VTTI and Pyrum partner to recycle end-of-life tyres

This agreement marked a significant step towards integrating sustainable waste management solutions into VTTI’s infrastructure and marks another important step in Pyrum’s international expansion plans.

The project entailed the construction of a waste tyre recycling thermolysis plant with a processing capacity of up to 90 000 tpy of end-of-life tyres (ELT), implemented in two phases of 45 000 tonnes each. VTTI will hold full ownership of the plant, while Pyrum will act as the development partner, providing its proprietary and patented thermolysis technology. Following a comprehensive evaluation, Pyrum was selected as the development partner due to its advanced, proven thermolysis technology and successful track record of industrial scale operations in Europe.

This partnership aligns with VTTI’s strategic vision of expanding its infrastructure footprint in sustainable energy solutions. As part of VTTI’s commitment to achieving 50% of its earnings from transitional and sustainable energies, the development of this plant represents a key milestone in diversifying its portfolio. VTTI aims to develop similar plants at its existing sites across the globe.

Guy Moeyens, CEO of VTTI, said: “This collaboration with Pyrum marks a significant step in our journey towards a more sustainable future. By integrating thermolysis technology into our existing infrastructure, we are not only diversifying our energy portfolio but also contributing to the circular economy. This project reflects VTTI’s commitment to innovation and responsible energy solutions, reinforcing our role in the transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.”

The thermolysis process will transform waste tyres into valuable by-products, including tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) and recovered carbon black (rCB). By leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise, VTTI aims to facilitate the transition to a circular economy while enhancing the sustainability of industrial side streams.

Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations AG, commented on the partnership, he stated: “The collaboration with VTTI marks the next important milestone in modern tyre recycling and offers great potential for the future. We are very proud of the trust placed in us and our technology. With the construction of our largest Pyrum recycling plant to date, which will have a capacity of up to 90 000 t of ELTs per year, we are collectively making a strong statement for the circular economy in Europe. Our goal is not only to actively contribute to a more environmentally friendly future but also to create a sustainable recycling system for used tyres. We can only achieve this with a dedicated team and strong partners by our side.”

The new plant will be situated at ATPC within the Port of Antwerp and Bruges (PoAB), one of Europe’s key industrial hubs and home to the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. VTTI Antwerp’s strategic position within the PoAB ensures connectivity through an extensive pipeline network and proximity to both upstream and downstream industrial hubs. Furthermore, the location provides close access to Europe’s largest ELT markets, including Germany, the UK, and France, making it an ideal site for a large scale recycling initiative.

The waste tyre recycling plant directly supports the European Union’s Green Deal objectives. The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), a cornerstone of the Green Deal, seeks to reduce pressure on natural resources, foster sustainable economic growth, and contribute to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target. Through this initiative, VTTI and Pyrum are playing an active role in Europe’s transition to a circular economy, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic development.

Next steps

VTTI has already allocated land at its Antwerp site for the project, and preparations for the permit application process are underway. Market consultation where relevant in relation to feedstock and offtake of TPO and rCB will follow in due course.

With the signing of the contract, Pyrum has started the engineering phase, during which the plant design for a capacity of 20 000 tpy of ELTs will be revised and expanded. The aim is to optimise the plant so that it can process up to 90 000 tpy of ELTs in Antwerp.

This partnership underscores VTTI’s ongoing commitment to pioneering the next generation of energy infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/10032025/vtti-and-pyrum-partner-to-recycle-end-of-life-tyres/