September 13, 2024 15:24
The creation of a circular supply chain to transform end-of-life tires (ELTs) into new tires is at the heart of an agreement signed by Bridgestone EMEA, BB&G Group, and Versalis, the chemical company of the Italian ENI group.
The project involves the chemical recycling of used tires, transforming them into pyrolysis oil to replace fossil raw materials in the synthesis of high-quality elastomers, comparable to those obtained from traditional feedstocks, intended for the production of new tires.
The partnership—according to a statement—will support the sustainability goals of all three companies, each contributing their expertise: Bridgestone in tire production, BB&G providing the thermomechanical pyrolysis process for ELTs, and Versalis bringing its competencies in rubber chemical processes.
Over the past ten years, BB&G has developed two generations of pilot plants for pyrolysis and has recently launched the first commercial-scale unit to validate the process's feasibility and quality. The TPO (Tyre Pyrolysis Oil) plant was commissioned on July 15 in Fatima, Portugal. In the coming months, it will supply Versalis with pyrolysis oil for the production of circular elastomers destined for Bridgestone, which will produce an initial batch of tires with these materials at the beginning of 2025.
Versalis will integrate the pyrolysis oil supplied by BB&G into its production cycle and expand its range of products under the Balance brand, where bio-circular raw materials are attributed through ISCC Plus certified mass balance.
“In line with our strategy for circularity, we have developed lower-carbon solutions which perfectly fit in the value chain we've established with our industry partners Bridgestone EMEA and Grupo BB&G. This agreement aims at delivering maximum value to our customers and an innovative boost to the tyre industry, furthering our commitment towards a more sustainable mobility", comments Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis.
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