The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector

The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector

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Tana Oy Partners with GMC Engineering in Thailand

Tana Oy is pleased to announce a new distributorship with GMC Engineering Co., Ltd. in Thailand

Based in Bangkok, GMC Engineering is an international trading and service company specialising in waste management solutions, with a focus on municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and the waste-to-energy sector. With decades of experience as a distributor and after-sales partner for waste management machinery, GMC is well established in the industry.

This collaboration allows GMC to distribute TANA recycling machines and landfill compactors throughout Thailand.

Enviro Gains Next Milestone Compensation

Enviro has received MSEK 17.6 in additional milestone compensation of which half is in shares in the joint venture company

Scandinavian Enviro Systems has received MSEK 17.6 in compensation from the joint venture company after achieving a second milestone linked to the construction of the plant in Uddevalla. Half of the compensation consists of cash and the other half of shares in the joint venture company.

Enviro Emilson
Fredrik Emilson, CEO Enviro.

“The compensation is linked to progress at the site but also to completed procurement of critical equipment”, says Fredrik Emilson, CEO.

The compensation is received after achievement of the second of several predefined milestones linked to the construction of the site in Uddevalla. As previously communicated, Enviro will continuously receive compensations linked to the achievement of certain predefined milestones. As Enviro also previously announced, the company will communicate individual transactions linked to these compensations.

The compensations linked to the milestones will consist of half cash and half shares in the joint venture company until a certain share compensation cap is reached. Once the cap is reached, the compensation will continue in cash only.

Enviro’s stake in the joint venture company will fluctuate in pace with the capitalisation process for the joint venture. As Enviro previously communicated, current ownership in the joint venture will be communicated with the frequency that follows from current accounting requirements, however at least once a year in connection with the year-end report.

Enviro has an option that gives the company the right to buy into the joint venture company for an ownership stake that ultimately corresponds to approximately 30 per cent. Enviro intends to exercise this option in full.

Sustainable Trophies for the Leonoticias’ Agro Awards

Leonoticias celebrated the third edition of its Agro Awards with trophies made from recycled rubber and aluminium, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and the use of waste from the sector itself

In the heart of the province of León, where livestock and agriculture are the backbone of rural life, the Agro Awards have celebrated for the third year their recognition of those who sustain the vitality of this important sector.

Organised by Leonoticias, this annual event seeks to pay tribute to the great professionals of the countryside. These protectors of the countryside, through their daily work, are the driving force of a legacy that nourishes both people and the planet.

What made this edition held in Boñar unique was the heart of Leonese agriculture and livestock represented in the presentation of sustainable trophies, a conscious commitment to closing the circle of production and recycling. These awards, designed by the Leonese brand Neusus Urban, are made from recycled rubber from end-of-life tyres, an innovative solution that transforms industrial waste into valuable objects.

It is a symbolic tribute to this sector; the tyres of tractors, harvesters and other agricultural machinery that have reached the end of their useful life are  returned to the hands of farmers in the form of these trophies.

Known under the name “Twist“, they rest on a base made of recycled aluminium, obtained from the recycling of cables from agricultural machinery which, after being processed, are reincorporated into the industry in the form of high-quality aluminium and copper shot.

This choice by Leonoticias not only underlines the importance of the circular economy, but also returns to the agricultural sector a part of the resources it produces and consumes in the form of a tribute. In addition to recognising the work of these professionals, these trophies are a tangible testimony of the commitment to sustainability and responsible management of resources. Each one reflects the dedication not only to work in the field, but also to the protection of the environment and the reduction of waste. By choosing this type of award, Leonoticias becomes a pioneer within the province, being the first media outlet to give out awards of this type, thus aligning itself with the values ​​of a more conscious and environmentally friendly future.

This event highlights how the agricultural sector, so essential in our lives, can be an example of circularity, where yesterday’s waste is transformed into tomorrow’s achievements.

Mars Mineral Appoints New Project Manager/Technical Sales

Mars Mineral has named Matt Sylvester project manager/technical sales to further develop the company’s operations

Sylvester brings with him over 16 years of experience in production  management (PM), logistical planning, and  customer relations.

