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SOBE Takes Sober Response to Youngstown Moratorium

Ewan Scott
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SOBE Takes Sober Response to Youngstown Moratorium

The SOBE pyrolysis project has been halted by the Youngstown City Council as it investigates the project fully

SOBE Thermal Energy Systems said it “respects” the city’s “cautious approach,” after Youngstown voted unanimously in late December to place a one-year hold on plans for SOBE to convert scrapped tyre chips into synthetic gas [sic]. Of course the output of such a plant would normally be more than Syngas – there would be carbon char (at least) and tyre pyrolysis oil, as well as a mixture of gases, some of which could be used to heat the plant.

In a statement, the company said it has acknowledged City Council’s decision to further study the technology and is committed to working with the city and community to “foster an understanding of the technology’s benefits.” 

SOBE CEO David Ferro said; “SOBE reiterates its commitment to providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective energy solutions to Youngstown.”

Ferro adds, “This process not only helps in addressing the global challenge of tyre disposal but also significantly reduces our reliance on natural gas. This means stable and lower energy costs for our local businesses, regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations.”

Existing operations will continue uninterrupted during this period and will not affect its current conversion process to turn natural gas into steam, he said. 

“SOBE’s facility in Youngstown is dedicated to energy conversion and is not classified as an industrial facility. We are a part of the community, focused on enhancing the quality of life and economic stability in Youngstown through sustainable energy practices,” Ferro said, “We invite open dialogue and are here to address any concerns or questions from our fellow citizens and businesses. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more prosperous Youngstown.”

Liberty Tire Recycling Appoints President and CCO

Ewan Scott
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Liberty Tire Recycling Appoints President and CCO

Prior to joining Liberty, the new President, Andrew Meurer spent more than 12 years at Michelin

Liberty Tire Recycling, Pittsburgh, has hired Andrew Meurer as its president and chief commercial officer.

Meurer has come from 12 years at Michelin where he was most recently vice president of sales for the North American Passenger Tire Division.

Liberty says Meurer, who will report directly to CEO Thomas Womble, will spearhead the company’s efforts to collaborate with tyre manufacturers and tyre retailers to expand existing and design new sustainable end-of-life solutions for tres.

“Meurer is the right person for the next phase of Liberty,” Womble says. “As an industry, we know we need to continue to evolve and innovate since end-of-life tyres can be one of the biggest risks manufacturers and retailers face if they aren’t managed properly.”

Meurer says; “End-of-life tyres are a big challenge. Tyres today are safer and last longer than ever before, but that makes them even more difficult to recycle. I am excited to work with Liberty and the team at Energy Capital Partners to transform tyre recycling so we can better meet the needs of the entire value chain.”

US Market Embraces Gradeall’s Tyre Baling Equipment

Ewan Scott
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US Market Embraces Gradeall’s Tyre Baling Equipment

Gradeall, renowned for its MK2 tyre baler and sidewall cutter, celebrated a landmark year in 2023 with its expansion into the American market

This move was marked with the sale of 10 MK2 tyre balers and their labour saving Inclined Tyre Balers to Trade Your Tires based in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Trade Your Tires LLC, a major scrap tyre collection service in Georgia, has seamlessly integrated Gradeall’s balers across multiple sites. The MK2 Tyre Balers have been instrumental in transforming environmentally hazardous piles of waste car tyres into neatly packed, PAS108 spec bales, enhancing storage efficiency and reducing transportation costs.

These balers have demonstrated impressive performance and cost-efficiency. Featuring the latest hydraulic power pack with a regenerative hydraulic function. The Gradeall MK2 Tyre Baler manages to do the work of a 15Kw power pack using only a 7.5Kw, with the pressing force and cycle times not adversely affected, all whilst minimising electrical consumption.

A distinctive feature of the MK2 tyre baler is its remote monitoring capability, thanks to on board internet connectivity making this a ‘Smart Baler’. This feature was pivotal for Trade Your Tires as it enables them to monitor their fleet of balers and track output at each site. Additionally, a bale count function streamlines their workflow, as containers can be organised for collection when they are full. This ensures that their sites remain clear with as much safe working room as possible.

The tyre disposal market in the USA, while still evolving, shows a growing preference for bale-based solutions for end-of-life tyres. These bales often find their way into various channels, such as shredding, pyrolysis, or as tyre-derived fuel. There is a significant market demand for these bales, and more importantly a vast amount of scrap tyres that need to be dealt with across all of the US.

The Inclined Tyre Baler Conveyor has notably improved the workflow at Trade Your Tires. At their main site, which handles the largest volume of tyres, the conveyor has been extremely well received by the employees who load the balers. It reduces physical strain and risk of repetitive strain injuries, enhancing site morale and boosting productivity with a pair of MK2 tyre balers operating in tandem.

