Klean Industries, a global leader in advanced recycling solutions, has taken the first step toward developing a cutting-edge tire recycling facility in Melbourne. This innovative project, in partnership with Viva Energy Australia, aims to process up to 80,000 tonnes of end-of-life tires annually, diverting waste from landfills while supporting the production of low-carbon fuels.

Klean Industries has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Viva Energy to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the proposed facility. The partnership leverages Klean’s proven expertise in waste-to-resource conversion and aligns with Viva Energy’s sustainability goals.

The new tire recycling plant will recover three essential products from discarded tires:

•             Recovered Carbon Black (rCB): A crucial ingredient in manufacturing new tires, rubber products, and plastics.

•             Steel: Extracted from the tires for metal recycling.

•             Biogenic Pyrolysis Oil: A valuable output that will be processed at the Geelong Refinery to produce low-carbon fuels.

Viva Energy chose Klean Industries as its partner due to the company's innovative technologies and track record in sustainable recycling. The collaboration marks a pivotal step in Viva Energy’s commitment to building a circular economy.

Lachlan Pfeiffer, Chief Strategy Officer at Viva Energy, emphasized the project’s significance. “This partnership with Klean Industries is a critical move towards a more sustainable future for our refinery. By transforming end-of-life tires into valuable resources, we are reducing landfill waste and advancing low-carbon fuel production. This initiative aligns with our broader efforts to innovate and provide both environmental and economic benefits to the community,” he stated.

Jesse Klinkhamer, CEO of Klean Industries Inc., highlighted the project’s potential to address Australia’s tire waste challenge. “By working with Viva Energy, we are converting waste tires into sustainable products that meet the rising demand for low-carbon fuels and raw materials. Together, we are leading the way to a cleaner and greener future,” Klinkhamer said.

To support this initiative, Viva Energy is importing a shipment of tire pyrolysis oil, produced using Klean’s advanced technology, to trial its large-scale processing at the Geelong Refinery. This milestone reflects Viva Energy’s dedication to exploring alternative feedstocks, advancing co-processing trials, and producing eco-friendly fuels.

If successful, this project will expand the range of alternative materials processed at the Geelong Refinery, strengthening its role in Australia’s circular economy. This initiative complements Viva Energy’s recent efforts to utilize soft plastics, tallow, and used cooking oil as feedstocks, reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability, economic growth, and job creation in the local community.