Before joining Mars Mineral, Sylvester was operations manager at Forney LP., a construction materials testing equipment company. His PM, lean manufacturing, and supply chain oversight expertise complements Mars Mineral’s commitment to providing industry-leading pelletising solutions.

President of Mars Mineral, Clayton Woodward, said, “We are thrilled to have Sylvester join our team. His extensive experience and dedication to quality-driven processes will be instrumental as we continue to innovate. Sylvester’s hands-on approach and focus on customer satisfaction align with our mission to provide top-tier solutions in pelletising technology.”

Birla Carbon 12th Annual Sustainability Report

Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions, has released its 12th annual sustainability report titled – Sustainability In Action

The 2024 report highlights the company’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through substantial advancements in Continua™ Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM) and prioritizing the focus on its net zero 4Rs strategy – Research, Reduce, Replace, and Repurpose to achieve lower carbon emissions.

Sharing his thoughts on the release of the report, John Loudermilk, President & CEO, Birla Carbon, said, “In our 12th annual sustainability report, ‘Sustainability In Action,’ we reflect on our journey over the last year on our progress as a company, driven by innovation in sustainability. Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities to further grow our company with a focus on sustainability”. He further added, “This year, we have made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting circularity, and enhancing energy systems through strategic acquisitions like Nanocyl. These initiatives not only contribute to a sustainable future but also align with our customers’ evolving needs in critical industries”.

Joe Gaynor, Chief Legal, Sustainability, and Risk Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “We are excited to embark on the next chapter of our sustainability journey with our ‘Share the Future’ strategy. This approach is grounded in innovation and corporate social responsibility, allowing Birla Carbon to fulfill its aspirational commitments and those of its stakeholders. By embodying these principles, we are integrating sustainability into the mainstream conversation around corporate stewardship and responsibility, and by doing so, we continue to ‘Share the Strength.’”

Key highlights of the report –

  • ISCC Plus certification for all 16 Birla Carbon plants
  • Set interim greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions intensity by 22% by 2030
  • Continua™ SCM was recognized with a Gold Award at the Aditya Birla Group’s 7th Sustain-Ability Conference in 2024​
  • Achieved a 40% reduction in its total recordable incident rate (TRIR), emphasizing its strong safety culture and commitment to zero workplace incidents

The 2024 report covers the full scope of Birla Carbon’s global operations and shares an analysis of performance against the ‘Share the Future’ sustainability strategy. The 2024 report states the various targets Birla Carbon has achieved during the year to fulfill its sustainability goals and establish its leadership in the industry for the years to come.

Fornnax Looking to Expand  Globally

Fornnax Recycling Technology is scouting for agents/partners in some of the key international markets

The Ahmedabad headquartered recycling equipment producer is searching for suitable partners to expand its business globally.

“We have identified few key markets primarily in three geographies i.e. Europe, the Middle East and Australia. We have registered growing sales in these markets and are now searching for agents to further expand our footprint and extend prompt after sales service to our existing customers in these markets,” confided Jignesh Kundaria, CEO, Fornnax Recycling Technology in an exclusive interaction at the IFAT India 2024 organised by Messe Muenchen India in Mumbai.

The company is planning to appoint agents/partners in the markets of Germany or Italy in Europe, Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the Middle East for expanding business in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and either Sydney or Melbourne in Australia.

International business expected to grow 25% in the coming year

“We are anticipating growth of around 25% in international business specifically in the mentioned geographies in the ongoing fiscal on the strength of current order book,” adds Kundaria.

New sites functional by last quarter of 2025

The company is also investing in new site spread over an area of 23 acres in Ahmedabad, which should be functional by last quarter of 2025. “The new site will have an installed capacity of 250 recycling lines annually.

Initially, the plant will produce about 100 lines for the domestic and international market. The production will be hiked gradually driven by the market demand.

Partners to market to machinery and provide after sales service

The appointment of partners in the key markets is also part of Fornnax strategy to build solid market and after sales network in its key growth market globally. Kundaria adds; “We are building large capacity and need to have a well-oiled network to support our targeted markets.”

Legacy of tyre recycling lines extends to municipal waste lines

Meanwhile, Fornnax unveiled a high-capacity municipal waste shredder SR Max 2500, having capacity to recycle 40-50 tons of waste per hour.

