Tire Recycling – Circularix Launches New PET Recycling Facility in Ocala, Florida Expanding the U.S. circular plastics economy with food-grade rPET Circularix, a leading U.S.-based producer of food-grade recycled PET (rPET), has officially launched its brand-new recycling facility in Ocala, Florida 01-09-2025
Tire Recycling
Crude Oil Prices Trend
Mura Hydro-PRT – A new scientific breakthrough is rewriting the future of plastics and polymers. Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, led by Associate Professor Chung, have developed a new type of heat-resistant polyurethane made from lignin (a natural material found in plant cell walls) and captured carbon dioxide
More…
?? German Plastics Processing Industry Faces Half-Year Decline in 2025
? Industry Overview
The German plastics processing industry closed the first half of 2025 with a slight revenue decline of 1%. This continues a recessionary trend that began in 2023, indicating deeper structural challenges that extend beyond short-term market cycles.
The latest data was released by the Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie (GKV), which represents nearly 3,000 companies in the sector. According to the report, the contraction affects multiple segments of the industry, with a few notable exceptions.
? Revenue Losses by Segment
Some areas of plastics production are suffering more than others. Key figures include:
- ? Plastic packaging: -3.8%
- ? Other plastic products (technical components included): -2.8%
- ?️ Construction-related plastic components: Stable
- ? Semi-finished products (sheets, films): +1.8% Tire Recycling
While packaging and technical parts continue to face headwinds, the modest growth in semi-finished products signals some recovery potential for certain niches.
? Semi-Finished Products: A Silver Lining
After sharp revenue declines in 2024, the semi-finished product category (such as plastic sheets and films) recorded +1.8% growth in 2025’s first half. This rebound offers cautious optimism, suggesting that companies focusing on intermediate goods may be better positioned to weather the downturn.
“Semi-finished plastics are proving more resilient, serving industries that remain active despite overall economic uncertainty.” – GKV Tire Recycling
? The Domestic Demand Challenge
One of the primary factors weighing down the sector is the ongoing contraction in domestic demand. German manufacturers report sluggish orders at home, which amplifies reliance on exports.
Consumer sentiment, high inflation, and tighter business investment are all contributing to weaker local demand. Without a turnaround in internal consumption, even competitive exporters will feel the strain.
⚖️ Government Policy & Industry Concerns
The GKV has criticized policymakers for sending contradictory signals to the economy. The association argues that reforms to ease bureaucratic burdens, reduce energy costs, and lower labor expenses have not been implemented effectively.
Energy-intensive industries like plastics are particularly vulnerable to high electricity and raw material prices. Without relief, Germany risks losing competitiveness against other European and global players. Tire Recycling
? Industry Profile: Size & Importance
The German plastics processing industry remains a critical pillar of the economy despite current setbacks:
| ? Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Companies | ~3,000 |
| Employees | 313,000+ |
| Annual Turnover | €69.4 Billion |
These figures highlight the sector’s significant role in employment, exports, and industrial output. Any prolonged downturn will have ripple effects across supply chains and downstream industries. Tire Recycling
? Future Outlook & Strategic Considerations
Looking ahead, industry experts emphasize the need for:
- ⚡ Energy efficiency measures to mitigate high costs.
- ? Export diversification to reduce reliance on EU markets.
- ? Innovation in sustainable plastics to align with EU environmental goals.
- ? Closer government-industry collaboration to stabilize policy frameworks.
The plastics sector’s resilience will depend on its ability to adapt to structural shifts in demand, regulation, and sustainability. Tire Recycling
✅ Conclusion
The German plastics processing industry continues to grapple with declining revenues in 2025. While semi-finished products provide a glimmer of hope, persistent challenges in domestic demand and policy uncertainty weigh heavily on the sector.
As the industry seeks to recover, strategic adaptation in energy use, sustainability, and innovation will determine its resilience. For observers and stakeholders alike, the next 12 months will be critical in shaping the long-term future of this vital industrial segment.
