The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector

The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector

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Nigerian State of Oyo Closes Pyrolysis Firm

Oyo State Government has sealed a facility engaging in the recycling of waste tyres, to produce pyrolysis oil, carbon black and steel wire as byproducts

The facility, run by Shri-Balaji Industry Limited, in Egbeda has been in existence since 2016, has been discovered to have grossly embarked on unhealthy practices, which contravened the Extant Environmental Regulations of the State, according to reports in the Nigerian media.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resource, Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbonjubola, explained that the move is part of the Government’s efforts at ensuring conformity and adherence by companies, industrial firms, and corporate bodies, to acceptable worldwide, and state Environmental Laws.

He said that during several routine monitoring visits  to the company, by Ministry Officials, it was discovered that the pyrolysis process gave out unhealthy emissions, with the area within and outside of the facility, and stained with carbon black, which in this state is hazardous to human health.

The Honourable Commissioner noted that the company had no evidence of engagement with solid waste contractor. Also, the workers are exposed to high risk, as there was no provisions for personal protective equipment PPE, nor evidence of a health scheme for staff in all sections of production.


There was no potable water, and air quality measured as at the time of visits, was beyond the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) limits.

Mogbonjubola emphasised that, previously, the Ministry had instructed the facility management to engage the services of consultants, and to act upon their recommendations

According to the Honourable Commissioner, Shri-Balaji Industry Limited had earlier been culpable and sanctioned with a fine of One Million, and Five Hundred Thousand Naira, to be paid to Government coffers, which it failed to pay.


Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbonjubola, however, expressed his displeasure over the Non-compliance disposition of some facility owners, industries, companies and corporate organisations to rules and regulations. He emphasised that the present administration would not in any way compromise standards, nor tolerate violators of Environmental Health laws of the State.

The two directors and two out of three listed shareholders are of the Indian community, one appears to also be associated with  Shri Balaji Industries Limited, according to NG24, an Indian industrial group with interests in many different markets.

Source: Nigerian Government Images: Oyo Insight

Apollo Tyres Launches ‘Pledge Your Tyres’ Initiative

Apollo Tyres is committed to making a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of underprivileged communities

The leading Indian tyre maker got visitors at the recently held Bharat Mobility Expo, in New Delhi, held at Pragati Maiden from 1st -3rd February 2024, to pledge their used tyres. Apollo Tyres will contribute to sustainability by repurposing the pledged (used) tyres and utilising the recycled rubber crumb to create football pitches for the underprivileged.

The ‘Pledge Your Tyres’ initiative, which started at the Bharat Mobility Expo and saw 100s of visitors registering for the cause, would continue at select sales counters of Apollo Tyres across the country. The pledged tyres can be submitted at the nearest Apollo Tyres outlet/dealership; the company will recognise the people who donate their used tyres by putting their names at the ‘Turf Wall of Fame’ at the pitch.

Commenting on this initiative, Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres Ltd said; “By making this pledge, we strive to demonstrate that sports and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the football pitch, inspiring a positive change in the way we approach community development and environmental stewardship. I would like to invite everyone to join us in this journey towards a greener, more inclusive future.”

Apollo Tyres has been working towards sustainable model to create access to sports and fitness and has multiple artificial football pitches across the country that has been created using 100 per cent repurposed rubber from its own tyres. The first such pitch was inaugurated near the North Stand of the iconic Old Trafford in Manchester, home of Apollo Tyres’ partner Manchester United Football Club, laying the foundation for this endeavour.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited Apollo Tyres stand at Bharat Mobility Expo. The first of its kind global mobility show brings together the entire mobility value chain under one roof. 

ATMA Speaks on the Environmental Challenge of Imported Waste Tyres

The Indian Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association ( ATMA ) is working with government bodies to implement EPR regulations for the disposal of these imported tyres

According to a report in the Peoples’ Network, India is facing a significant environmental challenge posed by the surge of waste tyre imports from developed countries. The Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association ( ATMA ), Anshuman Singhania, raised concerns over the staggering statistic that India imported around 8.8 lakh million tonnes [sic] of scrapped tyres between April and November 2023 –These tyres, originate predominantly from the United Kingdom, West Asia, and Europe, and are burnt or retreaded and resold in the aftermarket—a practice that poses both environmental and safety hazards, according to ATMA.