Simon Nguyen from Trade Your Tires has praised the conveyor for reducing operator fatigue and injury risks, emphasising its ergonomic design for waist-height operation and easy tyre loading.  

Gradeall’s foray into the US market has taken a number of years, but 2023 has seen several other US based customers take delivery of Gradeall Equipment. By addressing operational challenges and improving efficiency of the baling, Gradeall has set a new standard in the industry. Those interested in Gradeall’s range of solutions for End Of Life tyres can find an impressive array of equipment on their website, showcasing over a decade of strides in improving this sector.

Gravita India Expands African Rubber Recycling

Satnam Singh
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Gravita India Expands African Rubber Recycling

Jaipur headquartered recycling company Gravita India Limited’s subsidiary in the West African country of Ghana, Recyclers Ghana Limited, commenced commercial production and recycling of waste rubber in May 2022 with an annual capacity of around 6,000 MTPA

According to a stock filing in May, 2022, Gravita India has invested INR 38 million into setting-up the facility, which has been funded through internal accruals.

The recycling plant helps Recycler Ghana Limited to reduce its cost of production coupled with reduction in carbon footprints as pyrolysis oil generated during the rubber recycling process is used in-house as an alternative source of energy for recycling of lead and aluminium scrap. Additionally, the scrap steel derived from the process is utilised as a consumable in the lead recycling process.

“This strategic move is geared towards enhancing cost-efficiency in production while concurrently mitigating carbon footprints, aligning with Gravita’s commitment to sustainable practices,” informed Navin Sharma, Executive Director of Gravita India Limited. 

The move reinforcing its dedication to environmental responsibility and business diversification in line with Gravita group’s vision will also open new business opportunity in the field of waste rubber recycling.

Ghanian plant chosen as the first site for a rubber recycling operation

Ghana was selected as the first site for a rubber recycling due to its superior capacity to use materials compared to other plants in Africa. The outputs of rubber recycling, including oil, gas, iron wire, and carbon briquettes, are utilised for internal recycling operations.

The primary raw material utilised in the recycling process is sourced from waste tyres, predominantly procured from Ghana and neighbouring countries.

“This not only diminishes our dependence on external resources but also boosts operational efficiency, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility and diversification of recycling initiatives. This underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and reinforces our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.”

The Ghana plant serves as a catalyst for local economic growth by generating employment opportunities within the Ghanaian communities, contributing positively to the economy of Ghana.

Recycling machinery shipped from India

Gravita not only engages in recycling but also provides comprehensive turnkey solutions for recycling processes. Through its research and technology division, the company offers innovative recycling machinery and complete turnkey plants, providing clients with expert knowledge. With over 31 years of experience in recycling, Gravita has solidified its position as technical experts in recycling solutions.

“The rubber recycling equipment was designed and established by its in-house team. The machinery underwent development at fabrication plant located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Jaipur (Rajasthan), before being shipped to Ghana. This approach ensures a seamless integration of cutting-edge technology and demonstrates Gravita’s commitment to delivering high-quality, self-designed equipment for rubber recycling,” stated Navin Sharma.

Plans for further expansion at Ghanian site

The operation of any recycling plant is contingent upon the availability of scrap material. “Nevertheless, the waste rubber recycling plant in Ghana is currently operating at its optimal capacity. Looking ahead, Gravita has strategic plans to further enhance its capacity in the near future, a testament to the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and expansion.”

The Gravita plant in Ghana is actively engaged in the production and recycling of lead, aluminium, plastic, and rubber. While the plant sources domestic scrap for its production processes, it goes beyond serving solely the Ghanaian market. Instead, accesses markets across North America, Europe, and Asia. This strategic approach not only broadens the plant’s reach but also positions Gravita in diverse locations.

Opened pyrolysis unit in Tanzanian subsidiary in mid-2023

Going forward, Gravita envisions replicating Ghanian success by establishing similar rubber recycling facilities at its other manufacturing locations also. Exactly after a year of starting rubber recycling operation in Ghana, Gravitas India started a similar pyrolysis unit in a subsidiary in the East African country of Tanzania in May 2023.

According to stock filing in the middle of 2023, Gravita Tanzania Limited started commercial production and recycling of waste rubber with an annual capacity of around 3,000 MTPA in Phase-1, with plans to double the capacity to 6,000 MTPA. The company has invested INR 3.86 Cr for setting up of the facility in Phase-1, funded through internal accruals. The Tanzanian operation produces pyrolysis oil generated during the rubber recycling process, used for in-house consumption as an alternative source of energy for recycling of battery and aluminium scrap.

