The innovative recycling process begins with the liquefaction of discarded tyres, transforming them into a liquid form that serves as a precursor for further chemical processing. The resultant base chemicals are meticulously converted into polycarbonates that match the quality of virgin plastics derived from crude oil. This breakthrough ensures that the recycled plastics meet stringent industry standards, encompassing aspects such as paintability and crash safety, making them viable for use in a wide range of vehicle components.

Mercedes-Benz has already integrated these high-quality recycled plastics into their EQE and S-Class models. Notably, bow door handles and crash absorbers in these vehicles are manufactured using a blend of biomethane and pyrolysis oil derived from old tyres, rather than traditional fossil resources. The company plans to expand the use of this sustainable material in forthcoming models, including the EQE SUV and EQS SUV.

Chemical recycling, as demonstrated in this partnership, complements mechanical recycling and signifies a pivotal step towards maximising the reuse of recyclable scrap materials. This method not only reduces dependence on fossil resources but also has the potential to decouple high-quality plastic production from crude oil, promoting a more sustainable and economically beneficial manufacturing paradigm.

Environmental Benefits of Using Pyrolysis Oil from Recycled Tyres

The pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres offers a myriad of environmental advantages compared to conventional disposal methods and the use of virgin fossil fuels:

1. Reduction in Fossil Resource Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By substituting pyrolysis oil for conventional fossil fuels, the recycling process significantly cuts down on the extraction of new fossil resources. This reduction translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing positively to climate change mitigation efforts.
2. Lower Emissions of Particulate Matter and Pollutants: Unlike tyre incineration, pyrolysis breaks down polymers into simpler compounds, reducing the emission of harmful particulate matter and other pollutants. This also mitigates the risks associated with microplastic pollution.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint of Carbon Black: The carbon black recovered through pyrolysis has a substantially smaller carbon footprint—approximately 2 tonnes CO2 equivalent less per tonne—compared to the production of virgin carbon black. This process also reduces particulate matter pollution by 34% and decreases fossil fuel dependence by 49%.
4. Diversion of Waste Tyres from Landfills: Pyrolysis effectively diverts waste tyres from landfills, thus preventing the associated soil and water pollution. This contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment.
5. Integration of Other Waste Streams: The pyrolysis process can incorporate additional waste streams, such as plastics and biomass, along with tyres. This integration further promotes the circular economy by maximising the reuse of various waste materials.
6. Local Production of Pyrolysis Oil and Gas: Producing pyrolysis oil and gas locally reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and supporting local economies.
7. Enhanced ESG Goals for the Tyre Industry: Pyrolysis products exhibit superior social and environmental sustainability compared to other recycled tyre products. This advancement helps the tyre industry meet its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals more effectively.

In summary, tyre pyrolysis emerges as a highly sustainable recycling method. It curtails fossil resource usage, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, reduces air pollution, and minimises waste directed to landfills. By promoting circularity and providing viable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels and materials, tyre pyrolysis sets a new benchmark for environmental responsibility and innovation in the recycling industry.

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