“We have a successful track record of developing proven machinery in recycling domain for different types of tyres, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, considered as most difficult applications,” says Kundaria. “The design of the SR-Series machine, a legacy that has prevailed for over a decade, continues to be repeated in the design of SR-MAX series machines.”

India is among the world’s top generator of municipal solid waste to surging population and rapid urbanisation. “India generates around 62 million tons of solid municipal waste annually. It is extremely critical to prioritise recycling and conversion of solid MSW into RDF fuel. The new line is targeted at Indian MNCs like Adani, Ultratech, Dalmia and Shree Cements etc,” stated Kundaria.  

Green Rubber Recycling Kuwait: Grit Passion and Determination

Green Rubber Recycling Company is the eco-friendly part of Almailam Group, which is the biggest distributor of car products in Kuwait

However, after sixty years of being in business, there is also a big responsibility to take care of people and the Earth, according to Engineer Waguih Moenes, the Technical Manager of the company’s tyre recycling factory.

Engineer Waguih Moenes, the Technical Manager at Green Rubber Recycling

Engineer Waguih added; “We decided that seeing piles of scrap tyres grow was not acceptable to us. We are now working hard to achieve our goal of a circular economy. Almailam Group has been a top company in Kuwait’s car business for almost sixty years, our story is about hard work, love for what we do, and not giving up. The group started as one tyre shop, and now we are a well-known name in retail and corporate distribution. We have built our success with hard work, good quality, fair prices, a committed team, and the support of our loyal customers.”

Engineer Waguih Moenes explained that Almailam Group was the first operator to start waste tyre Recycling in Kuwait, that was in the year 2013. The objective was to give the waste tyres a new life, so the board of Directors chose Alghara area due to its near to old tyre symmetries. The area of the factory is ten thousand square metres; this includes the production line area in addition to a huge area for storage.

“The journey was filled with challenges,” added Eng. Waguih. “Numerous mistakes were made and difficulties faced, like equipment and product failures, working at very high temperatures, also because this was a new experience for us, it came at the cost of learning and understanding, which led us to finally make it succeed.

“At Green Rubber Recycling we shred totally the tyre and isolate the different components, rubber, steel and fibre. Steel and fibre go into other recycling applications. Most of the machines originate from Germany, the material additives “the Binder” the Rubber Binding material, is from Swiss origin. We trust in high technology,” added Eng. Waguih. “The labour power is sixty people, split between technicians and administrative employees. The energy implemented is only electrical energy, and it fully conserves the environment.

Green Rubber Recycling’s insulation rolls

One of Green Rubber Recycling’s most important products is rubber crumb, which is utilised to form an assortment of flooring applications, which can be used in playgrounds, nurseries, car parks, walkways and medical applications. The operation also generates fine rubber powder, which is used as a filler in select sorts of rubber fabrication. In terms of sustainability, rubber flooring as a fabric is eco-friendly and recyclable, with a very minor effect on the environment. The company’s product is Green Rub Play, produced under the strapline, “Now safety is child’s play,” with which the company is saying the fear of falling and hurting oneself ought to never get within the way of play.

“When it concerns our children, we need to assure their utmost safety and wellbeing,” confirmed Eng. Waguih. “At Green Rubber Recycling Company, we have actualised rigid measures for each phase of the fabrication procedure. The MDI Binders are premium quality, and crumb rubber is carefully chosen and sorted by size, much obliged to our modern technological laboratory equipment. To avoid injury our rubber tiles are subjected to thorough testing using the TRIAX Impact testing system, the most superior technology in this field worldwide. TRIAX 2015 framework is completely compliant with universal benchmarks, for the measurement of Shock and Head Injury values (DIN EN1177 and ASTMF-1292), and is known as the benchmark in the testing of surfaces in playgrounds and sports fields. The HIC (Head Injury Criterion) test is one of the most successful test to estimate the likelihood of head damage happening from surface impact, and the related critical top height, this help us choose the tile thickness.

“Our second product line is called Green Rub Infill,” Eng. Waguih continued. “The expansion of new generation sports turfs, and the need for proficient sporting facilities, has led to an increase in high quality fields in difficult climates, at low operational and maintenance costs. Our product applications are classified into; kids’ play areas, sports and fitness halls, parking and walkways, health and wellness, animal flooring, synthetic turf infill, shooting ranges, private homes, and noise reduction flooring. Lately we have presented two new products. Firstly, “Green Rub Auto”, is the best choice for a longer enduring tyre, for cars that are parked for long periods of time. Our second new product is the Rubber Insulation Sheets which incorporate “Noise Reduction Technology”. This premium technology was designedto reduce noise transmissionfrom foot activity and hardware in multistore buildings.

