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Enviro’s TPO has been successfully processed by Neste

Ewan Scott
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Enviro’s TPO has been successfully processed by Neste

Scandinavian Enviro Systems’ (Enviro) recovered pyrolysis oil has been successfully processed into high-quality raw materials for chemicals and plastics by the Finnish company Neste

The successful processing run was performed at Neste’s refinery in Porvoo, Finland. The pyrolysis oil had been delivered from Enviro’s plant in Åsensbruk where Enviro uses its proprietary and patented pyrolysis technology to recover valuable raw materials, such as carbon black and oil, from end-of-life tyres. Neste has previously already successfully produced raw materials for plastics and chemicals from liquefied plastic waste.

“Neste’s test run further demonstrates the potential for our recovered valuable materials in addition to those already identified by our current customers. A more sustainable production of plastics and chemicals is important for the inevitable sustainability transition that the world is facing so Neste’s test run is very interesting and promising,” says Fredrik Emilson, CEO of Enviro.

Since mid-February 2024, the construction of the first full-scale end-of-life tyre recycling facility based on Enviro’s patented pyrolysis method is underway. The facility is being built in Uddevalla in Western Sweden and is owned by the joint venture company that Enviro formed together with Antin Infrastructure Partners and with the support of Michelin.

The joint venture company has already signed legally binding long-term supply agreements regarding the carbon black and oil that the facility will recover to a value of approximately SEK 2 billion. Among the customers are some of the world’s largest tyre and oil producers, including Michelin, Nokian Tyres, H&R Group and Preem. The facility in Uddevalla is expected to be fully operational in 2025.

Tyrewise Launches and has Challenges from Day One

Ewan Scott
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Tyrewise Launches and has Challenges from Day One

New Zealand’s Tyrewise has started its operations with the tyre industry from importers to recyclers now having to register with Tyrewise

However, as with any new scheme to manage large volumes of material there are going to be questions.

Tyrewise has pointed out that tyres currently on sale will not have had a stewardship fee paid on them, so until Tyrewise funded collections begin, operators should follow their existing solutions and must not stockpile tyres until the 1st September when the funded collections begin.

Tyrewise is also getting reports from some participants and the public about instances of the tyre stewardship fee being charged inconsistently on loose tyres. Tyrewise is tackling this in a number of ways:

* All importers should be following the tariff item guidance published by NZ Customs.

* To clear up any uncertainty, Tyrewise can now apply for tariff item rulings from NZ Customs. This means they can be published publicly for all importers to follow.

* If an industry member observes/believes that a competitor is mis-classifying tyres under the incorrect tariff item for competitive advantage, they can email feedback@customs.govt.nz with the subject line ‘industry complaint’.

* Remember no-one can charge a mark-up on the tyre stewardship fee, you can only charge what you were charged. If you think someone is charging a mark-up, please contact Tyrewise.

* If any retailer wishes to discount the Tyre Stewardship Fee, they must first of all show the fee in full on the invoice, and then the amount it is being discounted by – it cannot be shown as $0 or not included.

ELT Used to Manufacture Lithium Batteries

Ewan Scott
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ELT Used to Manufacture Lithium Batteries

Innovation in tyre recycling makes it possible to transform unused tyres into graphitic carbon for electric vehicle batteries

One of the main compounds in End-of-Use tyres is carbon black, which constitutes 22 per cent of their weight and is used as an additive to strengthen the rubber, thus increasing its resistance to traction and wear.

Carbon black can be extracted from ELT through pyrolysis. The recovered carbon black can then be transformed into hard graphitic carbon, an essential component in the anode of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. This method, developed by T-Phite, not only allows tyres to be recycled, but can also be a milestone in the sustainable manufacturing of lithium battery components.

The charging capacity of recovered carbon black anodes is comparable to conventional graphite anodes, but the true value of this innovation, in addition to the significant potential to improve the efficiency and durability of electric vehicle batteries, lies in its contribution to the circular economy and its lower environmental impact, by reducing the need to extract graphite, a resource-intensive process that is harmful to the environment.

In each lithium-ion battery of an electric car there is an average of 52 kg of graphite, 25 per cent of its volume. Its supply comes mostly from China and has become vital at a time of expansion for electric vehicles.

Each battery anode from T-Phite would use the rubber transformed into graphitic carbon from 21 unused tyres.

