Bridgestone, BB&G, and Versalis Establish a Closed-Loop Tyre Recycling System Through Pyrolysis

Closed-Loop System: Bridgestone, BB&G, and Versalis team up to create a sustainable tyre recycling process, turning old tyres into new ones.

Innovative Approach: Through pyrolysis technology, the partnership converts end-of-life tyres into high-quality elastomers for the production of new tyres.

Commitment to Sustainability: This initiative aligns with global sustainability goals, aiming to achieve 100% sustainable materials by 2050.

Bridgestone, Grupo BB&G, and Versalis have embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop a closed-loop tyre recycling system. The collaboration focuses on transforming end-of-life tyres (ELTs) into high-performance tyres using advanced pyrolysis technology, which produces tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO). This effort aims to build a scalable and sustainable supply chain, maximizing tyre lifecycle and supporting environmental objectives.

“At Bridgestone, our goal is to work with 100% sustainable materials by 2050,” said Laurent Dartoux, Group President Bridgestone EMEA. “Recycling and reusing products is key to this goal, and our partnership with Grupo BB&G and Versalis is a crucial step toward achieving it.”

Pyrolysis, the central technology in this process, breaks down ELTs into TPO, which is then used to create high-quality elastomers comparable to those from traditional materials. Bridgestone will use these elastomers to produce new tyres. BB&G’s thermomechanical process, validated at its commercial-scale plant in Fatima, Portugal, operational since July 2024, plays a vital role in this initiative.

“This strategic partnership with Bridgestone and Versalis is a major milestone in accelerating tyre recycling worldwide,” said Germano Carreira, CEO of BB&G.

Versalis, an essential partner in the project, has been advancing circular technologies for polymer recycling. By incorporating BB&G’s TPO into its supply chain, Versalis expands its Balance® product line, certified by ISCC PLUS. This move aligns with Versalis’s goal of diversifying feedstock with renewable and secondary raw materials.

“In line with our circularity strategy, we have developed lower-carbon solutions,” said Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis. “This agreement not only enhances value for our customers but also provides a significant boost to the tyre industry, reinforcing our commitment to more sustainable mobility.”

The first batch of tyres using these recycled materials is expected to be produced by early 2025. This collaboration marks a significant advancement toward a more sustainable future in tyre manufacturing, focusing on waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Together, Bridgestone, BB&G, and Versalis are not only enhancing their products but also setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the tyre industry, with the goal of establishing a successful global tyre recycling ecosystem.