The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector

The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector

Home Blog Page 2

EcoVadis Awards Birla Carbon a Platinum Rating

Platinum rating places Birla Carbon in the top 1% of companies globally assessed by EcoVadis for sustainability performance

Birla Carbon, a global leader in carbon materials, received a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of companies for sustainability practices worldwide.

Birla Carbon’s Platinum rating highlights its strong performance in sustainability, covering environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Commenting on the recognition, John Loudermilk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “This Platinum rating reflects the steady progress we are making in embedding sustainability at the core of our business. Our growth strategy is geared towards delivering sustainability through innovation, operational excellence, and responsible practices across our global footprint. We continually invest in sustainability and circularity-driven processes, keeping our operations sustainably efficient while creating long-term value for our customers, partners, communities, and employees.”

He added, “Our sustainability strategy, Share the Future, serves as a roadmap to a sustainable future and guides our actions toward our aspiration of reaching net zero carbon emissions over the next 25 years. Being recognised among the top one percent of companies globally is a testament to the commitment of our teams worldwide.”

The rating also reflects strong third-party validations, with more than 75% of operations covered under internationally recognised certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, SA8000, and ISO 27001.

rCB Video Insights: Mars Mineral’s Role in Pelletising Recovered Carbon Black

The fifth episode of TRR rCB Conference Video Insights has now been published on our YouTube channel as we talk Clayton Woodward, President for Mars Mineral. Clayton discusses how Mars Mineral specialises in the design and production of pelletising equipment, playing a crucial role in converting fine powder rCB into free-flowing pellets.

Mars Mineral President Clayton Woodward Explains How Precision Pelletising Turns Fine rCB Powder into High-Performance Material

Clayton also explains the technical precision required—achieving a specific diameter and crush strength—to ensure the material remains intact during transport yet disperses evenly into rubber and plastic applications.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to TRR rCB Video Insights & Clayton Woodward

0:50 Mars Mineral’s Technology: From Dust to Pellets

1:23 Value Addition: Dispersion & Pellet Specifications

2:17 Industry Drivers: ASTM Standards & Quality Control

3:10 Future Outlook: Circularity & Sustainability

3:44 Conclusion

Rover Research’s Automated Water Jet Technology in Focus in Newest Tyre Recycling Podcast

Edoardo Fiore, Business Development Manager at Rover Research, joins The Tyre Recycling Podcast for Episode 86 to discuss their innovative water jet technology. Recorded at the NTRO in Port Melbourne during the Round Trip Tyre and Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit, a joint event with Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise, Edoardo explains how their patented system automates the retreading and recycling process for TBR and OTR tyres.

Rover Research’s Patented Water-Jet System Key in OTR and TBR Retreading and Recycling

In our interview he highlights the benefits of the technology, including energy savings, material recovery, and the production of high-quality, water-devulcanised “tyre dust” suitable for new compounds.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Episode #86 & The Round Trip Summit

1:02 Introducing Edoardo Fiori & Rover Research

1:53 Objectives for the Australian Market

2:53 Benefits of Water Jet Technology vs. Traditional Methods

4:40 Applications: OTR, TBR & Future Conveyor Belt Solutions

6:15 High Quality Material Recovery: Water Devulcanised Tyre Dust

8:43 Business Model: Leasing & Joint Ventures

11:25 Opportunities in Australia: Mining & Logistics

14:17 Global Expansion & Startup Journey

15:24 Future Priorities: Consolidating Europe & Expanding Abroad

18:54 Conclusion to Episode #86

New TNU Information Session on Royal Decree 712/2025 in the Canary Islands

The TNU held a new session of its National Information Tour on Royal Decree 712/2025, approved in August, this Monday, 15 December, in the Canary Islands

The latest TNU event on Royal Decree brought together producers, importers and distributors from various islands across the archipelago, who were interested in understanding the implications of the new legal framework that will regulate the management of End-of-Life Tyres (ELT).

The nature of the Canary Islands gives it unique logistical characteristics, where the management, transport and traceability of tyres require additional effort from both TNU and producers and importers. Nevertheless, the participation of companies from different islands demonstrated the shared commitment to adapting to the new Royal Decree and to the continuous improvement of environmental management.

During the session, TNU’s technical team provided a practical analysis of the main developments introduced by the Royal Decree, including revised prevention plans, full traceability of tyres throughout the commercial chain, more detailed and transparent declarations, and mandatory affiliation to a single SCRAP, with prior notification in the event of a change of system. These measures establish a stricter compliance framework, which is particularly relevant in island territories where logistics present greater challenges.

The Canary Islands session forms another part of TNU’s ongoing efforts to inform and support its members in the implementation of Royal Decree 712/2025, which will fully enter into force in 2026.

In recent weeks, TNU has held sessions in Zaragoza, Barcelona and Madrid, and following the event in the Canary Islands, the tour will continue in other autonomous communities over the coming months.

