Tire Recycling

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♻️ The Future of Tire Recycling: Pyrolysis Poised to Capture 40% of Scrap Tire Market

Industry veteran Jacob Peled shares insights on the evolving role of pyrolysis in the global ELT recycling sector.

A Fresh Look at Tire Recycling Technologies

After decades of experimentation and refinement, pyrolysis is re-emerging as a key player in the global tire recycling industry. At the 2025 Tyre Expo in Singapore, Jacob Peled, executive chairman of Pelmar Engineering Ltd., delivered a compelling presentation on the progress and promise of this thermochemical technology.

With over 40 years of experience in tire recycling system development, Peled offered a unique perspective on why pyrolysis deserves a second look—and how it could soon handle over 40% of the world’s end-of-life tires (ELTs). Tire Recycling

What’s in a Tire? The ELT Composition Breakdown

To understand recycling opportunities, Peled dissected the average passenger tire’s composition:

• 46% rubber (primarily butyl and synthetic polymers)
• 26% carbon black
• 10% steel
• 18% assorted materials (additives, plastic fibers, oils, etc.)

Given this complex makeup, recycling ELTs isn’t just about one solution—it’s about finding multiple high-value recovery paths.

The Current State of ELT Recycling

Today, Europe—and similarly North America—handles ELT recycling through two main channels:

• 52% for materials recovery: reclaiming rubber, steel, and carbon black.
• 40% for energy recovery: used as fuel in boilers and kilns. Tire Recycling

Peled acknowledged that retreading still has a role, particularly for truck and bus tires, and in certain use cases like winter tires. However, he believes the broader market is shifting away from incineration toward more sustainable and circular approaches.

Emerging Uses for Shredded and Fine ELT Materials

The industry continues to discover new applications for shredded tires and finely ground rubber. Peled outlined several promising avenues:

• Rubberized asphalt: Enhances road durability, reduces noise, and lowers maintenance costs.
• Civil engineering: Used for soil stabilization and thermal insulation in roads and bridges.
• Artificial turf and playgrounds: Ground rubber provides shock absorption and durability.
• Compound additive: Incorporated into virgin rubber mixes for various applications.

He also spotlighted cryogenic grinding—a method gaining traction thanks to major moves like Michelin’s acquisition of Lehigh Technologies, a U.S.-based cryogenic rubber processor. Tire Recycling

Pyrolysis: Past Challenges, Present Promise

Despite its potential, pyrolysis has had a bumpy road. “In the past, explosions and inefficiencies hindered its credibility,” said Peled. But that’s changing.

Today’s pyrolysis systems are:

• Safer
• More energy-efficient
• Easier to operate and control

These advancements mean pyrolysis is no longer the risky gamble it once was. In fact, Peled now calls it “a close contender to retreading” in terms of cost-effectiveness for ELT management.

The “Million Dollar Question”: Energy Sources

One of the final barriers for widespread pyrolysis adoption, according to Peled, is the cost and source of energy. He sees electromagnetic energy as a possible game-changer for powering pyrolysis operations sustainably and economically. Tire Recycling

“Finding the right energy source is the million-dollar question,” he noted. Advances in energy sourcing could push pyrolysis into mainstream ELT recycling much faster.

Scaling Global Impact: Demand for Recycled Carbon Black (RCB)

Peled estimates that recycled carbon black (RCB) produced via pyrolysis could replace 35–45% of the world’s carbon black demand by 2035.

This not only addresses the need for circularity in tire production, but also reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials. The opportunity is enormous—especially as automakers and tire manufacturers embrace more aggressive sustainability targets.

? A Market Driven by Cars—and EVs

Peled’s analysis extends beyond recycling tech. He highlighted two key market trends:

• Global growth in passenger vehicles: More cars = more tires = more waste.
• Electric vehicles (EVs): EVs typically weigh more due to batteries, accelerating tire wear by up to 20%. Tire Recycling

This means ELT volumes are set to rise sharply—making scalable, efficient solutions like pyrolysis even more urgent.

300 Million Scrap Tires Annually in the U.S.

According to the Recycled Rubber Coalition, the U.S. alone generates nearly 300 million scrap tires each year. And that figure is projected to climb as global transportation needs expand.

As Peled put it, “The need to recycle ELTs is by no means going away.” With regulatory pressure mounting and public concern over tire pollution growing, the industry is feeling the push toward innovation.