According to Singhania, 10-15 per cent of these imported tyres find their way into the replacement market, particularly in the taxi sector, posing significant safety risks. The majority, however, meet a different fate—they are burnt for pyrolysis, a process that, if not executed to Standard Operating Practice, is detrimental to the environment. The practice has recently come under scrutiny of the Central Pollution Control Board, with a number of pyrolysis plants being closed across India.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, ATMA is joining forces with the Central Pollution Control Board and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to implement new regulations designed to make disposal units more environmentally friendly. Singhania proposed that tyres be cut into pieces prior to import, a move which would effectively prevent their use in the replacement market.

Prashanth Doreswamy, President and Country Head of Continental (Tires) India, echoed Singhania’s concerns and also backed the drive for implementing regulations. Such measures would not only curb the import of waste tyres but also shield the environment from the detrimental effects of their disposal.

Source: Peoples Network

US EPA Develops 6PPD-q Water Testing

6PPDD-q is a derivative of 6PPD used as an additive in tyres; the derivative has been shown to be toxic in freshwater

The US Environment Protection Agency acted upon issues raised by indigenous tribes in Washington and Oregon, and other groups about the instances of Coho salmon young being killed off by the presence of 6PPDq in the rivers.

In November 2023, the EPA committed to gather evidence to be used to create regluations.

The U.S. EPA has now announced the publication of a draft testing method (EPA Method 1634) that will enable government agencies, Tribes, and other groups to determine where and when 6PPD-quinone is present in local stormwater and surface waters.  The 6PPD-quinone draft method is now available at https://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods.

“We heard from the Tribes and other governmental agencies that one of the highest priorities for the agency should be the rapid development of a test for 6PPD-quinone,” said Casey Sixkiller, Regional Administrator of the agency’s Region 10 office in Seattle.

6PPD is also found in manyrubber products such as tyres, footwear, synthetic turf infill, and synthetic playground surfaces. 6PPD reacts with ozone in the air to form 6PPD-quinone, which EPA-funded research in 2020 found to be linked to the deaths of coho salmon in urban Puget Sound streams. Exposures occur when runoff containing the chemical is washed from parking lots and streets into streams and other bodies of water.

This new, quick testing method will allow authorities to better understand how and where 6PPDq is present in the watercourse. Although only in its draft format, the test is available to use already.

Fredrik Emilson Becomes CEO of Enviro

Fredrik Emilson has now assumed the position as the new CEO of Enviro

As previously communicated, former CEO Thomas Sörensson will in connection with this move to a role as senior advisor within the company.

Fredrik Emilson has a long history at Höganäs AB where he was the company’s CEO during the period 2017-2023. During his time at Höganäs, Fredrik also held the role of Head of Europe followed by beeing responsible for the Asian market. ganäs AB is a world-leading manufacturer of metal powders with a turnover of more than SEK 12 billion and 2,400 employees globally. Emilson also has a background in the Trelleborg Group and thus experience from the rubber industry. He has also worked as a management consultant within E&Y with a main focus on project management and business development.

In his various roles, he has accumulated extensive experience in industrialisation in combination with sustainability issues. He also has extensive experience of working with the automotive industry.

“I am very much looking forward to being involved in scaling up Enviro and its operations. Enviro has an opportunity to make a real difference and my ambition is for the company to become a world leader in its field,” says Fredrik Emilson, new CEO of Enviro.

Qatar’s MRF has Global Goals

Modern Recycling Factory (MRF) was founded in Qatar in 2012, by Mr. Abdulla Salem Al Ali, to deal with the growing waste tyre issue in the country

The factory is situated in the heart of the industrial zone over 20,000 square metres in Messaied City, Qatar. Modern Recycling Factory (MRF) makes the most efficient use of research and technology development qualities, wider and wholesome clientele, and enhanced large-scale facilities. All acquired and strengthened as a result of the management integration, enabling them to proceed in improving and developing their products with high-quality International (ISO), American (ASTM), and European’s (CEN) standards in various fields and several applications that will be a replacement for resources such, as concrete and asphalt.

The vision behind choosing the tyre recycling business was to meet the Qatari Government’s efforts to save the environment, and helping to achieve the national vision of Qatar 2030.

MRF, across three lines of tyre recycling, produces 75 tons per hour of rubber crumb, steal, and shred. MRF aims to be the premier provider of recycled tyre rubber products not just in Qatar but in the whole world. By recycling more than 1.5 million of the nation’s ELT out of the current 35 million awaiting recycling at several sites within Qatar; the factory transforms them into raw materials for smart, sustainable products that improve peoples’ lives, such as sport fields, running tracks, playground, buildings, infrastructure, and matting surfaces.

