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Shred-Tech Corp. Acquires CM Shredders

Shred-Tech Corp., a leading manufacturer of industrial shredding & recycling solutions, has announced the acquisition of CM Shredders, LLC by its parent company The Heico Companies

This strategic move is a significant step forward in enhancing Shred-Tech’s product portfolio, extending its global reach, and fortifying its North American manufacturing capabilities.

CM Shredders is a recognised leader in the tyre recycling industry. Headquartered in Sarasota, FL, USA, CM has a history of innovation and a strong market presence.

The acquisition of CM Shredders aligns with Shred-Tech’s commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for solid waste reduction in the recycling industry. This strategic integration will bolster Shred-Tech’s product portfolio, offering customers a more comprehensive suite of primary, secondary, and tertiary size reduction and material destruction systems.

With the acquisition of CM Shredders, Shred-Tech is poised to expand its global footprint. CM Shredders‘ established presence in tyre recycling and key global markets like Asia and the Middle East will provide Shred-Tech with access to a broader customer base.

The combined strengths of Shred-Tech and CM Shredders in manufacturing will bolster efficiency, scale, and agility, especially following the recent manufacturing capability expansion at the Shred-Tech Thailand facility. This synergy is expected to drive operational excellence, further positioning the merged entity as a leader in the industry.

The strategic acquisition enhancesthe company’s competitiveness in the marketplace. By combining resources, engineering expertise, and manufacturing capabilities, the expanded entity is better positioned to meet the evolving needs of clients and respond effectively to industry challenges.

President Romel R. Reddi said; “We are excited to bring the CM Shredders team into the Shred-Tech family. We are eager to accelerate our growth in the Industrial Shredding Systems world. Our combined product lines will greatly diversify the recycling streams and customers we can support.”

TEPA Launches Waste Tyre Collector Registration

Tepa will collaborate with tyre trading members to register waste tyre collectors, promoting responsible recycling practices for a greener future in South Africa

Vishal Premlall, the national director of the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (Tepa), under the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, emphasises the significance of registering waste tyre collectors. This initiative aims to streamline tyre collections and enhance recycling efforts, crucial for environmental preservation.

The Waste Tyre Bureau, overseen by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, manages waste tyre collection in South Africa. Proper disposal and recycling of tyres are essential to prevent environmental degradation.

Premlall highlights the environmental benefits of tyre recycling, echoing Minister Barbara Creecy’s call for industry feedback on waste tyre management plans. Neglecting proper disposal poses severe risks, including fire hazards, soil and water contamination and public health concerns.

Despite government interventions, vast quantities of waste tyres remain unaddressed, posing long-term environmental threats. Responsible traders must ensure compliance with registration requirements and proper waste disposal protocols.

Consumers can contribute by patronising registered tyre dealers and reporting illegal dumping. Premlall urges consumers to dispose of old tyres responsibly and seek guidance from registered Tepa dealers when in doubt.

Mitigating the environmental impact of waste tyres demands collective action. Governments, businesses, communities and individuals must collaborate to adopt sustainable practices and safeguard the environment for future generations. Premlall concludes with a call to action, emphasising everyone’s role in environmental stewardship.

Source: Cathy Findley PR

New Zealand’s Tyrewise Launched

Tyrewise, which many believe is the solution to millions of tyres piled in paddocks, illegally dumped, or sent to landfill in New Zealand every year, has been officially launched

Tyrewise, Aotearoa New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres will see the introduction of a ‘tyre stewardship fee’ on tyres sold in New Zealand, loose, or on a vehicle, from today.

This will replace the current, ad hoc tyre disposal fees being charged when tyres are removed from vehicles, says Adele Rose, of Tyrewise Scheme Delivery Managers 3R Group.

“From 1 September, Tyrewise will be responsible for arranging the free collection of end-of-life tyres from registered tyre sellers, garages, and public collection sites around the country. The scheme will also ensure the tyres go to registered processors and manufacturers, so they get a second life in a new product, rather than being landfilled, stockpiled, or dumped,” Rose says.

AA Chief Mobility Officer Jonathan Sergel says it’s been frustrating to see the majority of tyres haven’t been recycled or repurposed, despite consumers and retailers paying disposal fees. “The AA wants to see an end to irresponsible disposal of tyres such as stockpiling or tyre fires. The recycling scheme gets these tyres back into the economy, and out of the landfill,” he says.

Only around 40 per cent of the tyres which reach their end-of-life in New Zealand are currently recycled or used in the creation of new products. “Tyrewise has set a target of 80 per cent of tyres processed by the fourth year of operation and over 90 per cent by the sixth year,” Rosesays.

