Pyrum starts work on 2nd tyre pyrolysis plant

Germany-based chemical recycler Pyrum said it has begun to prepare the construction site for its second tyre pyrolysis unit in Perl-Besch, after receiving approval from the local municipal council.

The company is clearing the site in order to begin construction on the plant, which has a planned capacity of 20,000 t/yr, in the second half of this year. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

Pyrum uses pyrolysis to recycle end-of-life tyres, creating tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) and recycled carbon black among other products.

The company is expanding its first plant in Dillingen-Saar, Germany, to 20,000 t/yr from around 6,600 t/yr, through the addition of two new reactors. It said it made a first 24,000l TPO delivery from the first new reactor to long-term buyer BASF, and said testing had begun on the second new reactor with a view to ramping up to 80pc operating rates by the end of March.

"We are continuing to work full speed on our roll out plan… the further approval process with the authorities is already in full swing," said chief executive Pascal Klein.

By Will Collins