Conti and Pyrum Sign Long-Term rCB Supply Agreement

Pyrum Innovations AG and Continental have entered into a strategic, decade-long partnership to secure the consistent supply of recovered Carbon Black (rCB) from at least two of Pyrum's production facilities. As part of this agreement, Continental will provide Pyrum with a steady stream of end-of-life tires for recycling and has made a significant upfront investment in future rCB deliveries. This collaboration signifies a substantial step forward in the circular economy for the tire industry.

The new Pyrum plant, slated for construction in Perl-Besch on the Moselle by the end of 2025, is set to significantly boost Pyrum's recycling capacity. This expansion will double the facility's capacity from processing 20,000 tonnes to 40,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually. The final application documents for an early start to construction are being prepared and are expected to be submitted by early August 2024. Following approval, a ground-breaking ceremony will mark the commencement of construction, which is planned to begin in early October 2024. This expansion is a strategic move to enhance Pyrum’s recycling capabilities and support its sustainability goals.

Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tires, highlighted the growing importance of recycled materials in tire manufacturing. He emphasized the need to shift from an "end-of-life" to an "end-of-use" approach for tires. This concept envisions the end of a tire’s functional life as the start of a new opportunity, where components and materials are recycled back into the production cycle. Almeida noted that Continental Tires, in collaboration with Pyrum, is working on developing highly efficient processes to maximize the recovery and reuse of tire materials, thus enhancing the circularity of their products and supporting sustainable practices.

Jorge emphasized that for the company, the end of a tire's service life is merely a transition point, not an endpoint. His goal is to ensure that products, components, and materials continue to be utilized effectively beyond their initial use phase. To enhance recyclability, Almeida advocates for a shift in perspective where the end of a tire's service life becomes a new opportunity for reuse. In partnership with Pyrum, Continental is developing advanced processes to efficiently reintegrate as many components and materials as possible from used tires back into their production cycle.

Pyrum Innovations AG operates within the lucrative recycling sector, focusing on used tyres and various plastics through its patented thermolysis technology. This innovative process is notably energy self-sufficient and, according to the Fraunhofer Institute, achieves a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional recycling methods and incineration in cement plants. Pyrum's technology transforms waste materials into valuable raw materials such as thermolysis oil, gas, and recycled carbon black (rCB), effectively closing the material cycle and adhering to a 100% sustainable business model.

As a pioneer in used tyre recycling, Pyrum Innovations AG was the first to secure REACH registration from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for its thermolysis oil in 2018. This certification confirms the oil as an official raw material suitable for production processes. Additionally, Pyrum has attained ISCC PLUS certification for both its thermolysis oil and rCB, validating these products as sustainable and renewable raw materials. This recognition underscores Pyrum’s commitment to advancing environmentally responsible recycling solutions.