Ecolomondo Issues Stock Options

Ecolomondo Corporation has issued stock options to employees, Board members and consultants, to purchase 1,930,000 common shares of the Company in recognition of their contribution to the Company’s and the Hawkesbury plant’s success

Each stock option entitles the holder to acquire one common share of Ecolomondo at an exercise price of $0.20 per share, exercisable for ten (10) years from the date of grant. Options granted to directors and officers will vest over one (1) year, with half vesting six months after the grant date and the remaining half contingent upon performance, attendance, and participation, vesting twelve months after the grant date. Options awarded to employees and consultants will vest over three (3) years, with one third vesting on each anniversary of the grant date. All options are subject to accelerated vesting or termination consistent with the Company’s stock option plan and require approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.  

“Every person receiving these stock options has shown dedication and contributed to the performance of the Company and of the Hawkesbury facility. These stock options are a show of appreciation by the Company”, said Eliot Sorella, Executive Chairman of Ecolomondo.

WM New Zealand’s Vision for Local Solutions and Tyre Recovery

The eleventh episode of TRR Video Insights from The Round Trip: Tyre & Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit features Mike McSaveney, Executive General Manager for WM New Zealand North. Mike discusses WM’s extensive role as New Zealand’s largest waste and recycling operator and a registered partner for Tyrewise.

Mike McSaveney Outlines WM’s Nationwide Collection Network, the Limits of TDF, and the Need for Collaboration

He details their end-to-end collection service across the North Island and their Auckland processing facility, which currently converts approximately 20,000 tonnes of tyres annually into Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF) for Golden Bay Cement.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Mike McSaveney

0:50 WM New Zealand’s Collection Network & Operations

1:58 Current Processing: TDF & Golden Bay Cement Partnership

3:16 Addressing the Remaining 50%: The Case for Roading

5:02 Barriers to Rubberised Asphalt Adoption in NZ

6:24 Maximising Value: OTRs & Future Domestic Solutions

7:41 Conclusion

TNU Hosts Information Session on Royal Decree 712/2025 in Madrid

As a part of its national tour, TNU held an information session in Madrid to explain the new regulation’s implications to manufacturers, importers and distributors, reinforcing transparency and traceability across the sector

Tratamiento de Neumáticos Usados (TNU) held a new session in Madrid as part of its National Information Tour on Royal Decree 712/2025, approved by the Government on 26 August. The information session brought together manufacturers from the central region who were interested in understanding the main changes and obligations introduced by the new regulation governing the management of End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs).

Javier de Jesús Landesa, Chief Operating Officer at TNU, together with members of the technical team, outlined the key developments and addressed questions raised by participants.

Among the most significant topics were the new requirements for prevention plans, more detailed and traceable declarations, full traceability across the commercial chain, and the obligation to adhere to a single EPR system (SCRAP), with prior notification required in the event of a change of system.

“This Royal Decree brings a profound transformation to the sector. At TNU, we want to support our members so that the transition is clear, orderly and fully compliant with the regulation,” said Javier de Jesús Landesa.

The Madrid information session forms part of TNU’s ongoing efforts to inform and support its affiliated companies when it comes to the implementation of Royal Decree 712/2025, which will come fully into force in 2026.

Earlier sessions were held in Zaragoza and Barcelona, and the information tour will continue in February 2026.

SIGNUS Presents Preliminary Data for 2025

At its traditional breakfast with journalists in Madrid, SIGNUS shared its preliminary data for 2025, explained the impact of the new Royal Decree on ELT management, announced the updated Ecovalor fee to ensure the system’s sustainability, and announced that Bridgestone assumes the chairmanship of the SIGNUS Ecovalor Board of Directors

During the annual SIGNUS breakfast, topics discussed included the main management data for 2025, although not yet consolidated, the key developments of the new Royal Decree regulating the management of end-of-life tyres (ELTs), the challenges and projects for 2026, and the next year’s Ecovalor fees that will cover the management of ELTs. The organisation also announced the recent appointment of Daniel Camacho, Head of Region South West, Bridgestone Europe, as the chairman on behalf of his company.

SIGNUS also highlighted the main developments that will positively impact ELT management: administrative simplification through a single authorisation model for the whole national territory; eco-modulation in establishing management costs; greater involvement of producers in the system’s operation; promotion of prevention and recycling; and the setting of targets for the 2025–2035 period, particularly an increase in recycling and material recovery.

General Manager Carlos Prieto highlighted that the organisation is expected to manage around 220,000 tonnes in 2025, which is 6.1% above the System’s assigned responsibility, equivalent to approximately 10,000 extra tonnes. This excess collection is mainly due to imports and intra-community acquisitions that are not declared, as well as second-hand tyres placed on the replacement market by Authorised Treatment Centres (CATs). For this reason, SIGNUS is calling for stronger control and inspection by the competent authorities — something already included in the new Royal Decree.