The scheme will also invest in the development of innovative, new, high-value uses for rubber from end-of-life tyres. “The New Zealand market has a way to go in that regard, and we’re keen to see higher value products benefit the country as a whole,” she says.

Tyrewise is a result of years-long work by the Aotearoa tyre supply chain and extensive consultation, to design something which works in the New Zealand context while benefiting everyone, Adele says. “It’s something we are all very proud of.”

Motor Trade Association (MTA) Sector Manager – Repairer & Environmental, Glen McGarry says their members want consistency around end-of-life tyre collection services and costs. “They’re pleased to see the transparency that’s built into the software that retailers, collection sites and transporters will be using as part of Tyrewise,” he says.

Bridgestone Director – New Zealand Business, John Staples says the company has been a proud supporter of Tyrewise from the beginning. “As a tyre importer with a goal of accelerating the circular economy in our business, Bridgestone is keen to see resources recovered from tyres that are brought into the country when they’re at the end of their life,” he says.

The scheme will initially cover all pneumatic and solid tyres for use on motorised vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, trailers, caravans, all-terrain vehicles, tractors, forklifts, aircraft, and off-road vehicles, whether they’re imported loose, or already on a vehicle. There are plans to bring a second scope of tyres for products like bicycles, and non-motorised equipment, such as prams, as well as pre-cured rubber for retreads, into the scheme at a later date. Consultation on scope two tyres is expected in late 2024.

Michelin Joins Antin and Enviro in Announcing Uddevalla Pyrolysis Plant

The Michelin joint venture with Enviro and Antin has secured a series of multi-year contracts for the supply of used tyres and the upcycling of recovered carbon black and pyrolysis oil

This first plant will have capacity to recycle approx. 35,000 tons of used tyres annually and to create up to 40 green jobs in the local community.

This joint venture announces the final investment decision for the construction of its first used tyre recycling plant. Antin and Enviro entered into the joint venture in March of 2023 to build a series of plants in chosen European geographies. 

Antin is a majority shareholder of the JV, Michelin a minority shareholder and Enviro has an option to become a significant minority shareholder.

The first factory, based in Uddevalla, Sweden, has obtained all the necessary environmental and building permits and authorisations. Construction has already begun, and the plant is expected to be operational during 2025. 

With an initial aim to process approx. 35,000 tons of used tyres annually, the plant should create up to 50 green jobs in the local community during its first phase.

Multi-year supply contracts      

In addition to obtaining financing for the construction of the industrial plant, the joint venture signed a series of multi-year contracts regarding the supply of end-of-life-cycle tyres as well as recovered carbon black and pyrolysis oil. 

In this context, Michelin continues its approach of proactively supporting the development of used tyre recycling ecosystems and is committed to collaborating on the future developments of this joint venture. As an example, Michelin has signed a multi-year supply agreement regarding carbon black and pyrolysis oil.  

One million tons

As previously announced, the joint venture plans on building factories throughout Europe targeting a total annual recycling capacity of one million tons of used tyres. Once the Uddevalla plant begins operating, the joint venture will undertake the construction of additional factories in other European countries in order to ensure a rapid rollout of this technology. Antin and Enviro have already agreed to a financing plan for the construction of these factories.

Maude Portigliatti, High-tech Materials Business Director – Member of the Michelin Group Executive Committee says; “Michelin has strongly supported the creation of this joint venture between Enviro and Antin. The undertaking began in 2020 when Michelin became a shareholder in Enviro to support the maturation of this technology. Today, we are moving on to a new step with the finalization of the investment for the construction of this first factory in Sweden. The launch of this ambitious industrial program, which is expected to be developed on a European scale, perfectly echoes the strategic objectives of the Michelin Group to reach 100% renewable and recycled materials by 2050, reducing the overall environmental impact of its tyres.”

Antin is delighted to join Enviro and Michelin to announce approval for the construction of the first of several plants planned by the joint venture. We are excited to help create a fully circular platform which will restore end of life tyres to its constituent raw materials that will be sustainably used over and over again. This is part of Antin NextGen’s strategy to focus on proven technologies that require substantial capital to scale.” adds Anand Jagannathan, Antin Senior Partner.

  “The plant in Uddevalla will be the joint venture’s first full-scale tyre recycling plant and a first important step in our joint effort to create the world’s first large-scale tyre recycling group. Together we will play a crucial role in the industrial transformation needed for a more sustainable future”, added Alf Blomqvist, Chairman of Scandinavian Enviro Systems.

