at The Round Trip: Tyre & Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit in Melbourne, presented by Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise is now online.In this video, we speak with Ash Sambrooks, Senior Investment Manager for Clean Economy for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Opportunities for NSW to Increase Resource and Material Recovery
Ash introduces his role focusing on investment attraction for regional New South Wales whilst also sharing his government perspective on the summit, noting the sector is at a “crossroads” with huge challenges, opportunities, and investment potential to close the resource recovery gap.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Ash Sambrooks
The forum, titled “Hablemos sobre la circularidad de las llantas en Colombia” (Time for Action: Tyre Circularity in Colombia), aims to explore how Colombia’s tyre economy operates, from importation through to final disposal, and to examine how private companies and public institutions contribute to this circular system. According to the organising committee, the session will be dynamic and discussion-led.
“The structure of the forum will begin with Fernando Flórez, President of ANRE (Asociación Nacional de Rencauchadores de Colombia), who will deliver a 20–25 minute introductory address. Following that, the invited participants will not each present individual lectures. Instead, Fernando will introduce key topics for discussion, and participants will debate them collaboratively. Hernando Díez Vargas, Vice President of ANRE, will act as co-moderator alongside Fernando, guiding the conversation and ensuring that all main themes are explored with the invited experts.”
This interactive approach is intended to encourage an open exchange of ideas and practical insights on how Colombia can strengthen its circular economy for tyres.
Among the confirmed panel are:
Fernando Flórez,President of ANRE, is an Industrial Engineer with extensive experience in management and international market development across the Andean region and Central America.
Francisco Eraso, Environmental Engineer and Coordinator of the Sustainable Consumption Group at District Department of the Environment through the Sub-directorate of Eco-urbanism and Corporate Environmental Management, oversees circular economy policy and waste management initiatives and regulations.
Katherin Uribe Cifuentes, Project Director at Sistema Verde, leads national programmes on used tyre collection and traceability, promoting circular economy practices across multiple sectors. Her career includes supporting companies in achieving their sustainability and extended producer responsibility goals.
Raumir Castro, an International Business professional with more than 15 years of experience in strategic management, finance and international business development. Currently, his work covers global negotiations with suppliers in Asia and the Americas, development and positioning of private brands, and market expansion across Latin America.
Juan Carlos Bobadilla Díaz, Vice President of the Cundinamarca Chapter and National Secretary of the Colombian Truckers Association (ACC), is a transport sector leader with three decades of experience. He has co-authored key national transport modernisation laws and represented Colombian truckers in international forums.
This panel represents only part of the broader line-up of experts who will contribute to the discussion on Colombia’s tyre circularity challenges and opportunities.
As media partners for the event, Retreading Business and Tyre & Rubber Recycling will provide coverage of the Retreading Forum and the wider Jornadas de Reciclaje conference, highlighting key takeaways and future actions identified by industry leaders.
Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025 is returning for its 4th edition and has announced the final agenda of the event, focusing on tyre recycling in Latin America
From 12 to 14 November, at Ágora Bogotá Convention Centre, the 4th edition of the Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025 will be a meeting place for industry, academia and governments, fostering dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of tyre recycling in the region. Such conferences aim to generate and propose innovative and sustainable solutions that drive the transition toward a more environmentally responsible future.
On Wednesday, 12 November, the main topic of discussion will be Opening, Innovation and Sustainable Roads with Tyre Rubber Powder (ELT). Some of the key topics will include artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance in manufacturing, robotics in tyre retreading, the AZuR project focusing on European-Latin American circular economy initiatives, national experiences in asphalt modification using recycled tyres, environmental, technical, and life-cycle aspects of rubberised asphalt, and more. The first day will conclude with a wine competition, an evening social event.
The speakers of the first day include:
Laura Cabrera, Siemens, Argentina
Lizardo Benites, Renova, Peru
Christina Guth, CGW GmbH & AZuR, Germany
Cindy Ortega, Colombia
Sully Rojas, Colombia
Iván Paba, Colombia
José Manuel Cuadrado Valbuena, Panama
Manuel Ocampo, Colombia
Gilberto Martínez, Colombia
Mónica Eloisa Rueda Peña, Colombia
Gerardo Botasso, Argentina,
The main topic of the event on Thursday, 13 November, will be Circular Economy, Regional Legislation & Tyre Circularity in Colombia. The speakers will discuss ELT reuse and material circularity in asphalt mixtures, recycling management systems in Europe and Latin America, the circular economy and best practices in polymer recovery, and more. The special event of the day includes “Let’s Talk About Tyre Circularity in Colombia” forum, followed by a fellowship dinner in the evening.