Mars Mineral Delivers Advanced Pin Mixer  to LD Carbon

Ewan Scott
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Mars Mineral Delivers Advanced Pin Mixer  to LD Carbon

Mars Mineral, a global provider of pelletising technology and agglomeration solutions, has announced the shipment of a Model 26D100L stainless steel pin mixer to LD Carbon (LDC), a leading producer of recovered carbon black (rCB)

LDC, based in Seoul, South Korea, will receive the pin mixer at its new manufacturing facility in Dangjin. This plant, slated to open during the second quarter 2024, will be the largest end-of-life tyre pyrolysis and rCB operation in Asia.

The Mars Mineral Pin Mixer is a high-speed, conditioning, and micro-pelletising device that converts rCB from pyrolysis of ELTs into small spherical pellets through the action of a high-speed rotor shaft and pin assembly with the addition of a liquid binder, usually water.  

Pelletising is a vital link to improving rCB output from a pyrolysis plant to end-use customers because pellets are easier to handle, package, and transport than fluffy, unwieldy powder. rCB also diminishes the demand for fossil fuel-derived virgin carbon black, leading to lower overall energy consumption and supporting a circular economy with a reduced carbon footprint. 2

Mars Mineral’s and LDC’s technologies are addressing the global environmental challenge posed by the four billion waste tyres currently populating landfills and stockpiles.

Clayton Woodward, CEO of Mars Mineral, said; “Delivering this advanced pin mixer to LD Carbon fortifies our partnership and mutual dedication to sustainable innovation. Our continued collaboration sets a global benchmark, demonstrating the effectiveness and trust in our advanced pelletising solutions.”

Bumseek Kim, CCO of LD Carbon, reflected on the strategic partnership’s progress; “Securing another state-of-the-art pin mixer from Mars Mineral underscores our shared vision for a greener industry. Their technology is pivotal in scaling our production to meet the escalating demand for eco-friendly tyre and rubber products.”

Planning Approved for Grimsby Pyrolysis Plant

Ewan Scott
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Planning Approved for Grimsby Pyrolysis Plant

North East Lincs Council has approved plans for a 25,000 ton tyre pyrolysis plant at Great Coates Industrial Park, Grimsby

The planning application was made on behalf of Mary Sweere, of Fluid Ice FO Ltd., Mary Sweere is also a director of ELT Recovery Ltd and her resume is admirable. The plant is projected to employ 50 full time jobs and a further 30-40 sub-contractor jobs.

Mary Sweere heads up Fluid Ice FO with plans for Grimsby pyrolysis plant

The planning approval is subject to Environment Agency provisions around the previous use of the site, pert of which has been used for landfill.

The Fluid Ice FO website suggests various partnerships, in particular with a company that operates a plant in the south of Poland.

Currently, the Environment Agency appears to have no record of any Permits held by ELT Recovery Ltd, or Fluid Ice FO Ltd.

Ms. Sweere advised Tyre and Rubber Recycling that more details would be available once a PR Agency had been engaged.

Grimsby has long been a target for pyrolysis projects. Mishergas had a planned project for Grimsby, but that failed to materialise, as did a previous project by another group of investors.

Companies who also appear to have looked at projects in the Grimsby area include Pyrenergy Ltd, Pyrenergy EP Ltd, Energy Pyrolysis Ltd and Thermal Renewables Ltd has been operating a plant according to environmental reports from NE Lincs Council.  A check on company directors shows connections between all four of these companies.

Pyrolysis is a technology that is currently flying high, with promises of huge dividends, if and when the business comes to fruition. However, attracting the investors to create a plant is always a challenge, and often projected start dates are delayed by the reluctance of investors to fully back projects. The biggest hurdle is finding the markets for the end product. Tyre pyrolysis oil can always be sold to refineries, but the char needs to be refined to become recovered carbon black, and then it has to meet the requirements of the market – that latter point is a hurdle as black is not just black.

We have seen one large project in the UK have all its logistical and technical ducks in a row, but still struggle to reach that final hurdle of the financial investment.

SDAB Enters an Agreement with Antin and Enviro

Ewan Scott
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SDAB Enters an Agreement with Antin and Enviro

SDAB (Swedish Tyre Recycling) has entered into an agreement to deliver tyre raw material to feed the new Uddevalla pyrolysis plant

The plant will utilise the innovative Enviro proprietary technology that allows the production from sorted and processed ELTs (End-of-life tyres) of valuable recovered Carbon Black (rCB) and Pyrolysis Oil in high demand by the industry to create a fully circular supply chain. The strategic agreement between the parties entails the delivery of a significant volume of the annual amount of the ELTs collected in Sweden, with deliveries commencing in 2025.