? Avantium Successfully Starts Up First Part of its FDCA Flagship Plant
Published by: Avantium N.V. | Date:? Table of Contents
- About the FDCA Flagship Plant
- The Sugar Dehydration Unit (SDH)
- Commissioning & Next Steps
- Commercialization Timeline Tire Recycling
- Leadership Insights
- Sustainability Impact
- Technical, UX & SEO Takeaways
? About the FDCA Flagship Plant
Located at Chemie Park Delfzijl, the FDCA Flagship Plant is the first industrial-scale facility of its kind. It is designed to produce up to 5 kilotonnes of FDCA annually, making it a groundbreaking step in sustainable materials production. ⚡ Construction of the plant was completed in October 2024, followed by a carefully phased commissioning strategy to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency across all units.? The Sugar Dehydration Unit (SDH)
The SDH unit is the largest and most critical part of the plant. It converts plant-based sugars into methoxymethyl furfural (MMF), a key intermediate required for FDCA production.? Commissioning & Next Steps
With the SDH unit online, Avantium will now move to finalize commissioning of the oxidation and purification units. Some piping and electrical quality issues have been identified, and these will be repaired to ensure safe and reliable operations before moving forward. This sequential start-up process ensures that each part of the facility is thoroughly tested, aligned with safety protocols, and optimized for long-term operations. ?️? Commercialization Timeline
Avantium expects to begin commercial FDCA sales in Q1 2026. Production will then be polymerized by tolling partner Selenis, using biobased mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) to create PEF. Once performance testing and regulatory validation for food-contact safety are completed, full capacity is targeted within 24 months of start-up. ? Tire Recycling?? Leadership Insights
“This milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for the team and a major step forward on our path to commercializing FDCA and PEF.” – Bram Hoffer, COO of Avantium
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, including our unwavering commitment to safety as the start-up process continues.” – Jeroen Vogelzang, Flagship Plant Manager Tire Recycling
? Sustainability Impact
The successful scale-up of FDCA production is a significant win for the circular economy. Unlike traditional plastics, PEF is 100% plant-based, fully recyclable, and offers superior barrier properties for food and beverage packaging. ? This innovation supports global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and create next-generation materials for packaging, textiles, and beyond.
?♻️ Circularix Launches New PET Recycling Facility in Ocala, Florida
Expanding the U.S. circular plastics economy with food-grade rPET⚡ A Record-Breaking Launch
The Ocala facility’s launch was nothing short of remarkable. From receiving equipment in mid-March 2025 to reaching full production by August 1, 2025, the speed of delivery was unprecedented. This rapid execution highlights the dedication, expertise, and teamwork that Circularix is known for.“We built and commissioned this plant in record time. From landing equipment in mid-March to reaching full production by August 1, this milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team.” — Leon Farahnik, Founder and CEO of Circularix Tire Recycling
? Strengthening Capacity in Pennsylvania
Alongside the Ocala opening, Circularix has announced plans to expand capacity at its Hatfield, PA facility. By acquiring an adjacent industrial space, the company aims to significantly boost production. Once complete, this expansion will create an even stronger foundation for supplying recycled PET to consumer goods companies across the U.S. This dual capacity growth—Ocala in the Southeast and Hatfield in the Northeast—positions Circularix as a national leader in the circular plastics economy. Tire Recycling? Supporting Consumer Brands’ Sustainability Goals
Demand for recycled PET is growing rapidly as major consumer brands adopt more sustainable packaging strategies. By increasing supply, Circularix ensures that high-quality, safe, and consistent rPET resin is available for use in food, beverage, and consumer packaging applications. This helps brands meet their packaging sustainability commitments while reducing reliance on virgin plastics. ? Farahnik emphasized this vision:“With added capacity in Florida and future growth underway in Pennsylvania, we’re in a stronger position to allocate more high-quality rPET to our core partners and support their packaging sustainability goals.”
? Ensuring Quality, Consistency, and Safety
Circularix’s mission centers on ensuring that recycled PET meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and safety. Tire Recycling? A Key Role in the U.S. Circular Economy
The Ocala launch cements Circularix’s role as a driving force in the U.S. circular plastics economy. By scaling production, the company helps reduce plastic waste, supports recycling infrastructure, and contributes to a more sustainable packaging ecosystem. With operations in both Florida and Pennsylvania, Circularix offers a strategically distributed footprint that can serve customers nationwide.? Strategic Importance for the Recycling Industry Tire Recycling
The expansion of Circularix’s capacity represents a major step forward in addressing the growing demand for recycled plastics. The U.S. recycling industry faces challenges with supply consistency, infrastructure limitations, and scaling capacity to meet ambitious corporate sustainability targets. Circularix’s fast-growing network directly addresses these challenges.- ⚡ Increased supply: Meeting rising rPET demand
- ? Strategic location: Serving customers across both coasts and the Southeast
- ? Circular economy integration: Reducing dependence on virgin plastics
Visit Circularix 
♻️ ?K 2025: TOMRA Presents a Holistic Approach to Full Plastics Circularity
“Over the past 50 years, TOMRA has been a provider of solutions for increasing plastics circularity. At K 2025, we present our wide range of solutions and insights together, to showcase the opportunities available for customers and partners looking to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics in a holistic manner.” — Tove Andersen, President & CEO, TOMRA