Works Starts at Pyrum in Perl-Besch

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Approval for the “clear-cutting” was granted at the end of last week: Clearing work has started as planned at Pyrum project

Pyrum Innovations AG continues to make good progress with its roll-out plan. Yesterday, the first works at the new Pyrum site in Perl-Besch started after the municipal council approved the development plan earlier this month. The plant will be constructed at the Perl-Besh Industrial Park. With the planned start of the clearing work, the site is now being prepared for further construction work. At the end of last week, Pyrum received permission to clear the site, thus creating the basis for the construction area for the new plant and the new shredder. With a size of approximately 8,500 m2, this area is the first construction part of the planned new plant.

Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations AG said; “We are continuing to work at full speed on our roll-out plan and have managed to start work on the new site in just three months. The further approval process with the authorities is already in full swing and we look forward to the start of construction of our new site.”

Pyrum Innovations AG plans to build its second pyrolysis plant in Saarland in Perl-Besch by the end of 2025, based on the model of the main plant in Dillingen/Saar, with a capacity of 20,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres (ELT) per year, which means doubling the current production capacity. Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of 2024.

Valorpneu Sees License Extended

Portugal’s Valorpneu has had its existing license extended until June 30th 2024

The term of Valorpneu’s license, which ended on December 31, 2023, was extended with effect from January 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024, the date on which the new license must be issued.

Valorpneu requested a new license in good time and presented the respective specifications to continue the used tyre management activity, to the Portuguese Environment Agency and the Directorate-General for Economic Activities, but it was not possible for the competent entities to proceed with the respective issuance of new licenses on January 1, 2024 due to lack of legal qualification.

The useful time was also insufficient to complete the analysis of the specifications and award of new licenses for the integrated specific flow management systems, in accordance with the changes introduced by Decree-Law no. 152 -D/2017, of 11 December, approved at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 29, which is still awaiting publication.

Throughout this period, all conditions imposed in the license remain in force, namely the obligations relating to the applicable goals and objectives, during the period of validity of the license.

The change in the law impacts a range of waste sectors following a couple of European directives. In particular; Directives 2016/774/EU and 2017/2096/EU on end-of-life vehicles.

New requirements and procedures will be defined for dealing with waste, with more responsibility being placed on the producers . New common rules for the management of all the specified waste streams will be created, as well as specific regulations for each one.

The producer will be responsible for the residue that their product or produces.

They will be responsible for financing the management of the waste resulting from their own products. They can choose to fulfil this obligation by:

  • individually supporting the costs of their waste management
  • joining an integrated management system responsible for managing these wastes.

The role of the entities that manage the specific waste streams will be clarified

Waste management is usually carried out by entities that manage waste and assume the responsibilities of businesses that place products on the Portuguese market.

Providers already engaged in this activity have 12 months to adapt to the new rules and ensure that they meet the requirements.

AZuR Project Group on Chemical Recycling Starts at ONEJOON Group

In addition to retreading and material recovery, chemical recycling, which includes pyrolysis and devulcanisation, will play an important role in tyre recycling. The AZuR Project Group on Chemical Recycling, led by Martin von Wolfersdorff , began this undertaking with 15 AZuR partners from companies, universities and institutes

In addition to a round of introductions, which also included the goals of the participants, the participants quickly got into discussion about the market situation, obstacles and opportunities.  

The framework conditions in Europe mean that action must be taken quickly. On the one hand, secondary raw materials must remain in Europe, and on the other hand, we must build a circular economy industry in Europe that uses innovative technologies to make maximum use of all available resources.

These points are very apposite, as Europe currently exports too many valuable waste resources instead of building national recycling industries.

Dominikus Wirth from ONEJOON Group not only presented his company, but also gave the group the opportunity to look at its production. As always, such experiences are very enlightening and lead to many questions that have been answered competently and comprehensively.

In addition to the lively discussion, which ultimately led to the launch of three projects, there was sufficient time for bilateral talks, exchange among the AZuR partners and networking.  

All project participants agreed on one thing: “This was just the beginning. It must now move on quickly.”

Enviro Receives Payments Towards Uddevalla Plant

Enviro receives MSEK 53 payment for costs incurred, of which half in cash and half as ownership share in joint venture

Scandinavian Enviro Systems has received an initial payment for costs incurred relating to the plant in Uddevalla, Sweden. The payment has been made by the joint venture established by Enviro and Antin Infrastructure Partners.

The payment covers part of the costs incurred by Enviro for establishing the full-scale recycling plant for end-of-life tyres in Uddevalla and Enviro will receive further payments to cover these costs. Construction of the plant in Uddevalla commenced last week.