“We are pleased to have been trusted to deliver to this innovative plant being built in Sweden, which maintains high standards for quality and delivery reliability”, says Fredrik Ardefors, CEO of SDAB.

“We are investing significant resources into building this flagship industrial-scale ELT recycling plant. The plant will be the first of many we plan to replicate across Europe and represents the highest standard of excellence towards creating a fully circular economy in tyre recycling sector. The agreement with SDAB marks a key milestone and we are proud to start this collaboration” says Stefano Madeddu, General Manager of the JV Swedish operations. “We are continuously seeking better alternatives for the utilisation of recycled tyres, and the innovative Enviro’s pyrolysis technology used in this new plant is a milestone in this endeavour. This agreement also validates that our efforts in sorting and tailoring to customer needs are yielding success”, adds Ardefors.

TRA Gets Blunt About Car Crash for UK Recycling

Ewan Scott
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TRA Gets Blunt About Car Crash for UK Recycling

The TRA claims that the UK is set to be environmental sick man of Europe if British politicians don’t act

As the ongoing challenges to UK recycling continue with the government all but ignoring the issue, the TRA claims that Britain will be the environmental sick man of Europe if government doesn’t not act soon to update waste regulations.  Revealing the correspondence underway with the Secretary of State for the Environment and his department, the TRA makes public the issues the UK government are failing to engage with. 

At the end of February, European Union legislators passed the first steps to tightening export of waste materials from its members. End-of-life waste tyres were one of the items specifically referenced in the EU’s updated Waste Shipment Regulation. Under the updated EU regulation, waste cannot be sent to non-OECD countries unless the country concerned is willing to import it and can demonstrate the environmentally sound management of waste through auditing by independent bodies and monitoring by the European Commission. The legislation will leave Britain with the unenviable reputation as the only major European nation legally able to export baled end-of-life tyres to countries like India. (Though the legality of sending whole tyres that end up in pyrolysis is open to question – it is prohibited in the Indian regulations).

Figures recently released by India’s Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) showed that India imported around 800,000 tonnes of scrapped tyres between April and November 2023. The UK and European Union member nations were the majority contributors. In updating its regulations, the EU recognises that safe and efficient shipments of waste are key for a circular economy.

The TRA and other professional recyclers fear that with waste exports to common destination in Asia banned, irresponsible British operators and exporters are the likely receptacles for those negligent European operators looking to dump their product abroad.

At the end of February, the TRA wrote to the DEFRA minister responsible for waste, Robbie Moore MP, asking him to push officials into action saying, “[As the Minister responsible] ensure we do the right and best thing – respond to the Indian calls to only export shredded tyres, grow our own circular environmentally responsible market and follow the very successful Australian example”. Australia banned the export of most whole ELTs in 2020.

The TRA’s February letter went on, “To be blunt now is time the UK government acknowledged that far from tackling this environmental assault, current policies enable some UK operators to facilitate serious environmental harm … 

“It is embarrassing for us as an industry to know such malpractice takes place, it must be humiliating for those leading British policy making to know how far the reality has drifted from their rhetoric. It is hard to find the green, environmental or circular in the current UK waste tyre policy framework, yet the solutions are clear and simple.”

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, said; “Without the necessary policy update Britain will shortly be the environmental sick man of Europe, home to unscrupulous operators taking malign advantage of the European Union’s tighter rules. Britain is set to be the only European nation exporting environmental waste beyond its shores without proper scrutiny or oversight. 

“Ministers have been sitting on their hands for too long, this must stop. The steps are simple and inexpensive.  Four years ago [sic] this was acknowledged with the commitment to end the T8 exemption, yet still we wait for that legislation. Now we see the European Union taking decisive action and, rather than recognising the benefits from aligning with that regulatory approach, our government refuses to engage. Are they really happy to sit back and watch our environmental responsibilities shipped to the other side of the world without comparable oversights?

“Currently the UK has at least 150,000 tonnes of licensed idle domestic recycling capacity of its own, but the business case for maintaining this is being undermined by political lethargy. If the government acted, we could be at the front of the environmental pack – building the circular economy we all want to see. But if the government does not act, we will see a decline in standards. The malady of inertia is settling in and leading us down a path to being the environmental sick man of Europe.”

Comment: Ex-Minister for Armed Forces, James Heappey has been quoted as saying that the UK must prepare for war. In the event of conflict, we will need an industry to recycle rubber. Perhaps, domestic tyre recycling should be a priority in the future.



