Youngstown, Ohio, Council Halts Pyrolysis Plant

Ewan Scott
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Youngstown, Ohio, Council Halts Pyrolysis Plant

As previously reported, Youngstown city council has objected to a new tyre pyrolysis plant being created in the city

Youngstown wants to examine the SOBE pyrolysis project in more detail.

The city council has put a one-year moratorium to give the city council time to conduct research on the waste-to-energy project.

The one-year pause on the proposed SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions plant has been touted as a win for local environmental advocacy groups, according to coverage by Ideastream Public Media.

Local environmentalists had raised concerns about plans by Youngstown company SOBE, to build a tyres to energy plant from shredded tyres.

The objectors highlighted that there was a lack of research on the project and how it might impact the local area. In fact, they referred to research that suggested that the output might not be as environmentally friendly as virgin oil or carbon black.

“We wanted to take that time to study the issue more in depth [looking] into the concerns that the residents have both about zoning issues but also just safety, environmental health concerns,” council President Tom Hetrick said.

Through pyrolysis, viewed by some as a sustainable solution to the growing threat of plastic pollution, the project would see shredded tyres heated and converted into synthetic gas that would be used to heat surrounding buildings. Which, in itself is a simplistic explanation of the process.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet published a final permit for SOBE. In a letter to council, the agency noted that, even if the EPA issues its final permit to the energy plant, SOBE would have to meet local requirements to operate. According to the story, Hetrick says the council may use the one-year pause to update zoning code to ban pyrolysis operations near residential areas.

“As a city, we do have the authority to regulate land use decisions within the city limits,” Hetrick says. “So, this moratorium is exercising those rights that the city of Youngstown does have.”

Liberty Tire Expands in Florida

Ewan Scott
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Liberty Tire Expands in Florida

Liberty Tire Recycling, has acquired Empire Tire of Edgewater LLC in Orlando, and McGee Tire, based in Apopka, Florida

The acquisition of the two companies, which collect, grade and haul scrap tyres, will expand Liberty’s footprint in the state into the growing central Florida market. Liberty adds it will build on the two companies’ success by bringing its “industry-leading approach to collections, processing and recycling of end-of-life tyres.”

Liberty CEO Thomas Womble says both acquisitions are great companies that have served their clients and employees well. “This is a real opportunity for Liberty and central Florida to leverage our scale and financial position to expand operations, create new jobs, improve collections and recycling efforts and provide sustainable solutions for end-of-life tyres,” he says.

Orlando-based Empire Tire is claimed to be the largest in the area, whilst McGee Tire is a collection business in the Orlando area.

Liberty believes that the acquisition will improve tyre recycling in the area and see more material go to higher value end uses.

“Adding Empire and McGee to the team has created a truly world-class operation here in Florida,” Liberty Regional Vice President David Cannon says. “We are going to be able to keep hundreds of thousands of tyres out of Florida landfills each year by finding more opportunities for reuse and recycling, all while optimizing our route collections and customer service.”

Tyre Emissions & Sustainability Europe 2024

Ewan Scott
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Tyre Emissions & Sustainability Europe 2024

Emissions Analytics is pleased to announce the latest programme for its Tyre Emissions & Sustainability Europe 2024 conference, organised in association with the Environmental Research Group of Imperial College London, taking place on 28-29 February in Prague, Czechia

Emissions Analytics invites tyre and road industry specialists to come and join a wide range of industry speakers, government representatives and researchers from Europe and internationally, to discuss the rapidly emerging challenges from tyre emissions, and consider potential solutions.  Contributions are already confirmed from Jaguar Land Rover, the US Environmental Protection Agency, Tire Industry Research, the German Environment Agency, the UK Department for Transport, the Technical University of Graz, The Pew Charitable Trusts, NORCE, NIVA and the Universities of Cambridge and Plymouth.  More contributors will be announced soon.

In-use emissions are the focus of Day1 of the conference, with presentations from experts on tyre wear measurement, nanoparticles and development of new regulations.  Speakers include experts on microplastics, emissions measurements, methodology development and consumer labelling.

End-of-life and sustainable construction of tyres will be covered on Day 2.  Speakers will cover topic from the environmental and health impacts of tyre chemicals and microplastics, how more sustainable materials can be used in tyre construction, and opportunities to recycle end-of-life tyres and develop a circular supply chain.

Tyre Recycling Podcast Publishes Episode 57

David Wilson
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Tyre Recycling Podcast Publishes Episode 57
Episode 57 of The Tyre Recycling Podcast is now LIVE

The final episode of The Tyre Recycling Podcast for 2023 is now available for viewing and its another instalment recorded right in the heart of Futurmotive – Expo & Talks but this time with Duramos SAS and their CEO Jaime Durán Martínez off the back of their 2023 Recircle Awards victory.