In addition to the cash payment of MSEK 26.5, Enviro also received shares in the joint venture. Enviro’s stake in the joint venture will fluctuate in pace with the capitalisation process for the joint venture, but over time Enviro is entitled to acquire an ownership share that ultimately corresponds to approximately 30 per cent.

The joint venture will be the world’s first large-scale tyre recycling company, combining Enviro’s unique patented technology for extracting carbon black and pyrolysis oil from end-of-life tyres with Antin’s expertise in developing and scaling up future infrastructure platforms. The joint venture plans to construct plants across Europe targeting a total annual recycling capacity of up to one million metric tons of end-of-life tyres by 2030. Enviro and Antin Infrastructure NextGen fund have previously agreed on a plan for financing the construction of the plants.

Enviro will receive revenue through both service fees and an asset fee based on the profitability of the respective plants while the company will have the possibility of building up long-term value through ownership in the joint venture.

Tire Recycling Foundation Created by the TIA and USTMA

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) have announced the formation of the Tire Recycling Foundation, a collaborative initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and circular market solutions for end-of-life tyres

The unveiling of the Tire Recycling Foundation took place at the 2024 OTR Tire Conference, where John Sheerin, Director of End-of-Life Tire Programs at USTMA, joined Dick Gust, CEO of TIA, on stage to introduce this groundbreaking initiative.

John Sheerin, speaking at the podium, emphasised the Foundation’s mission to expand ysustainable and circular market solutions for scrap tyres through research, development of innovative technologies, and enhanced collaboration across the tire value chain.

TIA and USTMA have united to establish the Tire Recycling Foundation,” stated John Sheerin.

The formation of the Tire Recycling Foundation stems from extensive industry consultations, including a three-day listening session organised by the Tire Industry Project in 2021. The Foundation’s Board of Directors, comprising representatives from tyre manufacturers, distributors, retailers, collectors, recyclers, and tyre-derived product producers, will convene for its inaugural meeting in March 2024.

Dick Gust explained the pivotal role of the Foundation in navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and advancing sustainable practices across the tyre industry.

“As tyre retailers, dealers, retreaders, and recyclers, you are at the forefront of managing end-of-life tyres,” said Dick Gust. “

Central to the Foundation’s goal is the ambition to achieve 100 per cent recycling of end-of-life tyres in sustainable markets. Through strategic partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and targeted interventions, the Foundation aims to catalyse the transition towards a profitable and self-sustaining tire recycling ecosystem.

The launch of the Tire Recycling Foundation marks a significant milestone in the tyre industry’s journey towards sustainability and underscores TIA and USTMA’s unwavering commitment to driving positive impact.

Tyres Dumped by Loch Ness

In a monstrous action, criminals dumped some 300 tyres on the banks of Loch Ness in January

The Highland Council says that inquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible for dumping over 300 tyres from the side of the A82 into Loch Ness.

The incident was reported to Highland Council on Monday 29 January and is believed to have occurred sometime over the weekend between 27 and 28 January 2024.

The investigation is being led by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and anyone with information is urged to contact them.

Highland Council would like to thank the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board and salmon farming company Mowi for their support after they volunteered to take part in a joint operation to remove all the tyres from the iconic loch.

Mowi staff worked alongside Highland Council operatives over a three-day period to clear the tyres. It was a slow process due to inclement weather and the location of the tyres, some of which were halfway up the banks of Loch Ness.

Mowi was able to re-use 100 of the tyres as part of its operations and approximately 200 were left to Highland Council to dispose of. The clean-up happened between 5 and 7 February.

Chairman of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Cllr Graham Mackenzie, said; “The Council is extremely grateful for the support, which ensured this horrendous incidence of fly-tipping was dealt with quickly.

“The location of the tyres made recovery problematic but was made possible thanks to some fantastic collaborative work between our staff, staff from Mowi, and members of the Ness Salmon Fishery Board.”

He added: “It is very disappointing these tyres were recklessly disposed of in this manner without a thought for the environmental impact on one of Scotland’s most beautiful and popular tourist locations.”

Paul Griffiths, Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “Waste crime has a serious and detrimental impact on our environment, communities and compliant businesses. Tyres in particular have the potential to release hazardous substances if set on fire and are a blight on the landscape if not treated, recycled or disposed of properly.

“A lack of evidence often makes catching the culprits extremely difficult, and the first line of defence is stopping criminals getting their hands on waste in the first place. A legitimate operator should be able to tell you their SEPA waste carrier licence number and the exact location your waste will be taken to. If they won’t provide those two pieces of information, don’t give them your waste.

“Our investigation into this incident at Loch Ness remains ongoing and we strongly urge anyone with information about who might be responsible to come forward.”

Source: Highland Council