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South Africa’s DFFE Commits to Waste Tyre Management

Ewan Scott
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South Africa’s DFFE Commits to Waste Tyre Management

South Africa’s long awaited waste tyre plan has been announced by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Creecy revealed the Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan (IWTMP), which was recently approved by the Government, and aims to deal with a number of issues arising from the waste tyre market.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Challenges to be addressed include the limited local processing capacities, storage, and logistical complications.

The IWTMP provides a comprehensive framework for the efficient and effective management of waste tyres in a circular manner. It serves as subordinate legislation to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 2008 and is enforceable on all the identified role-players.

The new plan aims to ensure full waste tyre collection and the development of processing capacity, along with monitoring systems to ensure the model is properly followed.

Creecy elaborates that the plan outlines objectives such as full waste tyre collection, development of processing capacity and monitoring systems to track progress.

The Waste Management Bureau (WMB) will monitor the implementation of the IWTMP, and provide support for the municipal waste management plans and capacity-building programmes.

Creecy believes that the IWTMP will see all waste tyres being properly processed and the challenge of historic stockpiles being addressed.

This should see a number of opportunities for the private sector to become involved in developing a growing industry built around waste tyres.

The WMB will contract three dedicated regional implementers to manage the logistics and depot management elements of the value chain through contracted service providers.

Creecy adds that the IWTMP  will create opportunities small, medium-sized and microenterprises, from collection to processing, and that these businesses will be supported by the departments of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and Small Business Development to take advantage of opportunities stemming from the expansion and more effective delivery of the waste tyre value chain.

Once again, South Africa has a plan in place to deal with all its tyre arisings. The previous plan operated by REDISA was not entirely supported by the tyre industry, and became subject of litigation, which ultimately saw the operation shut down. Members of REDISA had hoped to revive the operation but this announcement of the new plan for tyre recycling seems to have put an end to any such ambition.

The IWTMP ultimately aims to achieve 100% waste tyre coverage, complete waste diversion and support of new small businesses across the waste tyre value chain. 

Tana Oy to Expand with CapMan Growth 

Ewan Scott
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Tana Oy to Expand with CapMan Growth 

The CapMan Growth Equity III fund has made its first investment in environmental technology company Tana

The investment has been made together with CapMan Growth’s long-term industrial advisor, Normet Group’s principal owner Aaro Cantell, and Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company. Simultaneously the company’s executive management also invests significantly in the company. Tana’s long-term owner Kari Kangas and his family will continue as the company’s largest owner.

Tana Oy is an environmental technology company that promotes sustainable development by offering smart equipment and solutions for processing solid waste. The globally operating company is one of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers in the field, and its product portfolio includes shredders, screens, landfill compactors and remote monitoring systems. TANA products are exported to more than 50 countries through a global distribution network that includes more than 30 authorised TANA dealers. The company’s head office is in Jyväskylä, Finland.

Tana Oy is growing strongly and has been able to maintain an annual turnover growth rate of around 20 per cent for several years while maintaining an excellent level of profitability. For the financial year ended in March, the company’s turnover is expected to exceed EUR 65 million, and the parties to the agreement have agreed to invest in strong growth in the future as well.

Towards market leadership in the global recycling industry

CapMan Growth is investing in Tana together with its long-term industrial advisor, Aaro Cantell, principal owner of Normet Group. With his Normet background, Cantell has very strong, almost 20-year experience in generating rapid growth in a similar sector providing mining solutions, and he will support Tana’s future growth in the role of chairman of the board. In addition to his expertise, he will also make a significant investment in the company. The investor consortium is completed by Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company, and the company’s executive management is also investing significantly in the company. TANA’s long-term owner Kari Kangas and his family will continue as the company’s largest shareholder.

“TANA has been my passion for almost 30 years and has rewarded me in many ways. With my children’s passions elsewhere and our strong growth strategy requiring even more experience and capital, partnering with CapMan Growth was a perfect fit for my plans. It will be very interesting to continue to be part of the growth story in an industry that has huge growth potential and where our work is truly meaningful,” says Kari Kangas, Member of the Board of TANA.

“This investment will enable TANA to grow even faster than before. It is great to have such experienced investors and even more industrial expertise to support our growth story,” says Kalle Saarimaa, CEO of Tana Oy.