? Recycling: Driving Plastics Circularity
TOMRA’s Recycling division is showcasing advanced sorting technologies that empower recyclers to meet rising regulatory and quality demands. Among the highlights:- ? AUTOSORT™ + GAINnext™ AI: Advanced material recognition powered by artificial intelligence Tire Recycling
- ? INNOSORT™ FLAKE: High-quality flake sorting for diverse plastics
- ⚡ AUTOSORT™ FLAKE: Industry-leading efficiency in separating PET flakes and polyolefins
“Sorting is no longer just about recovering plastics—it’s about achieving the highest level of material granularity while increasing transparency and digitization. Our AI and cloud solutions are key to advancing full plastics circularity.” — Katrin Fricke, EVP & Head, TOMRA Recycling
? Collection: Revolutionizing Container Return Tire Recycling
TOMRA’s Collection division is presenting industry-leading reverse vending technologies that drive deposit return schemes worldwide. These systems incentivize consumers to recycle drink containers by making the process faster, easier, and more convenient. ?? Flagship Systems on Display
- TOMRA T9: Advanced reverse vending machine with high reliability
- TOMRA R1: Multi-feed system allowing 100+ containers to be returned at once
- MultiPac Air: Backroom storage solution ensuring higher capacity and speed
? TOMRA Horizon: Exploring New Frontiers
TOMRA Horizon represents the company’s innovation hub, focusing on emerging business models that go beyond traditional recycling. Tire Recycling? TOMRA Feedstock
In November 2025, TOMRA Feedstock will open Områ, Norway’s national plastic packaging sorting facility. With a capacity to process mixed waste streams into ten mono-fractions, the facility sets a new benchmark for high-grade recycling.? TOMRA Reuse
Since January 2024, TOMRA Reuse has piloted a city-level reusable takeaway packaging system in Aarhus. This year, a similar project will launch in Lisbon’s historic center. The system handles cups, boxes, and bowls, making it ideal for large venues and events. The initiative represents a scalable solution for tackling single-use packaging waste. ♻️ Tire Recycling“TOMRA Horizon is our platform for focused innovation. Reuse and Feedstock are promising ventures where we see both environmental and commercial potential. In parallel, we continue targeted investments to strengthen our ability to lead the resource revolution.” — Lars Enge, EVP Strategy & Head of TOMRA Horizon
? Visit TOMRA at K 2025
Attendees of K 2025 are invited to visit TOMRA at Hall 10, Stand 10C12 to experience the company’s full portfolio of circular economy solutions. Tire Recycling
♻️ CM Shredders to Showcase Tire Recycling Technology at Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2025 in Bangkok
Published by: CM Shredders | Date:
CM Shredders, a global leader in tire recycling technology, is set to showcase its latest innovations at Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) Asia 2025, taking place September 4–5, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. ? Tire Recycling
The two-day conference is recognized as Asia’s premier platform for advancing the rCB and tire pyrolysis industries. Industry leaders, researchers, and decision-makers will gather to explore the latest technologies driving the circular economy forward.
? Table of Contents
- About CM Shredders
- Event Overview
- Technology Leadership in Tire Recycling
- Impact on the Circular Economy
- Join CM Shredders in Bangkok
- Technical, UX & SEO Takeaways
? About CM Shredders
CM Shredders is widely recognized as a pioneer in tire recycling and wire liberation systems. With decades of experience, the company has built a reputation for designing high-capacity, low-maintenance shredding equipment trusted by processors worldwide. ⚙️
Its systems are in use across hundreds of facilities, from cement kilns and power plants to specialized pyrolysis operations — helping industries close the loop on end-of-life tires. Tire Recycling
? Event Overview: Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2025
Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2025 is a premier event dedicated to advancing sustainability in the tire and carbon black industries. This year’s edition will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, gathering global stakeholders for two days of technical sessions, networking, and strategic discussions. ?
The focus will be on scaling up recovered carbon black to meet growing market demand while ensuring efficiency, quality, and environmental responsibility in the process.
? Technology Leadership in Tire Recycling Tire Recycling
CM Shredders will highlight how its cutting-edge technologies enable reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable tire recycling. Its innovations are specifically designed to support the rCB and pyrolysis industries with consistent, wire-free feedstock.
- ⚡ High-capacity processing for passenger, truck, and OTR (Off-The-Road) tires.
- ?️ Wire-free feedstock optimized for pyrolysis and recovered carbon black production.
- ? Patented cost-saving innovations that reduce operational expenses per ton.
- ? Zero Waste Wire Cleaning technology to maximize the value of recovered steel. Tire Recycling
These solutions are already in operation around the world, playing a crucial role in creating a sustainable and profitable tire recycling ecosystem. ?
? Driving the Circular Economy
As global industries face increasing pressure to transition toward sustainable practices, recovered carbon black (rCB) is gaining momentum as a vital material for the future. By replacing traditional carbon black — typically derived from fossil fuels — rCB helps lower carbon emissions and extend the life cycle of valuable resources. ?
CM Shredders’ technology empowers processors to generate cleaner, more consistent feedstock, improving both the efficiency and economics of pyrolysis and rCB production.
? Join CM Shredders in Bangkok
The Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2025 event will bring together industry innovators, market analysts, and technology providers for high-level knowledge sharing. CM Shredders will be on site to demonstrate how its equipment helps processors:
- ? Lower operating costs Tire Recycling
- ? Recover more valuable material
- ? Unlock new revenue streams through rCB and steel recovery
✅ Register here | ? Event details
Tire Recycling