Industry Commitment to Sustainability Tire Recycling

Major tire producers are taking action. Peled emphasized that the industry is now aggressively pursuing sustainability goals, with a focus on closed-loop recycling and carbon footprint reduction.

From pilot projects to full-scale pyrolysis plants, tire manufacturers are embracing innovation as they work toward a circular economy.

A Veteran’s Farewell—and a Vision for the Future

Peled’s Tyre Expo appearance marked one of his final public presentations before retirement. His message was clear: Don’t overlook pyrolysis. While he once predicted its rise prematurely back in 2010, he now believes its time has finally arrived.

“We have to pay attention to pyrolysis,” he concluded. “This is where tire recycling is going.”

With better technology, safer operations, and a pressing environmental need, pyrolysis is poised to become a pillar of global tire recycling strategies.

♻️ A Closed-Loop System for PMMA: Polyvantis and Pekutherm’s European Plexiglas Recycling Initiative

Transforming Plexiglas waste into sustainable value—fast, clean, and circular.

A Strategic Partnership for a Circular Economy

Two European leaders—Polyvantis and Pekutherm—have signed a strategic agreement to revolutionize the recycling of PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate). This collaboration focuses on reclaiming PMMA manufacturing scraps and reintegrating them into new, high-quality Plexiglas and acrylic products. The result: a powerful example of closed-loop recycling in action.

48-Hour Waste Collection: Fast, Efficient, Sustainable

The heart of the system lies in its rapid turnaround. Within 48 hours of a customer’s request, Pekutherm dispatches a team to collect separated PMMA waste directly from production facilities. This swift logistics model minimizes disruption, streamlines waste handling, and supports lean manufacturing across Europe. Tire Recycling

Industry-Leading Recycling Capacity and Certifications

With over 30 years of experience in plastics recycling and TÜV certification, Pekutherm recycles up to 10,000 tons of PMMA and polycarbonate each year. Their certified recycling centers ensure full traceability, quality assurance, and environmental compliance across every step of the process.

From Waste to proTerra Sheets

The recovered PMMA is returned to Polyvantis, where it’s transformed into Plexiglas proTerra sheets—launched in 2021. These innovative products match the performance of virgin PMMA in terms of clarity and durability, but with a dramatically lower environmental footprint. It’s a true showcase of sustainable material innovation. Tire Recycling

Certification with Impact: The Pekutherm Recycling Partner Program

Every company participating in the initiative receives an annual Recycling Certificate, demonstrating their environmental contributions. This certificate can be used for:

• ? Sustainability reports
• ? ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) documentation
• ? Marketing and stakeholder communications

It adds transparency and credibility to sustainability efforts, offering both operational and reputational value.

Who’s Behind the Initiative?

Polyvantis: Innovating with Purpose

Formed by merging Röhm’s Acrylic Products with SABIC’s Functional Forms unit, Polyvantis brings together decades of acrylic expertise. Its focus lies on performance, sustainability, and the advancement of circular manufacturing models. Tire Recycling

Pekutherm: German Precision Meets Green Vision

Since the early 1990s, Pekutherm has been at the forefront of PMMA and polycarbonate recycling. Guided by ISO standards and TÜV-certified practices, it combines technical rigor with environmental commitment.

Scaling Across Europe: Logistics with Local Impact

This closed-loop recycling model is already operational across several countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Regardless of location, the 48-hour pickup promise applies—encouraging local participation, reducing emissions, and optimizing ESG performance at scale.

Environmental and Economic Advantages

Environmental Impact  Tire Recycling

• ? Reduction in landfill waste
• ?️ Lower emissions linked to virgin PMMA production
• ? Enhanced lifecycle visibility and traceability

Economic Benefits

• ? Lower disposal and material costs
• ? Access to high-quality recycled PMMA
• ? Boost in brand reputation and stakeholder trust

From Scraps to Innovation: A Blueprint for Industry-Wide Change

This initiative proves that industrial plastic recycling can be both technically viable and financially smart. By demonstrating how waste can be reintegrated into the value chain, Polyvantis and Pekutherm set a precedent for circular design and materials in the plastics industry.  Tire Recycling

What’s Next: Expansion and Technological Growth

The initiative’s roadmap includes exciting future developments:

• ? Introduction of new resin types compatible with circular flows
• ? Digital material traceability platforms
• ? Smart logistics systems for real-time pickup optimization
• ? Expanded regulatory partnerships to accelerate adoption EU-wide

Summary: Why This Closed-Loop System Matters  Tire Recycling

• ⚡ Scrap PMMA collected within 48 hours across Europe
• ? Recycled material reintegrated into Plexiglas proTerra sheets
• ? Annual Recycling Certificates boost transparency and ESG metrics
• ? Aligns with EU Green Deal and circular economy directives

When sustainability meets industrial innovation, everyone wins.For sustainability officers, manufacturers, and ESG managers, this model presents an actionable blueprint for circularity in industrial plastics.

?? Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Puts the Brakes on U.S. Electric Mobility

In a razor-thin 218-214 vote, the United States has taken a dramatic turn away from electric mobility and climate goals championed by the previous administration. The recently passed budget bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Donald Trump—signals a profound policy shift, reshaping the future of environmental regulation, electric vehicles (EVs), and green incentives in the U.S.

? Tax Credits for EVs Axed Ahead of Schedule

One of the most consequential elements of the bill is the early termination of EV tax credits that were previously guaranteed under the Inflation Reduction Act. Originally set to last until 2032, these credits included up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used ones. Now, they will expire abruptly on September 30, 2025. Tire Recycling

The implications are massive. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and other American EV manufacturers had relied on these incentives to boost sales and maintain market momentum. For Tesla, the loss is especially personal. The bill has deepened tensions between Trump and Elon Musk, who openly criticized the rollback, citing the blow to innovation and green competitiveness.

Targeting China and Global Supply Chains

Beyond tax incentives, the legislation tightens rules around foreign supply chains—with China squarely in its crosshairs. New provisions require that at least 65% of all critical materials used in EV batteries be sourced from the U.S. or approved trade partners.

This move is framed as a national security and economic independence strategy, but critics argue it will severely strain production capacity. Many EV manufacturers currently rely on global partners—particularly Chinese firms—for essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

To complicate matters, the law eliminates tax incentives for domestic production of critical minerals, further raising costs for manufacturers seeking to localize their operations. The net effect? A possible slowdown in America’s already precarious transition to sustainable transportation. Tire Recycling

? Fuel Efficiency Penalties Removed

In another controversial clause, the bill eliminates penalties for automakers that fail to meet fuel economy standards. This decision effectively softens the federal government’s stance on internal combustion engine emissions—just as most developed nations tighten theirs.

While this rollback is seen as a win for traditional automakers in Detroit and the Midwest, it undermines efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Critics warn that it sends the wrong signal to an industry on the verge of systemic transformation.

A New Loan Tax Credit—But at What Cost?

To cushion the blow, the bill introduces a new tax credit allowing consumers to deduct up to $10,000 annually on car loan interest—but only for vehicles purchased between 2025 and 2028. This measure aims to stimulate car sales in general, particularly among middle-class Americans feeling the weight of inflation and rising borrowing costs.

However, the credit is not tailored to EVs and will likely benefit gasoline-powered cars more than electric ones. The result is a perverse incentive: rewarding traditional vehicle purchases at a time when climate goals call for electrification. Tire Recycling

California’s Environmental Autonomy Revoked

Perhaps the most symbolic—and legally contentious—move in the bill is the revocation of California’s authority to set its own vehicle emission standards. For decades, California has led the U.S. in green policy innovation, setting higher targets for fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and renewable integration.

With this new legislation, California’s environmental policies must now align with federal standards—effectively neutralizing its leadership in sustainable mobility. This is widely seen as a political move to limit state-led climate action and centralize environmental policy at the federal level under Trump’s vision.

A Shift Toward Traditional Industry

Supporters of the bill argue that it reflects a needed pivot back to industrial America. Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving jobs in fossil fuels, traditional automotive manufacturing, and heavy industry. The “Big Beautiful Bill” is, in many ways, a declaration of economic sovereignty—prioritizing jobs over emissions targets. Tire Recycling

However, economists and energy analysts warn that the plan ignores long-term market trends. EVs are gaining ground globally, and the rollback of incentives may place U.S. manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage in international markets.