The speakers list for the second day is as follows:
Witold Kopytynski, Argentina
Aitor del Cerro Serena, Spain
Rafael Muñoz Giraldo, Colombia
Christophe García, France
Grace Collantes, Ecuador
Fernando Flórez, Colombia (Moderator)
Panel participants include:
Katherin Uribe Cifuentes, Colombia
Francisco Javier Eraso, Colombia
Raumir Castro, Colombia
Juan Carlos Bobadilla, Colombia
Friday, 13 November and the final day of the event will cover Pyrolysis, Circular Economy and Innovation. This topic will cover pyrolysis as a circular economy strategy, recovered carbon black (rCB) quality and applications, use of pyrolytic oil as fuel, experiences in pyrolysis and product commercialisation, innovation, collaboration and open-innovation models and more. The event will conclude with a closing ceremony.
The list of speakers for the final day of the event includes:
William Urrego, Colombia
Felipe Calderón, Colombia
Germán Aguilar, Colombia
Elmer Cardozo, Colombia
Enrico Koggel, Netherlands
José Zapata, Spain
Camilo Vélez, Colombia
Andrés Salazar, Colombia
Click here if you wish to be a part of the 4th edition of the Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025.
The NSW Government has unveiled the first part of its infrastructure plan to prevent a waste crisis in NSW.
The NSW Government has released its first waste and circular infrastructure plan to address future needs for a growing population. Without intervention, landfills in Greater Sydney could reach capacity by 2030, with regional sites also under pressure. Despite investments and new recycling laws, waste generation is projected to surpass available capacity within five years.
Following public consultation, the first chapter of the NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan has been released – charting a path forward to meet our growing residual waste needs.
The Plan introduces:
streamlined planning processes, while keeping environmental safeguards, to help approvals for new facilities (including recycling facilities)
a waste infrastructure concierge to provide advice and planning support
a new independent Advisory Committee for strategic waste infrastructure
updates to the energy from waste framework and refining where world’s best practice energy from waste facilities can be developed.
The outcomes of the Energy from Waste review are included as part of this strategy, as energy from waste is an important part of waste infrastructure planning. Modern, latest technology thermal treatment is a better alternative to building new landfills. There are more than 2,000 operating in cities around the world.
This move to allow waste from energy development has been welcomed by recyclers as it is seen to open doors to alternative routes to recycling such as TDF and pyrolysis.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe stated; ““We are in a race against the clock to redesign how we deal with waste. If we haven’t got somewhere to put our rubbish in five years, those red bins can’t be collected…
“…We have to break down the barriers around waste infrastructure investment and planning, while continuing to protect our environment from harm.
“We have to do all the things at once – drive up recycling, drive down waste, better regulate dangerous products, increase reuse and repair, and ban those products that shouldn’t be used in the first place.”
The Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan does mention pyrolysis of organic wastes but does not specifically mention tyres. Tyre and Rubber Recycling has been told repeatedly that Australia does not allow tyre pyrolysis – though we are aware of a couple of projects in Queensland.
Tyre Stewardship Australia was approached for a clarification from a tyre sector perspective.
TSA’s Lina Goodman responded; “The NSW W2E policy has been around for a while – it was a policy that indicated that only five areas in NSW would be permitted for W2E solutions, largely putrescible waste used as fuel for energy recovery.
TSA’s Lina Goodman
“TDF does not fall within this policy, TDF and the ability to use TDF is localised to the facilities that can take them (cement kilns or where coal is used as a reductant); these facilities would need to seek a permit to use TDF at their facilities. For now there is one cement kiln in Berrima NSW that uses TDF to supplement coal to its furnace (approx. 20,000 – 30,000T capacity, but we are nowhere near that now) and Railton in Tasmania that will be doing a $50M upgrade to its cement kiln (Cement Australia) and it will then be able to consume all of Tasmania’s tyre waste as fuel (approx. 5,000 – 7,000T p/a).”
The EPA Eligible Fuels Guide defines tyres as a W2E fuel. “Used, rejected or unwanted tyres, including shredded tyres, tyre pieces, or tyre crumb containing at least 98% tyre material. “
Additionally, tyres are only considered an eligible waste fuel used as fuel in an approved cement kiln. An approved cement kiln has development consent for use of a non-standard fuel, and an environment protection licence (EPL) with conditions allowing the use of tyres as a fuel source within the kiln.
So, the question then arises, why the praise for this latest development from TSA and others?
Goodmanexplains; “Why the NSW W2E policy is a good one, is that previously it was written in such a way that if an organisation was hoping to invest in pyrolysis or devulcanisation, they would need to do so at one of these five regional areas, which was not really practical. The change in policy indicates that whilst these regions remain the best option, if there is a facility where the recycling process takes the output back to a form that can be used for recycling into a new product again then the policy may not apply to them.”
Regarding pyrolysis, Goodman clarified that anyone could build a pyrolysis plant in Australia if they follow the right procedures and certifications to be received by the authorities. The gaining of such licences is cumbersome, but achievable.