“I am really excited about this opportunity to team up with Aaro, Elo, the company’s operative management and the long-term owner Kari Kangas to develop TANA‘s towards global market leadership. The recycling and reuse of materials is a rapidly growing industry globally, and during its long history the company has demonstrated its ability to innovate and grow profitably despite the recent turbulent operating environment,” says Tomi Alén, Partner at CapMan Growth in charge of the Tana investment.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join TANA’s growth story. I have been following the company’s impressive development for a long time, and I see there much of the same potential as I saw in Normet back in the day. I believe that I can help the company’s management on the road to renewal and profitable growth,” says Aaro Cantell, CapMan Growth’s long-term industrial advisor, who has grown Normet more than ten-fold in just over 15 years to achieve annual turnover of approximately EUR 500 million.

Green Flooring Solutions from the Mathe Group

Ewan Scott
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Green Flooring Solutions from the Mathe Group

Mathe Group’s Hammarsdale facility, recycles approximately 1,000 radial truck tyres per day to produce 45 tons of rubber crumb, is a pivotal export hub

Although many of its products are distributed internationally, the innovative rubber flooring solutions which helped establish this growing company in the first place, continue to highlight its global reach and position it as a South African leader in green building solutions.

Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Mathe Group, points out that strategic partnerships have helped the company to spread its wings whilst also helping reduce South Africa’s hazardous build-up of used tyres.

The latest collaboration with The Flooring Connection (TFC) – which brings together Instafloor SA and Instafloor UK and Van Dyck – now spans several years. Van Dyck manufactures the acoustic products at its production facility in Hammarsdale.

“Our initial engagement involved providing acoustic underlay products. Through our partnership with Instafloor South Africa, they have also procured advanced acoustic solutions. Given the specialised nature of these products, TFC plays a critical role in liaising closely with end clients and offering essential technical support,” Zarrebini explains.

Jonathan Bodley, head of The Flooring Connection (TFC), says they are dedicated to helping transform the African construction industry, promoting flooring products that align with the circular economy for renovations and new building projects.

“Partnering with Dr Zarrebini of the Mathe Group and Van Dyck (PFE) was a natural choice. Our partnership is grounded in our shared goal of greening the flooring industry,” he says.

He says that because all Van Dyck’s products are tested to international specifications, his company can market and export products made locally that can compete against less sustainable alternatives on both quality and cost.

He points out that product development is a key shared goal. “TFC has seen progression in our offerings in terms of innovative uses of our products and new developments. We take pride in how the versatility of these products showcases African creativity and innovation.”

InstaCradle rubber crumb subflooring cradles were initially used for raised acoustic flooring in the sports and office environment to absorb impact force and sound. Decking applications followed, specifically in situations where waterproofing needed to be protected. 

With support from PFE, the EcoPaver Cradle was developed for  external, permeable paving, allowing for easy water runoff and  the creation of water reticulation systems. This has since been used in several buildings. 

“Our rubber crumb underlays, long-used in the flooring industry, are now being used as acoustic barriers under standard cement screeds and as low profile solutions for self-levelling screeds”

“These products have proven remarkably versatile with contractors finding unexpected ways to utilise them. For example, InstaCradles are now used in acoustic recording studios, to install wall cladding and even support roofing joists. In addition to rooftop decks, the cradles are used to hold the feet of solar geysers.

Dr Zarrebini adds that ongoing research and development continues to yield innovative products that are nearing completion, including acoustic solutions for high-performance gymnasiums and adhesive-free flooring systems.

Bodley and Zarrebini believe that, although South Africa is still relatively new to the modern green building wave, demand for and awareness of green building products such as these are growing.

“The South African market exhibits a promising trajectory for the adoption of our products, particularly within the built environment where there is a noticeable shift towards sustainable building solutions. However, the pace of adoption in South Africa typically lags markets like the UK, where legislation and regulatory frameworks more actively drive sustainable innovation,” Zarrebini explains.

He is nevertheless confident that integrating recycled rubber into flooring solutions offers multifaceted benefits, including a significant reduction in the dependence on imported raw materials like virgin rubber which, ultimately, contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.

This sustainability goal is prized by both parties

“Our future expansion plans will accommodate the dual objectives of supplying rubber crumb to external customers and leveraging it for the valorisation in our locally manufactured acoustic products. This strategy aligns with our commitment to sustainability and the optimization of resource use within our production processes,” Zarrebini says.  

“The recycled rubber crumb product range attains the highest acoustic performance standards whilst having a positive environmental impact. Looking ahead, sustained collaborations with PFE are anticipated. We have seen much potential in the South African sports flooring market. Above all, we aim to increase demand for recycled rubber crumb products, stimulate government support for recycling efforts and foster a sustainable solution to environmental challenges,” Bodley concludes.

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