(From left) Kyungmin Choi (MS-Ph.D. integrated course, Department of Chemistry), Dr. Beomsoon Park, Professor Soon Hyeok Hong, Dr. Kyoungil Cho

A research team at the Department of Chemistry at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology) has made a groundbreaking advancement by developing a method to convert waste tires into high-purity cyclic alkenes – essential chemical components for producing rubber and nylon. This innovation represents a major leap forward in sustainable tyre recycling.

Under the leadership of Professor Soon Hyeok Hong, the team created a dual-catalyst system that overcomes the limitations of traditional recycling methods. Tyres contain a complex mix of synthetic and natural rubber, strengthened with additives like carbon black and silica. The vulcanisation process, which enhances durability by forming heat-resistant cross-linked polymers, has historically made tyres difficult to recycle chemically.

Existing approaches, such as pyrolysis, require extreme heat (350–800°C) and yield low-quality hydrocarbon mixtures with poor selectivity. KAIST's solution uses two specialised catalysts: the first breaks down rubber molecules, while the second reassembles them into cyclic alkenes. This method achieves an impressive 82 percent yield with up to 92 percent selectivity, producing high-value chemicals like cyclopentene (for rubber) and cyclohexene (for nylon).

The team successfully tested this process on actual waste tyres, demonstrating its efficiency at lower temperatures compared to pyrolysis. Beyond tyres, the technology can be adapted for other rubber waste, offering a scalable circular economy solution. Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, this research was published in Chem on 18 June, marking a significant step towards sustainable material recycling.

Professor Hong said, "This research offers an innovative solution for the chemical recycling of waste tyres. We aim to develop next-generation high-efficiency catalysts and lay the groundwork for commercialisation to enhance economic feasibility. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to solving the broader waste plastic problem through fundamental chemistry."

Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB publ has signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed partner to explore the possibility of licensing its advanced tyre pyrolysis technology for deployment in North America.

The collaboration will focus on conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of establishing one or multiple facilities dedicated to processing end-of-life tyres using Enviro’s proprietary method. This study is designed to provide the potential licensee with the necessary insights to assess the prospects of entering into a long-term commercial arrangement and formal technology licensing agreement.

It is important to note that any definitive agreements will depend entirely on the study's outcomes and subsequent negotiations. At this stage, there is no guarantee that the evaluation will lead to binding commitments or that the proposed transaction will ultimately materialise.

Fredrik Aaben, CEO, Scandinavian Enviro Systems, said, “We continue to see strong international interest in Enviro’s technology, and this letter of intent is yet another proof of this.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.