It is always important to discuss marketing issues with the Recycling Factory Official, so Eng. Waguih explained that Green Rubber Recycling sell their products locally in Kuwait, and export to all Gulf states, due to special commercial ties between the GCC countries, and as their product is needed in those countries.

“At Almailam Group, Green Rubber Factory managed to handle all challenges from the beginning,” explained Eng. Waguih, this enables us to concentrate in Research and Development and explore new markets.”

Asking Eng. Waguih to summarise company’s vision, mission and core values, he explained that “our mission is to build a business that positively contributes towards minimising waste. Our dedication to the ecosystem is an important part of our business ethos. Our vision is to make Kuwait a leader in producing innovative green products from recycled tyre waste, and our core values are contributing to environment conservation, holistic customer approach, being an Inspiring and creative business partner, adopting cutting edge recycling technology, and being an honest and caring employer.”

Distributor Collecting Tyres to Support Recycling

Tyre and Rubber Recycling has been contacted by a few tyre collectors who have reported that Stapletons are collecting tyres for free

Several collectors have lost customers to this collection service, and it is disrupting their market. However disruption of the export market is perhaps exactly what is needed.

Speaking with Mark Hetherington, Commercial Director at Credential Environmental, part of the same group as Stapletons, Tyre and Rubber Recycling got the story from the other side of the fence.

Hetherington was clear that Stapletons were indeed collecting tyres. However, although they were baled, they were only baled for transport to processing for TDF or other end products in the UK. “We absolutely do not export tyres,” said Hetherington.

It has long been argued that wholesalers ought to be utilising return capacity to collect tyres from their clients. If done on a one in one out basis, that goes a long way to addressing rogue collections.

Hetherington could not say exactly what the economics of the collection service from Stapletons were, but he did take time to explain that the export of tyres from the UK had put a strain on the feedstock for UK operations, Credential, like many others were struggling to obtain the feedstock they needed. This was an issue reported to Tyre and Rubber Recycling in 2023 by several larger operators.

The security of feedstock has been an issue for some up and comping pyrolysis projects in the UK. Wastefront had to sign a feedstock deal with Dubai-based Gateway to ensure their feedstock for the upcoming Sunderland plant.

The ETEL Group is in a position to take better control over its ELT feedstock by using its distribution network as a collection service.

The feedstock shortage for recyclers (as opposed to collectors) is a growing issue throughout Europe and even in the USA. At the recent AZuR retread event in Germany, retreaders were bemoaning the lack of casings because there were huge volumes being baled and shipped out of the country rather than valorising and recycling and retreading in Germany. AZuR has been campaigning for restrictions on exports, and improved support for retreading and recycling.

At the recent Tyre Recovery Association Forum, the same issue was discussed and there were also calls for better enforcement of the waste rules in both the UK and in India.

Hetherington did comment that since the collectors shipping tyres out in containers were paid by the containerload, they could, potentially, collect for free.

There is a tide of change coming to tyre recycling in the UK: This collection of tyres by Stapletons is just one indicator of change.

Hi-Green Carbon Expanding its Operations

Hi-Green Carbon Ltd., specialises in processing waste hydrocarbons (ELT) to produce valuable products like recovered carbon black

With 15 years of experience in the field, they are proud to have been operating one of the largest single reactors of 100 TPD continuous processing plant at Bhilwara, Rajasthan for the last 12 (Twelve) years.

To ensure exceptional quality, Hi-Green Carbon only process carefully sorted and selected high-quality crumb rubber in the presence of chemical accelerators. The recovered carbon black produced at their facility undergoes a rigorous multi-stage process involving high temperatures, process time control followed by pelletising, drying and packaging. Hi-Green’s rCB is gaining recognition in India as a key product in creating a circular economy and promoting green manufacturing solutions.