A Fractured GOP and Mounting Criticism

The bill has exposed deep rifts within the Republican Party itself. While Trump loyalists celebrated the rollback as a course correction, moderate Republicans and fiscal conservatives voiced concern over both the climate impact and the economic repercussions of dismantling green infrastructure incentives.

Environmental groups, automakers, and trade associations have also criticized the measure. The American Clean Power Association warned that the bill could jeopardize billions in private investment and stall progress on EV adoption at a crucial moment for the planet. Tire Recycling

What’s Next for Electric Vehicles in the U.S.?

The passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” throws the U.S. electric vehicle market into a phase of uncertainty. Analysts expect a temporary surge in EV purchases before the tax credit cut-off date—followed by a significant decline as incentives disappear.

Manufacturers are now facing urgent strategic decisions: whether to absorb additional costs, scale down EV production, or refocus on hybrid and traditional models. Some may seek to lobby for carve-outs or future amendments, but the current direction is clear: America is slowing its drive toward electrification.

Global Perception and Investor Reaction Tire Recycling

Internationally, the decision is being watched with concern. At a time when Europe and Asia are doubling down on green transition policies, the U.S. appears to be moving backward. This may affect foreign direct investment in American EV infrastructure and complicate global partnerships tied to climate commitments.

Stock markets have responded with volatility. Shares of EV companies—particularly those with U.S.-centric supply chains—took a noticeable dip following the bill’s passage. Conversely, traditional automakers and oil industry stocks experienced short-term gains.

Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead

Whether viewed as a political masterstroke or an environmental setback, Trump’s budget bill marks a pivotal moment for U.S. transportation and climate policy. It represents a reassertion of traditional industry over clean tech, national over global supply chains, and fossil fuels over renewable energy. Tire Recycling

For consumers, automakers, and policymakers alike, the message is clear: the rules of the game have changed. With incentives vanishing, regulations loosening, and states losing autonomy, the EV revolution in the U.S. faces its biggest challenge yet.

The world will be watching how America navigates this detour—and whether the road eventually bends back toward a greener future.

?? Cosmo First Powers India’s Sustainable Packaging Future with KARO®IV Investment

In a major leap for India’s specialty film sector, Cosmo First Ltd has announced the acquisition of the advanced KARO®IV laboratory stretching machine from Germany-based Brückner Maschinenbau. This strategic investment positions India as a formidable force in global packaging innovation and aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Tire Recycling

By bridging a long-standing R&D gap and reducing dependency on imported technologies, Cosmo First aims to fast-track the development of sustainable, high-performance films within India—an essential move as industries worldwide shift toward recyclable packaging solutions.

KARO®IV: A Technological Milestone in Indian Film R&D

Cosmo First has joined an exclusive group of global companies to operate the sophisticated KARO®IV stretching machine. This state-of-the-art equipment allows for lab-scale development and testing of BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), BOPET (polyethylene terephthalate), and BOPA (polyamide) films, under both sequential and simultaneous stretching modes.

Unlike traditional methods that require full-scale production trials, KARO®IV enables manufacturers to test, tweak, and validate film properties with minimal material usage and drastically lower operational costs. With stretching ratios up to 10×10 and heating capabilities up to 400°C, the machine is ideal for formulating mono-material recyclable films, now in high demand globally.

“This machine will completely change our approach to film development,” shared Kulbhushan Malik, Business Head at Cosmo Films. “We can now test film recipes and mechanical properties with pinpoint accuracy, rapidly iterate on designs, and significantly cut the time and cost from prototype to production.”  Tire Recycling

?? Advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthening India’s R&D Ecosystem

India’s specialty film industry has long relied on overseas partners for advanced product development and prototyping. The arrival of KARO®IV in Cosmo First’s R&D arsenal changes that equation entirely. For the first time, Indian engineers and scientists can experiment with stretching technologies that were previously only accessible in top-tier labs abroad.

This aligns with India’s broader mission of achieving technological self-sufficiency in critical industrial sectors. The investment represents more than equipment—it symbolizes India’s growing stature in materials science and packaging innovation.

By creating high-performance films locally, Cosmo First also supports domestic demand for advanced packaging in food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. The result? Faster innovation cycles, lower costs, and a reduced carbon footprint due to less reliance on imports. Tire Recycling

Supporting Sustainability Through Localized Innovation

The global packaging industry is under mounting pressure to develop solutions that are recyclable, compostable, or otherwise eco-conscious. KARO®IV allows Cosmo First to take the lead in developing recyclable mono-material structures—a key component in achieving true circularity in flexible packaging.