The new regulation sets a gradual increase in recycling and material recovery, which would reach 65% by 2035. This involves higher management costs for end-of-life tyres, which, together with the gap between the tonnes that must be collected and managed and the declarations submitted by affiliated companies, have led SIGNUS to adjust the Ecovalor fee to ensure the system’s sustainability and the proper environmental management of ELTs, as required by the regulation.

Technical Department also presented its main projects in 2025, including the Guide on Circular Materials with Recycled Tyres in Construction, a technical tool for incorporating high-value recycled materials into building solutions, as well as the evaluation of pyrolysis technologies for both the rubber and textile fractions of ELTs. Another one is the GREENFU Project, focused on developing thermoplastic–rubber compounds with applications in sectors such as automotive and construction, and the PERSEUS Project, funded by the CDTI, which focuses on designing a safe, durable pavement that reduces traffic-related noise emissions.

In 2026, SIGNUS will focus its efforts on urban rubberised pavements and assessing the feasibility of manufacturing concrete using rubber made from ELTs.

Gohana Pyrolysis Plant Sealed for Toxic Emissions

A team of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) carried out a surprise inspection and sealed the operation of a tyre pyrolysis factory at Bhanderi village of Gohana, after finding violations of the pollution norms and emission of hazardous gases

Action was taken against Shree Balaji Trading Company, located in Bhanderi village and operating within the ‘Orange category’ for tyre pyrolysis using scrap tyres as raw material, following persistent complaints from residents of nearby villages regarding odour emissions attributed to noxious gases released during operations.

In response, Assistant Environment Engineers Yogesh Kumar Saharan and Kushagra from the Regional Office, Sonepat, conducted an inspection at the facility on the night of December 3. The team identified several non-compliances, including the emission of hazardous gases into the atmosphere during the tyre pyrolysis process, absence of requisite air pollution control devices, and an inoperative Air Pollution Control Machine (APCM) in the pyrolysis section.

The unit lacked mechanisms to prevent or capture fugitive emissions, and the effluent treatment plant (ETP) was found non-operational and abandoned. Additionally, black carbon residues were observed throughout the premises. The investigation also revealed that two diesel generator sets (82.5 kva and 58.5 kva) had been installed without dual fuel kits or retrofit emission control devices (RECD), contravening directives issued by the Commission of Air Quality Management in September 2023.

Written complaints were submitted by local residents to pollution board officials present at the site. The inspection report forwarded to the Regional Officer (RO), Sonepat, concluded that the unit was in violation of the Air Act, 1981, had created an emergency situation through the release of hazardous gases, and posed a risk to the health and safety of the surrounding population. Immediate closure of the facility was recommended.

Consequently, Ajay Kumar Malik, RO, HSPCB, ordered the cessation of all operations at the unit and instructed that its electricity supply be disconnected with immediate effect.

TRA demands ‘Shred-Only’ Export

The TRA has written to Mary Creagh MP calling for the government to adopt the successful Australian model – to stop UK waste from fuelling pollution overseas and secure investment in domestic industry capability

As the tyre scandal rolls on with bona-fide collectors reporting ongoing trade going through T8 sites without any noticeable restriction, the Tyre Recovery Association has called on the government to follow the Australian model, which far from perfect, has at least seen some growth in the Australian domestic recycling sector. 

The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has urged Minister for Waste Mary Creagh to ban the export of whole and baled End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs), enforce a ‘shred-only’ policy, and strengthen the UK’s domestic recycling market to promote a Circular Economy.

Some exporters argue that the call for shred only is more about protectionism than trade, as they claim the material will still go to the same final destinations, but at a higher cost.

The letter is accompanied by the TRA’s latest briefing paper, The Australian Model: A Case Study for the UK. This document examines the legislative measures implemented by Australia four years ago and outlines how these strategies could inform policy development in the UK. The Australian approach delivered regulatory certainty, which facilitated the growth of domestic ELT reprocessing operations and secondary industries, and effectively ceased the exportation of environmental waste. Notably, this model aligns with two key objectives of the UK Government: fostering a circular economy for ELTs within Australia and stimulating economic growth while safeguarding the environment.  

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the Tyre Recovery Association, said: “In recent months we have seen positive steps being taken by the Environment Agency to address the irresponsible export of waste tyres. The UK’s legitimate operators, however, need things to move faster. My letter to the Minister for Waste clearly sets out the reasonable and successful measures introduced in Australia four years ago.  

“Our members need to see the Australian model replicated here, if we are to sustain a domestic industry. If the government is truly committed to a zero-waste circular economy the most efficient measures they could introduce are those introduced by Australia. The case study is self-evident and sets out sensible steps that the UK should follow if we are to really do want to protect the environment and boost our economic growth. The TRA is urging the government introduce these measures to the b sooner rather than once it is too late.”

It must be noted that despite the legislation in Australia, the largest market for Australian end-of-life tyres remains India. Any legislation is only as good as its enforcement, and regardless of the law, if it is not enforced, people will ignore it.