Hi-Green Carbon plant

In addition to producing recovered carbon black, Hi-Green Carbon also generates valuable byproducts such as fuel oil, steel, and flue gas through their waste hydrocarbon processing. They have implemented innovative technology that harnesses this waste process heat to generate electricity for the plant, and support their sodium silicate manufacturing process. This integrated approach allows Hi-Green Carbon to optimise resource utilisation, minimise waste, and further contribute to sustainable practices in their operations.

In response to the anticipated strong future demand, Hi-Green Carbon has strategically decided to expand its production capacity of recovered carbon black (rCB) by investing in new production units at multiple locations in India. The second unit near Dhule in Maharashtra state, is currently underway and is expected to be in operation by the end of October 2024.

Furthermore, a third unit in Dhar District, in Madhya Pradesh state is currently under construction and will be completed by the end of 2025.

These new plants will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure energy-efficient production, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions and a more sustainable manufacturing process. This expansion will enable Hi-Green Carbon to achieve an impressive ELT processing capacity of 300 TPD.

The cumulative capacity for ELT processing will reach 90,000 MT annually, with an rCB production capacity of 31,500 MT per year, positioning them as one of the global leaders in the development and production of innovative, high-performance rCB that meets the demanding requirements of their customers.

This state-of-the-art technology used by Hi-Green Carbon Limited has been procured from the Radhe Group of Energy, a company with over 30 years of expertise in the field. Radhe Group is a pioneer in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced technologies, including coal/biomass-based gasification systems, fluidised bed hot air generators, CO generation systems, power generation through gasification, waste heat recovery systems, and its ELT/plastic recycling pyrolysis technology. Radhe’s in-house developed ELT/plastic pyrolysis technology is fully 100 per cent automated using SCADA and is highly energy efficient.

Birla Carbon Announces First Asian Post Treatment Plant

The Birla state-of-the-art plant will provide specialty products for the coatings and inks markets from India

Birla Carbon, has announced the launch of its first Asia Post Treatment (APT) Plant in India. The brownfield initiative is located at the Patalganga unit, in the state of Maharashtra, Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtra. This cutting-edge facility, equipped with the latest treatment technology, is set to revolutionize the carbon black industry by offering the highest levels of flexibility, efficiency, and precision. The plant will serve the fast-growing demand for high-performance carbon black grades in key industries like coatings and inks.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Rajeev Sonthalia, Director, Birla Carbon, said; “The launch of the Asia Post-Treatment Plant at Patalganga marks a significant milestone in Birla Carbon’s journey toward creating and deploying cutting-edge technology solutions for our customers. Asia is an emerging market for the carbon black industry and the strategic location of this plant will encourage innovation with our partners.” He further added, “This brownfield facility will enable Birla Carbon to leverage its global reactor capabilities, operating at the highest yields and efficiency. The precision in the manufacturing technology ensures that our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance, catering to the specific needs of our diverse customers, both regionally and globally. And by doing so, we enrich the lives of our consumers and inspire trust with our partners.”

The Asia Post Treatment Plant facility’s advanced technology ensures precise control over reaction times, facilitating the production of ultra-high-performance grades that are tailored to specific customer needs. With its ability to meet stringent clean product standards, the APT facility offers a distinct advantage over traditional products, positioning Birla Carbon as a market leader in delivering sustainable, high-quality solutions.

Sharing his thoughts on this new milestone, John Loudermilk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said; “The launch of our Asia Post Treatment Plant reflects our long-term commitment towards the industry and the businesses we serve. This facility enables us to support our customers more effectively while reinforcing Birla Carbon’s position as a thought leader in developing sustainable, high-performance carbon-based solutions for the future.” He further added; “This treatment facility strengthens our commitment to meeting global demand in high-growth sectors and leading the carbon black industry towards greater sustainability and efficiency. By prioritising innovation and sustainability in every aspect of our operations, we are not just responding to current needs; we are anticipating future demand and setting new standards for quality, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Thus, living our purpose to ‘Share the Strength’”.

In addition to its broader range of applications, including packaging inks and automotive and industrial coatings, the ATP facility is strategically designed to tap into niche markets such as toys and tool coatings, where the demand for low PAH products is rapidly growing.

Tthe plant provides key advantages such as proximity to emerging Asian markets. It serves as a key backup to Birla Carbon’s North Bend facility in the USA.