The research and development (R&D) sector is essential for enhancing the quality of recovered Carbon Black (rCB) from tire waste. Klaudia Końska, R&D Manager and Krzysztof Wróblewski, CEO of Contec discuss the importance of R&D in transforming tire waste into valuable, high-quality rCB, promoting a circular economy.
The current market demands a massive scale-up of recovered Carbon Black (rCB) feedstock.
In 2022, the rCB market size was valued at 1.3 billion USD and is projected to grow by 8.6 billion USD by 2030—a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% during the forecast period (2023-2030). To meet this challenge, material recovery technologies need a streamlined and quality-consistent pyrolysis process, which begins with well-developed and controlled research and development (R&D).
Pyrolysis for tire waste
Since the quality of recovered circular products depends on both the feedstock quality and the pyrolysis process, existing pyrolysis plants will need to be customised to treat tire waste.
Customisation is necessary because the composition of end-of-life tires (ELTs) varies greatly, and that diversity affects the quality of the end products. If the ELT feedstock lacks quality control, then the result of our pyrolysis will not meet standards.
Additionally, the reactors used during the pyrolysis process influence the products. Different types of reactors affect the quality and capacity of pyrolysis products differently.
Two opportunities for high-quality pyrolysis
There are two important components of a well-defined pyrolysis technology: treating tires separately and using molten salts. The intersection of these approaches allows for quality and consistency throughout the process.
Treating tires separately
Firstly, the pyrolysis process should treat specific parts of the tires separately.
Treating particular parts instead of the entire tire improves product quality and reduces environmental impact. When we use rubber chips instead of whole tires, we can maintain the same temperature path for each rubber particle, reducing the formation of carbon residue (char). This ensures a more even pyrolysis process and increases the overall quality of the resulting products.
Smaller feedstock size also decreases the energy demand, which reduces the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Scope 2.
Using molten salts
A commercially available salt mixture, molten salts, allows for complete control over process parameters. This increases safety and guarantees consistent and high-quality products. Molten salts are also sustainable, need less fuel for heating, and can be reused several times. It’s a product widely available in the market.
Molten salts provide stability in the pyrolysis process, resulting in greater efficiency and resource savings. It’s also aligned with the circular economy philosophy. Once the heating medium is melted, it can be used in the pyrolysis process many times over.
Furthermore, the pyrolytic gas byproduct can be heated and maintained at the temperature of the molten salts, around 550ºC, saving electricity and leading to efficient management of the byproduct streams.
Contec’s pyrolysis process is the first to operate its heat reactors with the molten salt medium. Molten®, combined with rotating augers, ensures that Contec can heat all the rubber granules from end-of-life tires (ELTs) evenly for an optimum duration to produce high-quality Recovered Carbon Black (rCB).
Making Tire Recycling More Sustainable
Chemical pyrolysis marks a significant milestone in sustainable tire recycling. Ultimately, R&D continues to be the backbone of improving pyrolysis, creating more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable technologies.
Contec’s achievements in pyrolysis technology are a testament to ongoing research and development in the industry’s evolution. By continuing to invest in R&D, companies can unlock new possibilities, address pressing environmental issues, and secure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
About the authors
Klaudia Końska, R&D Manager at Contec, is an innovative and sustainability-focused researcher dedicated to decarbonizing the manufacturing industry by developing sustainable replacements for virgin Carbon Black and petrochemical raw materials.
Krzysztof Wróblewski, CEO of Contec, is an innovative and sustainability-focused CEO and CTO providing practical insights and solutions to bring more circularity to the tire and rubber industries and fact-based information on the global waste problem of ELTs.
About Contec
Contec S.A. provides circular rubber and plastic solutions that deliver low-carbon-footprint products by recovering Carbon Black, oil, and steel from waste tires. The company enables its partners to decarbonize their supply chains and contribute to a sustainable future, where recycled rubber waste can be used as a feedstock instead of fossil fuels.