With this new capability, Cosmo First can design, test, and refine new film types that replace multi-layered, non-recyclable formats still prevalent in the market. The potential impact includes:

• Reduced landfill waste through better end-of-life film options
• Increased recyclability of flexible packaging materials Tire Recycling
• Greater compliance with evolving international sustainability standards

This capability is a timely response to both Indian and global mandates pushing for sustainable packaging alternatives in every consumer-facing industry.

Boosting Collaboration with Academia and Startups

In addition to enhancing its internal capabilities, Cosmo First plans to open its R&D facilities—including the KARO®IV—to academic institutions and research bodies. This creates exciting new pathways for innovation and talent development in polymer science and materials engineering.

“We want to work closely with Indian universities and emerging technology startups,” said Malik. “By giving them access to this cutting-edge equipment, we can nurture a new generation of packaging innovators right here at home.”

Such collaborations could lead to new materials, smarter packaging formats, and localized solutions tailored to India’s diverse climate and consumer behaviors. Ultimately, this investment will help bridge the gap between theory and practice for students and researchers in applied sciences. Tire Recycling

Global Impact: India’s Rising Influence in Specialty Films

India has historically been a production hub for commodity films, but with this investment, Cosmo First moves into the elite league of global film innovation pioneers. This enhances India’s credibility in international markets and opens doors for exports of both technologies and intellectual property in packaging science.

The KARO®IV machine also strengthens Cosmo First’s hand in forming global partnerships focused on sustainability, performance enhancement, and supply chain diversification. The company can now co-develop solutions with brands and convertors in Europe, the Americas, and Asia—markets that are all pushing hard for greener packaging options.

In a volatile geopolitical climate, India’s reliability as a stable, innovation-forward partner has never been more critical. Cosmo First’s R&D expansion signals that India is not just a manufacturing powerhouse—but also a source of pioneering material solutions.

Speeding Time-to-Market for Breakthrough Films

Traditionally, developing a new specialty film could take months or even years due to the costs and complexities of production-scale testing. With KARO®IV, that timeline is drastically reduced. Tire Recycling

Using this machine, R&D teams can:

• Simulate real-world stretching conditions in minutes
• Evaluate optical, mechanical, and barrier properties at a lab scale
• Refine formulations rapidly based on empirical test data

This kind of rapid prototyping means companies can quickly adapt to new market trends, customer needs, or regulatory requirements—an invaluable advantage in today’s dynamic packaging environment.

What’s Next for Cosmo First?

With the installation of KARO®IV, Cosmo First plans to:

• Develop high-clarity, high-barrier films for food and pharma
• Scale recyclable mono-material films that meet global compliance
• Create application-specific films for agriculture, electronics, and e-commerce
• Foster innovation clusters through partnerships with labs and universities

All these initiatives strengthen Cosmo First’s commitment to becoming a total packaging solutions provider and an enabler of sustainable material science in India and beyond.

A Strategic Investment with Lasting Benefits

The acquisition of KARO®IV is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in India’s scientific infrastructure, a powerful tool for environmental impact, and a catalyst for global collaboration. Tire Recycling

It aligns perfectly with government policies encouraging domestic manufacturing, sustainable development, and research-industry integration. As the packaging sector navigates new challenges in regulation, cost, and carbon, this move by Cosmo First couldn’t be more timely or more visionary.

Final Thoughts

India’s packaging future is shifting from imitation to innovation—and Cosmo First is leading that transformation. With the KARO®IV stretching system, the company now has the tools to accelerate the evolution of high-performance, sustainable, and locally developed films.

This initiative not only boosts the capabilities of a single company but also uplifts an entire ecosystem—from academia and startups to end users and global partners.

The journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat just gained real momentum in the flexible packaging world. Tire Recycling

Plastics Recycling – Circulate Capital Strengthens Indonesia’s Recycling Sector with Strategic Investments in PMS and Polindo Investing in Southeast Asia’s Circular Future Circulate Capital, a pioneering investment management firm focused on advancing the circular economy in high-growth markets, has just announced two significant investments in Indonesia 07-07-2025