With quality project management, innovative tools, technologies and processes from European technology, MRF is already a revolutionary Qatari environmentally friendly enterprise. The factory’s commitment in finding modern and better ways to Reduce, Recycle and Reuse waste tyres, meets the sustainability goals of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

MRF products are tested and accredited by certified laboratories globally, such as SGS and others. They use TRIAX 2015 for the surface impact system. These tests are to assure clients that they only offer highly quality goods that are equal to international safety standards. Across its full product range, MRF ensures exceptionality and client satisfaction in all the craftsmanship they make.

MRF’s aim is “To be the premier provider of sport flooring, building infrastructure, playground, fitness and gym’s products not just in Qatar and the GCC, but worldwide”.

MRF’s core values define the philosophy of Board of Directors, and they reflect the best of the organisation’s character. They provide the highest training for the staff; they also tend to share the products’ examination with the most reliable international laboratory tests to reach an outstanding product quality.

Since MRF includes the largest tyre recycling lines to manufacture rubber crumb, this gives the highest strength to the downstream technology to produce many products under one roof.

MRF markets its products locally and internationally, this is why it has two sales teams for local and export sales, each of them having their own tasks. They make their approach through many marketing channels, by personal visits and the use of social media, also through the participation in tenders, according to their spokesman, the annual target has always been achievable and even during the pandemic period, the percentages of the achieved sales were relatively high compared to the sales target.

Mr. Abdulla Salem Al Ali, Chairman of MRF believes in the commitment to provide customers with the premier service at a cost-effective price. “We are continually finding new ways to reuse and recycle scrap tyres to stop them going to landfill areas. Recycling tyres is MRF’s commitment to the environment. We will achieve a healthy and safe environment that contributes to accomplishing the national vision of Qatar 2030 and the world environmental vision” added Abdulla.

Enviro CEO Sörensson Joins Sweden-France Business Forum

Enviro’s CEO, Thomas Sörensson, presented Enviro and participated at the business seminar Sweden-France Business Forum: Accelerating Europe’s competitiveness, on January 31 in conjunction with the French state visit

The conference focused on innovation and sustainability and among the participants are H.M. King, French President Emmanuel Macron, government representatives, and over 200 business representatives from Sweden and France.

“One focus area during the conference is how the green transition can be facilitated by innovation and collaborations, and our partnership with Michelin is a shining example of this. The fact that Enviro has been invited to such an event highlights the importance and necessity of what we are working to achieve”, says Thomas Sörensson, CEO of Enviro.

The Sweden-France Business Forum is organised by Business Sweden, together with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the City of Stockholm, the French Embassy in Sweden, and Business France, as part of the French state visit to Sweden on January 30–31. The conference took place in Stockholm City Hall and aimed to further strengthen business relations, identify new areas of collaboration, and encourage continued investments in both countries.

APS UK Ltd Signs UK & Ireland Agency Deal with Maris SPA

APS UK Ltd (APS), a York-based industry-leader in dust extraction and pneumatic conveying, has announced a strategic partnership with Italian manufacturer, Maris SPA, to become Agents for Maris SPA’s Twin Screw Extruders in the UK and Ireland

Founded in 1998, APS is a trusted expert in the design and installation of dust and fume extraction and pneumatic conveying systems. APS boasts an impressive client portfolio, working with the likes of Biffa, Berry Group, Lyondell Basel, PepsiCo, Haribo and more, across a wide range of sectors, including plastics, recycling, food and pharmaceutical.

APS’ alliance with Maris SPA signifies a substantial expansion of its offering for the UK market.

A world leader in extrusion technologies, Maris SPA’s Twin Screw Extruders are an efficient and reliable solution for plastic processing and devulcanisation, with many of Maris’ products being recognised as standard across the globe.

With a strong foothold in the plastic and recycling sector, APS is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for Twin Screw Extruders among its established and prospective clientele.

Matthew Brown, Sales Director at APS, said; “At APS we are continuously seeking innovative and effective solutions for our clients and firmly believe that partnering with Maris SPA will enable us to deliver even more comprehensive and technologically advanced systems to businesses across the UK.

Maris SPA’s high-quality products are widely recognised for their impressive design, innovative technology and incredible results. We are excited to bring their Twin Screw Extruders to the UK.”

The Maris SPA’s, Marco Leonardi, added; “We have full confidence that APS is the perfect partner to supply and service our products in the UK market. Their proven track record of delivering excellent service and top-quality solutions aligns seamlessly with our values.”

