Wastefront has officially commenced construction on its £100 million tyre-to-fuel plant at the Port of Sunderland, marking a significant milestone in the UK's journey towards sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. The new facility, backed by International Airlines Group (IAG), will be the first of its kind in the country, contributing to the UK's carbon reduction targets and generating over 100 local jobs.
The Sunderland plant, set to be fully operational by 2027, will process around 10 million end-of-life tyres annually. These tyres will be converted into tyre-derived oil, which will then be refined into SAF and other sustainable fuels. With approximately 55 million tyres reaching the end of their life each year in the UK, this project offers a robust solution to the nation’s growing tyre waste problem.
The facility will use advanced pyrolysis technology, enabling a fully circular system. The plant will recycle gases produced during the process to power its own operations, enhancing sustainability. Wastefront plans to establish four large-scale plants by 2030, targeting an annual production of 128,000 tonnes of oil—enough to generate about 90,000 tonnes of SAF.
This project is well-aligned with the UK’s SAF mandate, which requires that at least 10% of all jet fuel be sourced from sustainable origins by 2030. Wastefront’s initiative will help bridge the gap between current SAF production levels and future demand, playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
Additionally, the new facility bolsters the North East’s status as a hub for sustainable innovation and strengthens the region's role in the UK's evolving net-zero economy.
For more information, visit the BBC's coverage.
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