Duramos SAS Star in Episode 57 of The Tyre Recycling Podcast

Watch the final episode of The Tyre Recycling Podcast for 2023 today.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Episode 57: Duramos Celebrate Recircle Award Success and Plot Path Forward

00:53 Interview with CEO of Duramos, Jaime Durán Martínez

01:38 Jaime tells Duramos‘s story and how they developed a competitive lead in Colombia

05:46 What was the process in developing Duramos‘s OTR recycling plant?

07:52 Durán Reveals the Factors in Opting for Eco-Green Equipment‘s Machinery

10:16 Do Duramos Have Plans to Invest More in their Plant and Process More Tyres?

11:58 Durán: “I Would Like to Share our knowledge and Do the Same in Other Countries”

13:25 What is the Final Destination of Duramos‘s Recovered Materials?

15:25 Durán Talks About the Potential for Rubberised Asphalt in Colombia and the Ongoing Tests in the Country

16:04 Jaime Durán Martínez Shares his Vision for the Next 5 Years

21:06 Durán Reacts to Winning The Recircle Award for the Mechanical Tyre Recycling Category

23:21 Conclusion to Episode 57: Duramos Celebrate Recircle Award Success and Plot Path Forward

Tyre Recycling Podcast Live from Futurmotive with Contec

Richard Wilson
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Tyre Recycling Podcast Live from Futurmotive with Contec
Contec Outlines Plans for The Pyrolysis Sector

Episode 56 of The Tyre Recycling Podcast has arrived just before Christmas and Contec‘s CEO Krzysztof Wróblewski returns for his latest appearance.

Contec Interviewed at Futurmotive – Expo & Talks

Watch the newest Episode of The Tyre Recycling Podcast today.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Contec Outlines Plans for the Pyrolysis Sector

00:55 Interview with Krzysztof Wróblewski, CEO of Contec

01:28 Wróblewski Discusses their plans for Upsizing

03:40 How can Pyrolysis Operators Meet the Needs of Tyre Manufacturers?

05:36 Wróblewski Doesn’t See a Future for Higher Temperature Pyrolysis

07:23 Wróblewski talks about the Challenges of Finding Financing to Develop their Pyrolysis Plants

09:12 Is there a Threat to the Market of Batch Process Reactors from the Far East?

11:47 Conclusion to Contec Outlines Plans for the Pyrolysis Sector

ZC Rubber Gains Award for Recycling Technology

Ewan Scott
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ZC Rubber Gains Award for Recycling Technology

ZC Rubber’s Eco-friendly tyre recycling project wins first prize in Technological Advancement from China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation

Zhongce Rubber Recycling Technology Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of ZC Rubber, in collaboration with Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and Nanjing Green Gold Giant Rubber & Plastic Advanced Technology Co., Ltd., is proud to announce that the project, “Demonstration Project of Waste Rubber Recycle & Application Technology”, has been awarded the First Prize in Technological Advancement by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF). ZC Rubber is the only company in the Chinese tyre industry to have received this prestigious honour.

The project has made significant advancements in eco-friendly tyre recycling technology. Through the development of innovative methods and specialised equipment, ZC Rubber has successfully produced solid and liquid reclaimed rubber while prioritising environmental sustainability.

China faces the highest annual production of waste tyres globally. However, traditional methods of reclaimed rubber production for waste heavy-duty tyres have been associated with pollution, high energy consumption, safety risks, and unstable product quality. Similarly, the recycling of waste passenger tyres has relied on crude oil refining methods, lacking green resource utilisation technology. Additionally, the use of reclaimed materials into tyres has been limited, with challenges in maintaining performance and stability.

The achievement of eco-friendly recycling of waste tyres and the successful application of reclaimed material in tyres have enormous significance in eliminating environmental pollution caused by waste tyres, alleviating the shortage of rubber resources in China, and reducing dependence on petrochemical resources.

As the first tyre company in China to embark on tyre recycling, ZC Rubber has been actively engaged in recycling, reusing, and repurposing efforts since 2005. The establishment of Zhongce Rubber Recycling Technology Co., Ltd. has enabled ZC Rubber to lead the way in sustainable tyre practices in China.

Over the years, ZC Rubber has collaborated closely with domestic and international research institutions to develop a comprehensive recycling industrial value chain encompassing tyre recycling, sorting, retreading, pyrolysis, and more.

To date, ZC Rubber has recycled 400,000 tons of waste tyres (equivalent to 1.7 million pcs of tyres), resulting in a reduction of 510,000 tons of carbon emissions – comparable to planting 27.87 million trees.

With a commitment to carbon neutrality in manufacturing and a continuous drive to minimise environmental impact, ZC Rubber remains dedicated to advancing sustainability in the years ahead.

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