Eldan Recycling A/S and Picvisa Announce Partnership

Eldan’s Industry Expertise Meets Picvisa’s Innovative Technology: A synergistic partnership combining decades of recycling solutions with cutting-edge optical sorting technology

Eldan Recycling, a leader in the provision of high-quality recycling solutions since 1956, and Picvisa Machine Vision Systems, a front-runner in optical separation technology, have announced a historic partnership. This alliance is set to reshape the landscape of the recycling industry, combining Eldan’s vast experience with Picvisa’s innovative machine vision technologies.

Eldan Recycling has been a dominant force in the recycling industry, offering a wide array of recycling solutions for various materials such as non-ferrous, refrigerators, industrial waste and municipal solid waste. With a robust portfolio that includes the installation of over 1200 complete systems and 8100 individual machines worldwide, Eldan has cemented its position as a global powerhouse in recycling equipment offering solutions mainly in the tyre, cable, electronic waste and NF areas.

Picvisa, a part of Calaf Grup, brings to the table 20 years of excellence in the design, manufacture, and supply of optical separation equipment for material sorting and waste recovery mainly in the Glass, Plastic packaging and Textile sectors. Their recent certification as a Bcorp emphasises their commitment to sustainability and innovation in all aspects of their operations.

The partnership is a strategic response to the evolving needs of the recycling market. It represents a significant leap forward, allowing Eldan to integrate Picvisa’s unique optical sorting technology into its processes. This collaboration will result in the development of new lines of sorting equipment – the MPS and SPS, tailored for efficient sorting in various applications, particularly in WEEE, NF, and mixed metal scrap systems.

This move not only solidifies Eldan’s position as a comprehensive provider in the recycling industry but also enhances Picvisa’s global reach and influence in markets where Eldan is well established. The introduction of MPS and SPS demonstrates the companies’ joint commitment to innovation, offering solutions that are both sustainable and technologically advanced.

The Tire Cologne is on Track

With around four months to go until The Tire Cologne takes place, from 4 to 6 June 2024, the event is clearly right on track: around 90 per cent of the exhibition space at the leading international trade fair for the tyre and wheel industry is already booked

The event will once again offer the unique opportunity to access the world’s largest industry community by bringing the relevant players together in one place, where they can network efficiently and reach a wide audience.

“The preparations for The Tire Cologne have been in full swing for months now, with the aim of making sure the trade fair retains its position as the most important networking event for the B2B sector. I’m very pleased with the registration figures, in terms of quality as well as quantity. The overall picture is that the hall occupancy rate will be significantly higher than at the 2022 edition of The Tire Cologne, with even more exhibitors anticipated at this year’s event. We’re expecting an increase of around 50 per cent,” said Ingo Riedeberger, Director of The Tire Cologne. “And we’re pleased to reveal that we’re receiving positive responses not just from well-known brands, but also from some returning and new exhibitors, such as Maxxis and MRF in the tire and wheel segment, Heuver with its brand Albourgh, Euromaster and tyre24.com in the trade segment, VIPAL, B&J Rocket and Tech Europe in the retreading and repair segment, and Würth in the workshop equipment segment”, Riedeberger added. The global relevance of The Tire Cologne will be demonstrated again in 2024, particularly with the participation of numerous exhibitors from Asian countries, including Taiwan, China and India. 

The Tire Cologne aspires to drive the discussion of key topics affecting the global tire industry, which is why the event is more than just a showcase for the sector. More than any other trade fair, it is focused on relevant trends and key topics offering future potential and business opportunities. It was with this in mind that Koelnmesse developed the concept of a Circular Economy Area to bring together players operating in all aspects of the circular economy associated with tires. One example is AZuR, the Alliance for the Future of Tyres, which exhibits with 16 partners, allowing visitors to take a look at the big picture of circularity in the tyre sector. Accordingly, the issue of retreading will have a key role to play at The Tire Cologne. A raft of well-known industry players and experts will participate in discussions on this topic at the fair. The issue of recycling in particular harbours enormous growth potential in the tire industry – innovative approaches to thermal recovery and material recycling are being developed, bringing a breath of fresh air and momentum into the industry. 

To ensure their continued success on the market, tire retailers need to position themselves competitively. In addition to key issues such as the shortage of skilled workers, digitalisation in particular is playing an increasingly important role in the industry – which means it’s placing greater demands on workshops. For this reason, The Tire Cologne 2024 will be working with exhibitors Hunter and Würth to explore the workshop requirements of the future in the special Workshop LIVE format. One important aspect of this topic will be diagnostic tools and repair technology.