Zeppelin Systems has been awarded the engineering contract for constructing a second ReOil pyrolysis plant, with construction slated to commence in February 2024. 

By establishing this new pyrolysis plant, ReOil has significantly expanded its annual recycling capacity, now capable of processing approximately 60,000 tons per year. This state-of-the-art facility, covering roughly 27 acres, is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering expertise provided by Zeppelin Systems.

Having already supplied the initial engineering groundwork for the new plant in 2019, Zeppelin Systems has been awarded the completion contract, underscoring the high level of customer satisfaction. As the primary engineering partner, Zeppelin Systems delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions, encompassing plant technology, process engineering, and final plant planning, all from a single source.

“A flagship project for Zeppelin Systems with a signalling effect. Only a few companies can implement such complex and extensive projects virtually anywhere in the world,” says Dr Markus Vöge, CEO of Zeppelin Systems GmbH, adding: “The aim is to offer process solutions in the future that can be provided as part of license models. For example, the ELT pyrolysis plant as a turnkey product from Zeppelin Systems.” Guido Veit, Vice President of Sales, Plastic and Rubber at Zeppelin Systems GmbH, adds: “ReOil’s engineering contract is the first project as part of the Zeppelin Sustainable Tyre Alliance. This makes us proud and demonstrates the strength of the alliance. In addition, we will continue to work hard to bring additional processes to technological maturity and strengthen the network in terms of the circular economy.”

ReOil Managing Director Paweł Mikuśkiewicz is also delighted with the very successful partnership between Zeppelin Systems and ReOil: “We knew that this major project could only be planned and built with the help of an experienced and internationally active plant engineering partner. That’s why we chose Zeppelin Systems, and we really appreciate our long-standing, trusting business relationship.”                                                          

Zeppelin Systems, a trusted partner in plant engineering for the rubber and tyre industry, has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future by launching the Zeppelin Sustainable Tire Alliance in March 2023. This collaborative initiative aims to work alongside global partners in reshaping the tyre production and recycling process in a more environmentally conscious manner.

Among the esteemed members of this technology alliance is the Polish firm ReOil, known for establishing Europe’s largest pyrolysis plant dedicated to recycling old tyres in 2015. Over the years, ReOil has successfully recycled approximately 20,000 tonnes of old tyres annually. Once operational, this colossal plant is expected to reintegrate about 60,000 tonnes of old tyres into the sustainable circular economy annually.

ReOil, a leading operator in raw material recycling, employs continuous pyrolysis to break down rubber from discarded tyres into valuable substances like gas, oil and recovered Carbon Black (rCB). These recycled materials find application in various industries, including textiles, tyre manufacturing, rubber components, plastics, steel production, and even aviation fuel. Since its commissioning in 2015, ReOil has effectively recycled around 70,000 tonnes of old tyres, reaching a stable and profitable operational state in 2020.

Specialty material solutions provider Trinseo has announced that it has established a tool that provides cradle-to-gate Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data.

The tool features nearly 6,000 Trinseo products, which can be accessed by customers to know the exact carbon footprint associated with a particular product.

On the other hand, LCA assess the environmental impacts of a product beyond PCF, including the use of resource, human health, ecological impacts, and more. This data the company said is crucial for understanding the environmental impact of products, allowing effective material comparison, enhancing R&D innovations, and ultimately contributing to a customer’s sustainability goals.

The Trinseo’s PCF and LCA tool follow the TfS guidelines and the latest European Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology and are compliant with the GHG Protocol and ISO standards 14040, 14044, and 14067.

Longxing Chemical Stock has announced plans to acquire 100 percent of China Rubber (Chongqing) Carbon Black from CSRC (Singapore), according to a filing with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

The target company is a key producer of carbon black, a vital material used in the manufacture of automobile tyres and other rubber products.

Longxing Chemical initially proposed purchasing a 55 percent stake in the company, with its actual controller, Liu Jiangshan, set to acquire the remaining 45 percent. However, the plan has been revised, and Liu Jiangshan will no longer participate in the acquisition.

The updated proposal is still in the planning stage, with specific terms and conditions yet to be finalised. Further details are expected as the process progresses.

PPG has formally announced the completion of the sale transaction of its silicas products business for USD 310 million (approximately) in pre-tax proceeds to Qemetica, a leading manufacturer of soda ash, silicates and other speciality chemicals.

The deal covers PPG’s precipitated silicas manufacturing plants in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Delfzijl, The Netherlands. Additionally, Qemetica will lease silicas production and R&D activities from PPG in Barberton, Ohio and Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Tim Knavish, Chairman and CEO, PPG, said, “We are pleased to complete this transaction with Qemetica, and I want to thank the silicas products business employees for their dedication and commitment to the business and to PPG customers throughout the years.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has increased the price of its SIS polymer products by USD 330 per MT.

The company said the price hike was due to continued increase in raw materials and process chemicals.

The price hike will be global and comes into effect from 1 January 2025.