Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) is working with the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) to evaluate the use of rCB in road construction in Australia
Recovered carbon black (rCB) derived from end-of-life tyres is gaining recognition in Australia as a sustainable and high-performance material for road construction, offering an alternative to virgin carbon black in asphalt production.
GDT and NTRO conducted research over the past two years, both in laboratory settings and on surfaced roads, which indicates that rCB is compatible with bitumen and may outperform conventional asphalt mixtures in terms of durability.
According to Petar Davcev, Materials and Performance Portfolio Leader at NTRO, the results demonstrate “excellent performance and superior sustainability,” with benefits including improved resource efficiency and reduced emissions across the asphalt lifecycle.
GDT’s process converts whole waste tyres into three key outputs: carbon black, oil and steel wire, with approximately 45% of the recovered material consisting of carbon black.
GDT facility in Warren, New South Wales, is expected to process around 175 tonnes of tyres per week by April 2026, producing approximately 80 tonnes of rCB, with further expansion planned, including a second plant in Toowoomba, Queensland. The refined rCB is processed to achieve high purity and performance characteristics suitable for asphalt applications. Reported benefits include reduced reliance on fossil-based materials, lower carbon emissions, improved tensile strength, enhanced skid resistance, better water resistance and increased durability under UV exposure.
With approximately 463,000 kilometres of paved roads and more than 530,000 tonnes of tyre waste generated annually in Australia, the integration of rCB into road construction is seen as a practical step toward advancing circular economy principles.
GDT Chief Operating Officer Trevor Bayley highlighted the broader impact of the technology, noting that transforming tyre waste into a valuable resource for infrastructure represents a scalable and environmentally beneficial solution to one of the country’s major waste challenges.
Image source: Green Distillation Technologies LinkedIn
